Caufields change hockey commitment to Wisconsin

Scott A. Williams
Stevens Point Journal

STEVENS POINT - Brothers Brock and Cole Caufield planned to play hockey together in college.

Early in the recruiting process, the plan called for them to continue their college careers at Ohio State University. Brock and Cole gave verbal commitments to the Buckeyes.

Over the weekend each of them had a change of heart. They still plan to play together in the Big Ten Conference. However, the brothers have exchanged Scarlet and Gray for Cardinal and White.

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Cole and Brock, sons of Paul and Kelly Caufield, announced they have commited to play hockey at the University of Wisconsin.

Brock Caufield
Cole Caufield

"The visit gave me a lot to think about," Brock said. "The next day at breakfast I thought about how comfortable I felt with the players and coaches, and what they're trying to accomplish, and I knew that's where I wanted to be as a player.

"Obviously, every kid grows up watching the Badgers and wants to represent the state school, so it's a special feeling to be able to have that opportunity, especially with both of us going there."

Brock, who decommited from Ohio State approximately two months earlier, will sign a letter of intent with the Badgers during the spring signing period which begins April 11.

Younger brother Cole reconsidered his early commitment to the Buckeyes in the fall and opened up his recruitment in October.

He also took a visit to Madison on Nov. 18 and made the decision official Sunday via Twitter: "Very thrilled to announce my commitment to the University of Wisconsin! Thank you to everyone that has made this possible! #GoBadgers"

"They made me feel wanted. The coaches are great, the school is amazing and it's a great place to play with the atmosphere," said Cole, who received interest from Denver, Notre Dame, Michigan, Nebraska-Omaha, Michigan State and the Badgers after he decommitted from Ohio State.

"I felt like the best fit for me and being from Wisconsin, it's a school you want to go to. I'm really happy with my decision."

Brock Caufield, left, and younger brother Cole, are joined by their dad Paul. The younger Caufields will take their hockey talents to the University of Wisconsin after recently commiting to the Badgers.

Opting for the Badgers over Ohio State had nothing to do with the Buckeyes coaches, according to Cole. Instead, he said he "wasn't feeling the school," anymore.

Cole enjoyed a prolific sophomore season at Stevens Point Area Senior High when he netted a state-high 50 goals and finished with 79 points in 22 games.

With little left to prove at the high school level, the high school junior earned a spot on the USA U17 Development Team based in Ann Arbor, Mich.

A ultra-quick skater with a sneaky shot and nose for the goal, Cole leads the team with 23 goals and has 31 points through 17 games.

"I went into the year at 16 playing against 17- and 18-year olds and I kind of expected to struggle. It's been fun so far, but I can't be surprised. I have to keep working hard and show consistency," the youngest Caufield said.

Brock visited the Badgers campus Nov. 16. He met the players and coaches and toured the academic facilities and took in Wisconsin's basketball game with Xavier.

He left SPASH after his junior season to refine his hockey game in junior hockey with the Green Bay Gamblers. Brock needed some time to adjust to the increased level of competition.

Now in his second season with the Gamblers of the United States Hockey League, he's seen his role increase. Through 14 games, he has a pair of goals and four assists to stand joint third on the team in scoring with six points.

Brock looks forward to reuniting with his younger brother as members of the Badgers.

"Ideally, I'd love to play with him again if that was the right place for him and we could end up there together," Brock said. "It'll be a dream come true. I love being on the same team with him. He's my best friend. It's going to be a lot of fun."