Hello Badger Fans! 
 
Hope you all are having a fantastic week, and attempting to live by and accomplish all of your New Year's resolutions. 
 
Last weekend was a unique time for the Badgers, as we faced some challenges during our game against Lindenwood. Despite facility issues that occurred, and the physical restraints it brought upon us, the Badgers somehow managed to pull off a 5-1 victory over the Lions. Goals scored by Samantha Cogan (2), Annie Pankowski, Mellissa Channell, and myself, all helped the Cardinal and White achieve the win. 
 
The Badgers' second game of that weekend was cancelled due to the facility's problems. 
 
Thankfully all of our players are doing well and excited to hit the ice once again this week against St. Cloud. 
 
"Last weekend had a little bit of adversity but for this team it is in the past. This team is able to bounce back after a tough weekend and put in 4 solid days of practice in preparation for this weekend," junior Annie Pankowski said. 
 
When asked about her expectations for both our team and the opponent, she noted: "St. Cloud has always been one of those teams that fights back hard and challenges our creativity. This weekend is going to be about doing the little things and getting into the dirty areas to be successful." 
 
The Badgers' first game of the series will be taking place in the LaBahn Arena at 7:07 p.m. on Friday. 
 
This Saturday, however, happens to be an extremely exciting day for Badger Women's Hockey, as the program is hosting its fifth "Fill The Bowl" event in the Kohl Center. Tickets are on sale for just $1. We are hoping to break the 2013-14 attendance record of 13,573 fans. So far we have about 12,500 tickets sold for this year's game, and are anxious to see how it will turn out! 
 
The atmosphere in the locker room is energetic and focused. Imagining playing on the Kohl Center ice and in front of such a large crowd gives us so much motivation. We truly believe we have the most amazing fans and are eager to play with their support yet again! 
 
"We are so excited to be playing in front of a huge crowd and we are preparing a little more each day until Saturday," Annie said. 
 
Captain Sydney McKibbon, who is no amateur to the thrilling event, gave me some words of wisdom on what to expect. 
 
"I'm extremely excited about 'Fill The Bowl' because it's a chance for us to play in front of a big crowd," she reflected.  "I played in a fill the bowl game my freshman year and it was something I'll never forget! The crowd was loud and it gives you chills when you skate out on the ice. I think that both teams are going to be fired up and ready to go and I hope that we can give all the fans a really exciting game!" 
 
Saturday's game will be at 4:07 p.m. in the Kohl Center. 
 
If you can't make it to the games follow us live on our Twitter page, or tune into Fox Sports Wisconsin to watch Saturday's matchup! 
 
We are all looking forward to a great hockey-filled weekend! 
 
On Wisconsin! 
 
     -Baylee