The University of Wisconsin- Madison Men’s Hockey team is currently in the top 10 in the nation, and number four in the big 10. This success comes with help of Head Coach Tony Granato, who will be going to the Olympics in February, to lead the USA Men’s Hockey Team as their Head Coach. Despite his upcoming absence, Granato is confident in his team and coaching staff that it will be business as usual.
“I don’t think we’re missing a beat, I’m still communicating with them, I don’t call them up and tell them what to do and how to do it, all those plans are in place well before we leave.”
Granato has entrusted his Associate Head Coach Mark Osiecki along with other coaching staff to lead the team.
“Our roles didn’t change in how we present practice, how we present any kind of meetings for our players so nothing changed that way, for our players the only thing that is different is that Tony is not here.”
Granato was not only an Olympian himself on Team USA in 1988, but also served as an Assistant Coach for the team, at Sochi in 2014.
“Just going on the ice there and looking around and seeing the flags and knowing you’re representing your country is a…its’ really hard to describe the feeling.”
While red shirt senior Tim Davison may miss seeing him on the bench, Davison is excited for Granato’s Olympic appearance.
“He’s an unbelievable coach, he’s great for USA Hockey, he’s been unbelievable for us, it’s great for the Wisconsin Badgers and obviously great for him.”
“We’re watching our country, even the Canadians are going to be cheering for us this year.”
And of course, there’s one thing that every Olympic Coach wants…
“Well a gold medal would be great, that’s the ultimate goal.”