Wisconsin’s iconic crimson sweaters blend minimalism with a storied legacy, honoring legends like while anchoring a powerhouse program.
Wisconsin's road red jerseys are a good kind of dichotomy. They are simple and streamlined, while dumping a heap of tradition right in your face. The Badgers have been wearing their signature crimson sweaters since at least the 1980s-with very little alteration. Teams can sometimes overdo jerseys with lots of pizzazz and flair. That isn't the case for Wisconsin.
A vintage 1980s Wisconsin Badgers hockey jersey made by Koronis. Photo via eBay seller Resell RescueThe red sweaters are a bridge to the past, linking generations together under the same design. This minimalistic yet striking look allows the school name to be front and center, evoking the legacy of past players. Names like Joe Pavelski, Chris Chelios, and Ryan Suter all come to mind while looking at the relatively unchanged uniform.
Apr 11, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, United States; Wisconsin Badgers forward Kyle Kukkonen (9) and forward Vasily Zelenov (94) celebrate a first period goal against the Denver Pioneers in the championship game of the NCAA men's ice hockey Frozen Four at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn ImagesI used the term relatively because there have been two modifications, which I believe are for the better. First, the stripes are smaller and more spread out. This is an upgrade because it allows the red of the jersey to stand out more and relegates the white to an accent rather than a secondary color. The other noticeable improvement made was removing the white collar around the neck. Leaving the top half of the jersey solid red allows for a more unified look, avoiding the "collared shirt" look the NHL initially had with their Adidas jerseys.
Wisconsin had an incredible 2025-26 season. Despite losing to Ohio State in the Big Ten Quarterfinals, the Badgers went on a run to the National Championship. There, they came up a goal short to the University of Denver. Sophomore Gavin Morrissey led Wisconsin with 27 assists and 36 points while Islanders prospect Quinn Finley finished first with 17 tallies. The Badgers will look to go all the way this year, and they will do it wearing their signature diagonal lettered jerseys.