Mike Hastings never put a specific timeline in place for success when he was hired as the Wisconsin men’s hockey coach three seasons ago. But Hastings certainly understood where the Badgers had been and where he wanted them to go.

“For us, it was about trying to get back to and — listening to some of the alums — seeing what this program was previously and trying to get an identity about being a Badger again,” Hastings said. “I heard that loud, proud and clear from the alumni base that was something they wanted to get done here.”

It didn’t happen overnight, but Hastings has built a program to make Wisconsin supporters proud. Wisconsin (23-12-2) has advanced to its first Frozen Four in 16 years and will face North Dakota (29-9-1) next Thursday in Las Vegas with a championship game berth on the line.

Hastings sat down with Mike Heller for the Badger Connect Podcast to talk about his coaching career, Wisconsin’s journey this season and look ahead to the Frozen Four. You can watch the full video here: