Wisconsin hockey: Cole Caufield named Hockey Commissioners’ Association rookie of the month

On Friday morning, the Hockey Commissioners’ Association announced that Wisconsin Badgers freshman forward Cole Caufield was named their men’s hockey rookie of the month for October.

Caufield finished the month of October leading the nation with eight goals and 31 shots on goal to help the No. 12 Badgers to a 4-3-0 record in the month.

He also led freshmen in goals per game (1.14) and power-play goals (three), per Todd Milewski.

He became the first player in Wisconsin history to start his career with three consecutive multi-goal games. He notched two goals in a stellar performance at Boston College to open the season, had a three-point night at Merrimack with two goals and an assist and added two more goals in a win over defending national champion Minnesota Duluth. At the end of the month, Caufield scored goals in back to back games.

Caufield’s eight goals and 10 points for the month were first amongst the country’s rookies. He also shared the lead for power-play goals by a freshman with three, tied with fellow Badgers freshman and NHL Draft pick Alex Turcotte.

The Stevens Point native was named the Big Ten Second Star of the Week following his four-goal (and one assist) opening weekend of the season.

Caufield’s teammate K’Andre Miller won the award twice last season, with the defenseman taking home the honor in October and December, per UWBadgers.com.

Caufield was the No. 15 overall pick in the 2019 NHL draft by the Montreal Canadiens after the stupid, idiotic Philadelphia Flyers passed on him. The Badgers return to the ice tonight and Saturday against No. 20 Omaha in non-conference action.