Wisconsin defeated Ohio State 3-2 on Sunday, March 22, to win their second consecutive NCAA women’s hockey championship and avenge their loss to the Buckeyes in the WCHA championship earlier this month. Claire Enright scored the game-winning goal with 13:42 remaining after Ohio State had tied the game with two goals in two minutes at the start of the third period. Wisconsin goaltender Ava McNaughton made 34 saves.
A Budding Rivalry Reaches New Heights
This victory marks Wisconsin’s ninth overall NCAA title, surpassing Minnesota’s six. It’s the fifth NCAA title for the Badgers since 2019. The championship game was the fourth consecutive year Wisconsin and Ohio State have faced off for the national title, with Wisconsin also winning in 2023 and last year and Ohio State claiming the title in 2024.
A Game of Momentum Shifts
Wisconsin took an early lead, scoring two goals in the first two periods. However, Ohio State quickly responded in the third, with Kassidy Carmichael and Jocelyn Amos scoring within a two-minute span to tie the game. Claire Enright then secured the win for Wisconsin with her ninth goal of the season.
Star Power on Display
Wisconsin’s Caroline Harvey, who recently earned the Patty Kazmaier Award as the best player in college hockey and an Olympic gold medal, expressed her pride in her team. “I’m so proud of my team,” Harvey said. “We came together when it all mattered, and I couldn’t be more proud of this group.”
Wisconsin coach Mark Johnson acknowledged the difficulty of the victory, stating, “It’s never easy. We’ll take this one. It’ll take a while to process it, but we’ll take the trophy.”
Looking Ahead
With this win, Wisconsin solidifies its position as a dominant force in college hockey. It remains to be seen if the Badgers and Buckeyes will continue their championship streak next season, or if another team will emerge to challenge their supremacy. The outcome of future seasons could depend on player retention and recruitment, as well as the continued development of the sport.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the NCAA title game played?
The NCAA championship game was played on Sunday, March 22.
Where was the NCAA title game played?
The NCAA championship game was played at Pegula Ice Arena on the Penn State campus.
Who were the key players for Wisconsin?
Caroline Harvey, Ava McNaughton, Kelly Gorbatenko, Laney Potter, and Claire Enright were key players for Wisconsin.
What does this rivalry mean for the future of women’s college hockey?
