Wisconsin Men’s Hockey News: Tony Granato Out as Head Coach

Madison, WI- Chris McIntosh and UW Athletic Department announced a leadership change in the Men’s Hockey program on Monday evening. 

Statement from Director of Athletics Chris McIntosh on change in leadership of the men's hockey program pic.twitter.com/GPNVrpgOFy

— Wisconsin Badgers (@UWBadgers) March 6, 2023

Tony Granato led the Badgers to a 13-23 record this season, with a first-round loss in the Big Ten tournament to the Wolverines.

Granato played for the Badgers for the ’83-’87 seasons while being the captain in the ’86-’87 season. After that, Granato played in the NHL with the New York Rangers, Los Angeles Kings, and San Jose Sharks. The former Badgers head coach would then go on to be a coach in the NHL with the Colorado Avalanche.

Following that, he would move on to the Pittsburgh Penguins and Detroit Red Wings, serving as an assistant coach in both franchises before returning to become the head coach of the Wisconsin Men’s Hockey team. Coach Granato also served as Head Coach of the USA Hockey team in the 2018 Olympic Games in PyeongChang. 

Tony Granato spent the last seven seasons as the head coach of the Wisconsin Men’s Hockey team. In his time, he went 105-129-16 and 65-87-12 in the BigTen. 

In a press conference regarding the firing of Coach Granato, AD Chris McIntosh said, “I believe our men’s hockey program can consistently compete at a championship level. My intention is to find a coach that will lead the effort to get us there”. 

Steve Rohlik, Head Coach of Ohio State, is one name many people are looking at to be the new head coach. Rohlik played with the Badgers back in his college days. He played from 1986-’87 through 1989-’90 while wearing the Captain “C” for his last two seasons. 

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