Unable to find an opponent to finalize its 2014-15 schedule, the Wisconsin men's hockey team has turned to an in-state powerhouse for an exhibition game.
According to a report in the Wisconsin State Journal on Friday, the Badgers will host St. Norbert College for an exhibition game at LaBahn Arena Oct. 25.
Wisconsin has hit the NCAA allotted 34 games on its current schedule, but the Badgers are allowed two additional games, as the pair of games they have scheduled in Alaska for the Kendall Hockey Classic are considered exempt by the NCAA.
Head coach Mike Eaves said UW attempted to schedule an opponent for either Oct. 24-25 or Oct. 31-Nov. 1, but couldn't find a dancing partner.
That's when the exhibition idea was hatched. St. Norbert is the defending NCAA Division III national champion and a long-time powerhouse in Division III hockey.
Additionally, it has been announced the Badgers will hold their annual Red-White scrimmage in DePere at the Cornerstone Community Ice Center on Oct. 4. That's the first day NCAA Division I hockey teams can hold official practice. The game will serve as a fundraiser for area youth hockey.
This is the second consecutive season Wisconsin has held the Red-White scrimmage outside of Madison. Last year the Badgers took the ice in Eau Claire in front of a near sold-out crowd at Hobbs Ice Center.
For more hockey coverage, follow Andy on Twitter -- Follow @AndyJohnsonB5Q
You can also reach Andy via e-mail (AndyJohnsonB5Q@gmail.com)