Discover Jack Phelan, a diligent defenseman embracing his gritty role, with an atypical NHL role model and a mindful outlook on his development.
Being a defensive defenseman is not a glamorous job in hockey. You play a second or third pairing role, sacrificing your body in a variety of ways. However, that is exactly the position that suits Jack Phelan.
A 2023 5th round (137th overall) selection by the Detroit Red Wings, Phelan told me that he models his game after the Washington Capitals' Matt Roy. Seeing Phelan play in person, it's hard not to notice the similarities. Firstly, Roy and Phelan are within an inch of each other. While the Detroit prospect is a bit leaner, they both are very aware of their surroundings, and can precisely lay the body on forecheckers. Both blue liners are also tactical shooting the puck from the point.
It's not so much his on ice performance that Phelan wants to be known for but rather the kind of family member and teammate he is.
"One of my favorite parts of being on a team and playing college hockey is the relationships you make," said Phelan. "That's pretty special. Whenever I'm with my family I like to hang out with them."
Typically, you'll see athletes or any group of guys want the latest and greatest video game console. That isn't the case for the Wisconsin Men's Hockey team. Rather the Badgers opted for nostalgia with a Nintendo Wii, a console first released in 2006 that is almost as old as some of the Wisconsin freshmen.
Shifting back to his hockey journey, Phelan was candid about the recruiting process and the positives switching commitment brought as a Chicago native.
Wisconsin defenseman Jack Phelan (8) handles the puck against Michigan State in the third period of a game Friday, January 16, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin. Michigan State won, 4-1. © Dave Kallmann / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images"I was committed to Mankato and when the coaching staff switched over here I was fortunate enough to follow them," Phelan explained. Wisconsin had had honestly been a dream school of mine. Growing up, a lot of Chicago players have been through here and I was pretty fired up to land here."
Discussing his holistic objectives for NCAA Hockey outside of a National Championship, Phelan told me he wants to grow his offensive game and have a more active stick.
Phelan said his message to the Detroit Red Wings on his progression is one of mindfulness.
"I'm, just taking it day by day," Phelan said. I have been hitting the weight room pretty hard and put on quite a bit of size here the last couple years, which is important, to play in the NHL. For now, I am working hard and keeping it simple."