The most successful tenant of the Kohl Center this winter, by far, is the Badger women's hockey team, with a record of 22-1-3. That's good enough for a share of first place in the WCHA and top ranking in the nation.
But the numbers compiled at the turnstiles suggest that the excitement hasn't yet reached the masses. Despite claiming national titles in 2006 and 2007 and a runner-up finish in 2008, the women skaters attract an average of just 1,521 fans to the Kohl Center for their home games, the lowest turnout among the four major winter sports.
What's your problem, Badger fans? What do you want that the Badger women aren't delivering?
High-powered offense? Hilary Knight, a sophomore from New Hampshire, has scored 28 goals and recorded 21 assists in 24 games this year. That's not just prolific scoring, it's downright Gretzkyesque!
Solid defense? Goaltender Jessie Vetter, a senior from Cottage Grove, is a brick wall. She saves 95% of the shots she faces and has recorded 33 career shutouts. Her leadership and performance put her in the conversation for greatest Badger athlete of all time, either gender.
It's a good bet that Vetter and Knight will take the ice for Team USA in the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, a team that will be led by - you guessed it - Badger head coach Mark Johnson.
The Badgers host Ohio State this weekend. The Buckeyes are not a hockey powerhouse by any means, but it's fun to see any team from the best-financed athletic department in the country get roughed up.