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Wisconsin finally has its 15th forward for next season. As first reported by the Wisconsin State Journal, Alex Shuchuk will walk-on with the Badgers next season and round out the lineup.
Shuchuk is the son of current UW assistant Gary, who also skated at Wisconsin during his playing days. Gary was a first-team All-American in 1990 and played parts of five seasons in the NHL for the Detroit Red Wings and Los Angeles Kings.
"Alex has to go out there and prove he truly belongs,'' Gary told the Wisconsin State Journal. "I told Alex this and I told Mike this, ‘I don't want anything handed to him.' And nothing has been. I would never do this if I didn't think it would be the right fit.''
Alex spent the past two seasons with the Janesville Jets of the North American Hockey League, where he notched one goal and five assists last season in 36 games. Prior to his time in junior hockey, Shuchuk starred for Madison West and also laced up the skates for the Team Wisconsin midget program.
Wisconsin head coach Mike Eaves told the Wisconsin State Journal Alex will have to "grind his way up the ladder." Shuchuk will start the season as the Badgers' 15th forward. Twelve forwards traditionally suit up on game night.
Shuchuk reportedly also had recruiting interest from Air Force and Alabama-Huntsville.
"I love to challenge myself and this seemed to be the ultimate challenge for me,'' Alex told the Wisconsin State Journal.
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