Hey Badger Fans, 
 
Today I am going to stray from my usual blog post structure with the recaps and the statistics and the points and goals.
 
Because right now, none of that matters. 
 
As I write to you all, I'm sitting on the bus en route to St. Charles, Missouri, where the Badgers will play in yet another Frozen Four tournament. Being the only team required to bus along this journey, we all remain lighthearted and accepting of the change of plans. Laughter fills the bus constantly. That's merely scratching the surface of what makes this team so incredibly special. We never fail to turn any situation into something fun. 
 
I look around at my teammates and I see so many facets of what not only makes them remarkable athletes, but endearing human beings. Some are diligently finishing schoolwork. Occasionally someone offers help to a freshman who can't understand a calculus problem cause let's be honest, we've all been there. A significant amount hold laptops and iPads in hand, intently binging on our recent Netflix addictions, cuddled in blankets with our teddy bears or Pillow Pets under our arms. Some take conference calls and interviews. Others listen to Ed Sheeran's new album for the millionth time. Coach Jackie brings her special treats to the back of the bus and we all devour them, laughing at the stereotypical college students we are when we continue to ask her if her husband helped her bake them--a "newlywed activity" maybe. (Sometimes I wonder how she is able to handle 23 seemingly younger siblings each and everyday. Bless her heart.)
 
Seniors reminisce about the good times they've had wearing the Cardinal and White, as they all officially finished their last practice at LaBahn--a place that's been their home for so long, matured into a place they can touch again only in their memories. Underclassmen listen to each story with full hearts, eager to create a legacy as amazing as theirs seem to have been. 
 
Somewhere our families begin their own treks down south, putting forth the dedication and support they've given us in every aspect of our lives, all the sacrifices they've made to let us play the best sport in the world. On behalf of the team, thank you. Seeing you all, decked out in Badger apparel and face tattoos, signs in your hands and smiles on your faces, makes us happier than you could imagine. We cannot wait to see what awesome fans you will be this weekend. 
 
Somewhere our redshirt comrade Claude (Claudia Kepler) travels up on her own to support the team she's given so much to day-in and day-out, waiting for her chance to shine and loving us even though she can't shine right now. In our hearts you do girl. Thanks for pushing us to be our best always. We love you! 
 
This team is special. We've battled the unimaginable: losses, sicknesses, pain and heartbreak. We have only become closer and stronger through each strife. It is said a team is not measured by its accomplishments and failures, but how well it rises above it all. This team is a team full of risers. We're a family, 23 sisters united with a dream. This weekend we could not be more excited to continue to pursue that dream. And no matter the outcome, we know in our hearts this year has been indescribable in the best possible way. 
 
So, come watch the Badgers play some hockey this weekend--the game that's brought us together; the game that's given us all so much. 
 
The Badgers are set to play in the NCAA semifinal game at 5:00 p.m. at the Family Arena against Boston College. The game can be seen online on NCAA.com or heard in Madison on 100.9 FM.
 
We hope to bring home some hardware for you all! Thanks for being the greatest fans.
 
On Wisconsin!

-Baylee