When asked at his press conference Monday which of his forwards he thought had been most consistent, Wisconsin head coach Mike Eaves responded with perhaps a surprising answer: Ben Grotting.

Grotting's numbers haven't particularly jumped out so far this season, with just two goals in 11 games. But the things he has done that haven't shown up on the stat sheet have impressed Eaves.

"In terms of his role and his ability to get things done in that role, one of the guys that comes to mind is Ben Grotting," Eaves said. "I think that Ben's strengths lie in the fact that he's a tremendously powerful skater, can get there and can create turnovers and create hits with his speed, and I think, for the most part, that he has done that for us."

Eaves said Grotting — who picked up an assist in Saturday's 4-4 tie with Michigan State — needs to be comfortable with the level of play he's attained.

"If he tries to do any more than that, then he's going to be in trouble," Eaves said. "What you try to tell a young man like Ben Grotting is you need to build on your strengths, be careful of what weaknesses you work out because the chances of improving to any great degree are not awesome."

 

Podge provides energy

Although Eaves has juggled UW's top line throughout the beginning of the season to find a third man to play alongside Kyle Turris and Ben Street, he seems happy with the way freshman Podge Turnbull has produced.

"If Podge Turnbull can play with that energy and with his abilities like he did Saturday night, that could be a real good line for us," Eaves said. "I think the thing that he brought to the table was his energy. And if he plays with that energy, his skill and such will take over for him."

Despite inconsistent play earlier in the season, Eaves has noticed an increase in energy in Turnbull's game.

"The times that he has been ineffective, he's not played with that energy, and as a result, he's not involved," Eaves said. "But with that energy that he had Saturday night, boy, that really gives us a nice look."

Turnbull has now recorded five points on the season and notched a goal in Friday's 3-2 loss against Michigan.

 

U.S. Juniors on the horizon

As is the case every season, the Badgers will face the potential fate of losing several players to the U.S. World Junior Championship for some time in late December and early January.

"The way I look at it, if a young man has an opportunity to represent his country, that is an unbelievable event in the big picture of things," Eaves said. "So I hope for all of them that they have a realistic chance of doing that because it is very special."

Last season, Jamie McBain, Blake Geoffrion and Jack Skille took part for team USA, causing them to miss games with Wisconsin.

"We went out to Denver last year with a [smaller] lineup and, you know, we played pretty well out there, and I think people will grasp that opportunity and go with it," Eaves said of last year's team.

When looking at the possibility of having to play without some of his squad, Eaves sees it as a chance for some of the other players on the roster to step up.

"What that does is it opens up opportunities for other people," Eaves said. "History has proven that, when you're put in this type of situation, that people do respond."

 

Huskies on deck

The Badgers travel to St. Cloud, Minn., to take on the St. Cloud State Huskies in a two-game series this weekend. If history is any indicator, the Badgers are destined for success against the Huskies — a team they've beaten in their last 11 meetings.

"I am surprised by that," Eaves said of the streak. "I know that we have played some decent hockey against them."

Despite their past triumphs over the Huskies, the Badgers will have their hands full, facing an opponent with a higher ranking.

The Huskies were ranked No. 10 in the latest poll, while the Badgers dropped one spot to No. 13 after the weekend.