MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin men's hockey program moved to the Kohl Center in 1998 where a new student section formed behind the south end of the rink. The group of students that later became branded as the Crease Creatures claim over 2,500 seats consisting of all three levels of the facility. That group will display a unified voice come October as members of the student section formed an official student campus organization.

With their organization paperwork filed on campus with the University of Wisconsin Center for Leadership and Involvement, the Crease Creatures find themselves with an executive board of seven undergraduate students who will serve their men's hockey student counterparts.



"I'm excited for the opportunity on the executive board to serve my classmates as we look to accomplish our goal of enhancing the overall experience of what it means to be a part of the Wisconsin men's hockey student section community," states newly appointed Crease Creatures President and UW Senior Zach Epstein.



Epstein is joined by six other executive members who will serve during the 2017-18 college hockey season.



"We decided to share responsibilities based on three general categories for our inaugural year – Events, Game Atmosphere, and Communications. We will assess our long-term executive position needs and will elect into these specific positions in the spring for the 2018-19 season," Epstein shared.

Head coach Tony Granato applauded the student's effort in forming the organization. "I think it's great. Our student body brings so much energy to the building that give our boys a boost every time they hit the ice."

The organization has stated that student season ticket holders should expect new events surrounding the men's hockey season which will enhance their sense of community.



"We want to provide an opportunity for students to share their interest in Badger hockey while making new friends. We hope to organize pre-game meeting locations as well as setting up spots on campus to watch the team while they're on the road," stated Events Executive Nate Klaas.



The men's hockey student organization also plans to unify their voice inside the Kohl Center and out through their creation of executive positions overseeing student game atmosphere initiatives as well as their Crease Creatures social media channels.

All student men's hockey season ticket holders are automatically enrolled into the newly-formed Crease Creatures student organization. Epstein encourages participation from all members throughout the season. The Crease Creatures can be contacted at CreaseCreaturesUW@gmail.com or via their Facebook or Twitter pages.

To join the Crease Creatures and join the greatest college hockey student section in the nation, visit the UWBadgers.com ticket page here or in person at 1440 Monroe Street; Madison, WI. Season student tickets are just $110 and include all nineteen home games plus three potential Big Ten Tournament playoff games at the Kohl Center.



2017-18 Crease Creatures Executive Board

President

Zach Epstein Senior

Events

Nate Klaas Senior

Game Atmosphere

Caitlin Nejedlo Senior

Brianne Huettner Junior

JT Nejedlo Sophomore

Communications

Jordan Mazzara Junior