Wisconsin tabs Hastings as new men’s hockey coach

MADISON, Wis. (Civic Media) – The Wisconsin Badgers are introducing a new head men’s hockey coach.

Chris McIntosh, Director of Athletics at Wisconsin, announced that Mike Hastings will be the next coach of the men’s hockey program.

Hastings coached the last 11 seasons at Minnesota State, resulting in eight NCAA Tournament appearances, eight conference championships and two trips to the Frozen Four, with the best result being a runner-up finish in 2022. Prior to that, Hastings led the Omaha Lancers of the United States Hockey League to 14 straight postseason appearances and was the USHL’s all-time winningest coach when he departed in 2008.

At Minnesota State, Hastings was named NCAA Coach of the Year three different times.

It’s a GREAT day for Wisconsin hockey!!!

Welcome Mike Hastings!!!

Join us for the start of a new era at UW

🎟 https://t.co/BkEL3RsQXL pic.twitter.com/CXwWQ6b5bj

— Wisconsin Hockey (@BadgerMHockey) March 30, 2023

Hastings will take over for Tony Granato, who coached seven seasons at Wisconsin with a record of 105-129-16. The Badgers alum coached Wisconsin to a 2021 Big Ten Championship.