Granato Out at Wisconsin

The Tony Granato head coaching era has ended at Wisconsin.

The former Badger captain was let go Monday after seven seasons at the helm of the men's team, in which he compiled a 105-129-16 record, including a 13-23-0 mark this season. The Badgers were recently eliminated from the 2023 Big Ten tournament in the first round by Michigan to end the campaign. Granato had previously led Wisconsin to the Big Ten regular-season title and an NCAA tournament berth in 2021.

Granato, 58, skated at forward for the Badgers from 1983 to 1987, where he registered 100 goals and 120 assists for 220 points and 242 penalty minutes in 152 outings. He was also a two-time NCAA Second Team All-America selection. 

A member of the 1987-88 U.S. Olympic Team who also played in three World Championships while still in college, Granato went on to a 13-year NHL playing career with the New York Rangers, Los Angeles Kings and San Jose Sharks in which he complied 248-244—492 points and 1,425 PIM in 773 regular-season appearances, while adding 16-27—43 points and 141 PIM in 79 Stanley Cup Playoff contests.

Part of the famed Granato hockey family from Downer's Grove, Ill., Granato entered the NHL coaching ranks in 2002-03 with the Colorado Avalanche, where he served as both assistant and head coach. He also served as an assistant with the Pittsburgh Penguins and Detroit Red Wings before taking the top job at Wisconsin in 2016.

The Badgers are expected to conduct a national search for his successor.