Senior defensemen Joe Palodichuk and Zach Schulz have been staples for Wisconsin’s hockey team during coach Mike Hastings’ entire tenure with the program. They have combined to play in 175 games, accumulating a wealth of experience that made them natural fits entering the season to become team captains alongside junior Gavin Morrissey.

Wisconsin, which opens its season Friday against Robert Morris, will lean on those players, among others, for leadership. In the latest Badger Connect Podcast, Palodichuk and Schulz join Mike Heller to discuss what it means to be team captains, the importance of staying at Wisconsin through their senior seasons, previewing the season and more. Check out the full episode here: