rumpel badgers


Swift Current's Joel Rumpel is reflecting back on a successful first season of NCAA hockey at Wisconsin.

It was hard for the rookie goaltender to swallow losing to Denver in overtime of the deciding game in their first round playoff series.

"It was probably the most heartbreaking experience of my life," Rumpel said.

Rumpel started the series on the road against favoured Denver with a 1-0 playoff win. He called it one of the best games he's ever played. Denver then swept the next two games to win the series.

The former Midget AAA Legionnaire felt like the Badgers came a long way from the start of the season. 

"I remember our first practice we could barely make a pass," Rumpel said.  "Towards the end of the season we were beating the top teams in the league. It was honestly the best experience of my life." 

The Badgers had a roster full of young players and will return a lot of their group next season. Rumpel was happy with how the year went for him individually.

"I had a good season," Rumpel said. "(I) ended up playing the majority of the games. (It) was honestly a pretty big feat in college hockey as a freshman, which I take a lot of pride in."

Rumpel won conference rookie of the week three times.

Before Wisconsin, Rumpel spent two seasons with Penticton of the BCHL.He was keeping a close eye on his old team as they broke junior hockey records with a 42 game winning streak.

"That was amazing," Rumpel said. "I remember talking to my fellow Wisconsin Badgers about it and none of them could believe (it)... it's amazing to see that and be part of that tradition."

Rumpel will spend most of the summer in Wisconsin, but is looking forward to seeing friends and family when he is able to get some time in Swift Current.   

Interview with Joel Rumpel: