Jeff Sauer, the winningest head coach in Badgers history, led Wisconsin to two NCAA titles. He was 73.

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Athletics announced on Thursday that Jeff Sauer, UW’s men’s hockey coach from 1982 to 2002, passed away at the age of 73.

Sauer led the Badgers to 489 victories, the most victories for a UW coach in any sport. He guided Wisconsin to the 1983 and 1990 NCAA titles. In addition, the Badgers won WCHA regular-season titles in 1990 and 2000 and WCHA playoff crowns in 1983, 1988, 1990, 1995 and 1998.

Sauer was inducted into the Wisconsin Athletics Hall of Fame on Sept. 16, 2016.

We are saddened to learn of the passing of Jeff Sauer. He was a great friend, representative of Wisconsin & incredible ambassador for hockey pic.twitter.com/OLyOOIS86f — Wisconsin Hockey (@BadgerMHockey) February 2, 2017 Photos: Former Wisconsin men's hockey coach Jeff Sauer through the years https://t.co/eWB3f83VAt

“Our entire athletic department family is saddened to hear of the passing of Coach Sauer,” Director of Athletics Barry Alvarez said. “Jeff was a hockey man through and through. He had a passion for the sport and for coaching, and his imprint on the game will be felt forever through the lives he touched. Our hockey programs at Wisconsin benefitted greatly from Jeff’s influence. I want to extend the condolences of Wisconsin Athletics to Jeff’s family, friends, colleagues and former players.”

“Coach Sauer’s record speaks for itself, but he’s just done so much besides coaching hockey,” UW men’s hockey coach Tony Granato said. “That is the part I will miss most about him. He was about caring for people and sharing. I watched him volunteer endlessly for both the U.S. Sled Hockey and Hearing Impaired teams and watched him do anything that was asked of him for any special situation that was needed.

“He was just a great person and anyone that has had the pleasure of knowing him, playing for him or that was touched by what he gave us was just so lucky to have him as a coach and friend.”

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