The Wisconsin Badgers men's hockey team is making strategic moves in the transfer portal, and head coach Mike Hastings is building for both the present and the future. In a significant roster boost, the program has secured commitments from two impactful players with multiple years of eligibility remaining: forward JJ Wiebusch from Penn State and goaltender Alexis Cournoyer from Cornell.

This follows the recent signing of freshman defenseman Dylan Compton from Northeastern, signaling a clear and active strategy by Hastings to add depth and competition across the lineup. The focus on players with remaining eligibility suggests a long-term vision to sustain the program's high standards.

The addition of JJ Wiebusch addresses a key offensive need. A native of Verona, Wisconsin, the 6-foot-1 forward returns to his home state after a productive stint with Penn State. Wiebusch ranked second on the Nittany Lions with 16 goals and fourth with 36 points last season, helping lead the team to the NCAA Tournament. His scoring touch will be crucial in helping to fill the void left by Quinn Finley's departure to the professional ranks.

Between the pipes, the Badgers have bolstered their goaltending corps with Alexis Cournoyer from Cornell. Adding a talented netminder from a traditionally strong defensive program like Cornell provides immediate depth and creates a competitive environment in the crease, a vital component for any team with championship aspirations.

These signings demonstrate Coach Hastings's proactive approach in the transfer portal era. By targeting experienced, productive players who still have room to grow within the program, Wisconsin is not just patching holes but constructing a deeper, more versatile roster ready to compete in the tough Big Ten conference and beyond.