Badger of Honor
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Wisconsin Hockey Alum Justin Schultz a Champion (again)

By Noah Seligman

May 13, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Justin Schultz (4) reacts against the Ottawa Senators during the third period in game one of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PPG PAINTS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
May 13, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Justin Schultz (4) reacts against the Ottawa Senators during the third period in game one of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PPG PAINTS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Former Wisconsin Hockey defender Justin Schultz and NHL Champion (again)

For the second time in as many years, Justin Schultz, a former Wisconsin Hockey player, is hoisting Lord Stanley’s Cup as NHL champion.

Schultz and the Pittsburgh Penguins went back-to-back defeating the Nashville Predators in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals.

Schultz tallied the first assist on the Cup winning goal by Patric Hornqvist at the 18:25 mark of the third period.  The Penguins would add an empty net goal with :14 left to seal the final margin.

Next: Justin Schutlz and Craig Smith Represent Wisconsin Badgers in Stanley Cup

A native of Kelowana, British Columbia, Schultz played three seasons at Wisconsin. Schultz earned WCHA “All Rookie honors” in his inaugural season in Madison.  That year the Badgers finished 28-11-4 losing 5-0 to Boston College in the NCAA Championship game.  He was named the WCHA Defender of the Year in the subsequent two seasons.

He is tied with Dany Heatley and Norm McIntosh for 53rd all time in Wisconsin Hockey scoring history with 113 total points.  Schultz scored 40 goals and added 73 assists in his 121 games for Wisconsin Hockey.  His 10-game points streak is good for 33rd in Badger history.  In 2011-12 he led Wisconsin Hockey in goals scored with 16 in 37 games played.

Jun 8, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Justin Schultz (4) helps goalie Matt Murray (30) defend the goal on a shot as Nashville Predators right wing Harry Zolnierczyk (26) is in position for the rebound during the third period in game five of the 2017 Stanley Cup Final at PPG PAINTS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Don Wright-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 8, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Justin Schultz (4) helps goalie Matt Murray (30) defend the goal on a shot as Nashville Predators right wing Harry Zolnierczyk (26) is in position for the rebound during the third period in game five of the 2017 Stanley Cup Final at PPG PAINTS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Don Wright-USA TODAY Sports /

He was a 2nd round pick of the Anaheim Ducks in 2008 but decided to play with Wisconsin Hockey instead.  Schultz played in Madison from 2009-2012 before starting his NHL career with the Edmonton Oilers in the 2012-13 season after a stint in the American Hockey League.  He was named to the NHL All-Rookie Team in his first season in the NHL.

Schultz played three full seasons in Edmonton before joining the Penguins during the 2015-16 campaign culminating in the NHL title last season.  He played in 78 games this season for Pittsburgh tallying 51 points  and recording a +27 mark.