This past year has been a wild one in Big Ten hockey. Michigan and Minnesota flexed their muscles by winning the Big Ten tournament and playing for a national championship, respectively, last season and, more recently, we have been able to witness Michigan State and Wisconsin’s return to national prominence. As the clock runs out in 2023, we look back at the year that was in Big Ten hockey.

2023 by the Numbers

862 – number of goals scored by Big Ten teams (Most: Michigan – 167 Least: Notre Dame – 93.)

25 – number of shutouts recorded by Big Ten goalies (Most: Wisconsin – 8 Least: Michigan and Penn State – 1)

20 – number of weeks (out of 24) a Big Ten team was ranked in the Top 5

143 – number of wins amassed by Big Ten teams (Most: Minnesota – 23 Least: Penn State – 16)

58 – number of NHL draft picks that played Big Ten hockey

Best Team of 2023

Minnesota Golden Gophers – Though they’re not the best team in the Big Ten currently, it’s hard to argue that, after winning the regular season and advancing to the national championship last season, Minnesota is worthy of this title. 

Three Stars

Ryan Bischel – G, Notre Dame

Bischel posted a goals-against-average of just under 2.2 during 2023 and recorded 5 shutouts. He closed out last season with a .931 save percentage (good for 2nd in the NCAA) and so far this season has improved it to .932 (also 2nd).

T.J. Hughes – F, Michigan

Hughes played at almost a point-per-game pace to close out the ’22-’23 season on a Wolverine team that was loaded with superstars. And yet, he’s been even better to start the ’23-’24 campaign with 22 points in 18 games.

Jimmy Snuggerud – F, Minnesota

Snuggerud closed out the 2023 portion of last season (his freshman year) with 23 points in 20 games and started the new season in a similar fashion. Whenever Minnesota needs a goal, they look to Snuggerud to deliver, which he typically does.

New Year’s Resolutions

And finally, as we look forward to a new year, it’s only fitting that we give a New Year’s resolution for each team to better themselves in 2024.

Michigan – Increase focus and engagement. Outside of the games against Lindenwood, the Wolverines haven’t put together a full 60-minute game this season. 

Michigan State – Learn how to be ‘The Best’. None of the players on Michigan State’s roster know what it’s like to be a national powerhouse so they have to learn to not be intimidated and rather be the intimidators.

Minnesota – Be consistent. With the exception of a sweep at the hands of Wisconsin and the opening series against St. Thomas (which they needed OT to win), Minnesota has split every series this season, looking like a different team each time.

Notre Dame – Get over the hump. As soon as Notre Dame looks like they’ve turned the corner, they have a couple stinkers in a row and are right back at square one.

Ohio State – Erase the B1G logo next to conference games on the schedule. Seriously though, it has to be a mental hurdle at this point. Yes, the Big Ten is really good this year, but 6-0-2 in non-conference play and 0-8-2 (both shootout wins) in conference games is just strange.

Penn State – Find some defense. Penn State is giving up a staggering 3.32 goals per game this season. Luckily, their offense keeps them in most games, but a defense (or lack thereof) like this is not sustainable.

Wisconsin – Don’t get complacent. The future is bright for the Badgers and all of their goals are ahead of them, they just have to keep their foot on the gas and don’t let the stage get too big for them.