Zulinick Won't Play Friday

The Wisconsin men's hockey team is already down one freshman forward as it awaits the results of an appeal of Nic Kerdiles' one-year suspension by the NCAA. Now, it appears a second freshman won't be in the lineup as the Badgers open their season.

Andy Baggot from the Wisconsin State Journal reports freshman left winger Morgan Zulinick is being held out of the season opener Friday vs Northern Michigan.

Wisconsin head coach Mike Eaves told Baggot that Zulinick needs to perform off the ice as well as on.

"He's not been doing his end of the deal away from the rink in terms of academics and meeting appointments,'' Eaves said.

The punishment seems like a bit of a wake-up call for the young Zulinick, who joins the Badgers as an 18-year-old.

With no rookie forwards expected to play Friday, the Badgers have will have a very veteran look. Seems odd to say considering how young the Badgers were last season at the position.

Wisconsin's Projected Forwards For Friday:

Joseph LaBate-Mark Zengerle-Tyler Barnes

Matt Paape-Derek Lee-Michael Mersch

Brad Navin-Brendan Woods-Keegan Meuer

Ryan Little-Jefferson Dahl-Sean Little

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