Ohio State and Wisconsin Set for Another Women’s Hockey Championship Showdown
University Park, PA – The stage is set for a familiar face-off in the 2026 NC Women’s Ice Hockey Championship. For the fourth consecutive year, Ohio State and Wisconsin will battle for the national title on Sunday, March 22nd, at Pegula Ice Arena. This highly anticipated matchup follows thrilling semifinal victories for both teams, with Ohio State defeating Northeastern 5-0 and Wisconsin edging out Penn State 4-3 in overtime.
A Championship Legacy: Wisconsin vs. Ohio State
The rivalry between Wisconsin and Ohio State has quickly grow a defining storyline in women’s college hockey. Wisconsin currently holds the edge, having defeated Ohio State 4-3 in overtime to claim the 2025 championship. This victory marked the third straight year these two powerhouses contested for the title. Prior to Wisconsin’s recent success, Ohio State secured the championship in 2024 with a 1-0 win over Wisconsin.
Road to the Frozen Four: A Look at the Tournament
Ohio State entered the tournament as the No. 1 seed after the selection show on March 8th. Five conferences earned automatic bids, while six teams were selected at-large. The tournament began with regional play from March 12-15, setting the stage for the Women’s Frozen Four held in University Park.
Regional Highlights
The regional semifinals saw some decisive victories, including Yale defeating Minnesota Duluth 1-0 and UConn triumphing over Princeton 4-1. Quinnipiac also secured a spot in the regional finals with a 4-1 win against Franklin Pierce. In the regional finals, Wisconsin dominated Quinnipiac 6-0, Penn State shut out UConn 3-0, Northeastern overcame Minnesota 4-2, and Ohio State convincingly defeated Yale 6-1.
Historical Dominance: A Championship Timeline
Wisconsin and Ohio State have consistently been at the forefront of women’s college hockey. Looking back, Wisconsin claimed the title in 2023 with a 1-0 victory over Ohio State, and again in 2025. Ohio State also secured championships in 2022 (3-2 over Minnesota Duluth) and 2024 (1-0 over Wisconsin). The tournament was canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
| Year | Champion (Record) | Score | Runner-Up | Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Wisconsin (38-1-2) | 4-3 (OT) | Ohio State | Minneapolis, Minn. |
| 2024 | Ohio State (36-4-0) | 1-0 | Wisconsin | Durham, N.H. |
| 2023 | Wisconsin (29-10-2) | 1-0 | Ohio State | Duluth, Minn. |
| 2022 | Ohio State (32-6-0) | 3-2 | Minnesota Duluth | University Park, Pa. |
| 2021 | Wisconsin (17-3-1) | 2-1 (OT) | Northeastern | Erie, Pa. |
| 2020 | Canceled due to Covid-19 | — | — | — |
Pegula Ice Arena: A Premier Venue
The 2026 Women’s Frozen Four is being hosted at Pegula Ice Arena in University Park, Pennsylvania. This state-of-the-art facility features two ice surfaces, providing a top-tier experience for players and fans alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the championship game? The championship game is on Sunday, March 22nd.
- Where is the Women’s Frozen Four being held? Pegula Ice Arena in University Park, PA.
- Who are the finalists? Ohio State and Wisconsin.
- What channel will the championship game be on? ESPNU.
Stay tuned for updates and coverage as Ohio State and Wisconsin prepare for what promises to be another thrilling championship showdown.
