MADISON, Wis. – The Badger men’s hockey team will recognize Wisconsin native Joe Pavelski and his outstanding hockey career on Saturday, Dec. 7, when UW takes on Michigan State at the Kohl Center.
Pavelski, who played for the Badgers from 2004-06, retired from professional hockey over the summer after an 18-year NHL career. He was drafted 205th overall to San Jose in the 2003 NHL entry draft, and he played for them for 13 years, including four years as captain. Prior to the 2019-20 NHL season, Pavelski signed with the Dallas Stars, where he played for five years until he announced his retirement following the 2023-24 season.
The forward finished his NHL career with 476 goals and 1,068 points in 1,332 career regular season games played. His goal and point totals are the most for a Badger in NHL history. The Plover, Wisconsin, native holds the NHL record for the most playoff goals scored by a U.S.-born player with 74, and he ranks fifth among all U.S.-born players in goals and points. He also played in five NHL All-Star Games.
During his time at UW, Pavelski won a national championship in 2006 and was named Second-Team All-American in that same year. He was also named 2006 All-WCHA Second Team and to the 2006 NCAA Midwest Regional All-Tournament Team. In addition, he was part of the 2005 All-WCHA Rookie Team.
He picked up 101 points in 84 games played at Wisconsin, becoming the ninth Badger to score 100 points through their first two seasons. Pavelski’s 45 points his freshman season shared the national scoring lead among rookies, while his 56 points his sophomore camaign led the Badgers and ranked fourth in the nation.
Outside of his NHL and college hockey experience, Pavelski also played for Team USA at the 2010 and 2014 Winter Olympics, winning a silver medal in 2010.
Puck drop for the Dec. 7 game is at 7 p.m.
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