After an opening series sweep against Lindenwood on Sept. 27 and 28, Wisconsin women’s hockey captain Casey O'Brien and head coach Mark Johnson underscored the importance of athlete growth in a press conference on Oct.1.
Johnson, who is entering his 22nd season as Wisconsin’s head coach, is no stranger to national championships. Nonetheless, he remains committed to recognizing the team's opportunities for improvement.
“By the time you play a game, it's like taking a test, and so you can evaluate yourself at the end of the exam,” Johnson told The Daily Cardinal.
Fifth-year forward captain Casey O'Brien, who broke UW’s single season assist record last year with 50 helpers, shares Johnson’s values of growing from past performances. In response to questions about mistakes during games, O'Brien said they provide “the biggest teaching moments.”
With the season underway, O'Brien emphasized faith in the Badgers’ commitment to learning from their mistakes.
“I think what makes our group really special is that every single person wants to get better at all times,” O’Brien said.
Wisconsin welcomes five freshmen and two transfers to the team for the 2024-25 season. Freshmen Finley Mccarthy, Hannah Halverson, Maggie Scannel, Grace Bickett and Emma Venusio are joined by Ohio State transfer Quinn Kuntz and Bemidji State transfer Mckayla Zilisch.
Johnson is hopeful about the new Badgers’ performance as they adjust to the fast-paced nature of hockey and build relationships with their teammates.
“The most important thing is you've played a couple games now…. Now you can start the process of trying to become better in areas that you need to improve on,” Johnson said.
Johnson described key teaching points as the transition from offense to defense and defense to offense. These factors increase the likelihood that new players will have a chance to score against some opponents.
“Everyone's going to make them every game, but it's just how you can respond and just keep your confidence up,” Johnson said. “I think our leadership group did a really good job of hyping our freshmen up with first goals and keeping them up if they made a mistake.”
Communication is key to new players’ success, especially as they adjust to the fast-paced environment of college hockey, Johnson said.
“It might take another week of practice or two weeks, but I thought they conducted themselves. They didn't look nervous, which was a real positive sign,” Johnson said.
Seniors Caroline Harvey and Casey O'Brien will serve as co-captains for the 2024-25 season. The pair of Badgers were awarded WCHA weekly honors on Monday, with O’Brien earning WCHA Forward of the Week honors after scoring eight points against Lindenwood and Harvey picking up WCHA Defender of the Week honors in the same game.
After a successful season last year, Johnson has faith in his captain's abilities to lead the team.
“They just have to be who they are, then they have a chance to really have an impact on the people that are watching,” Johnson told the Cardinal.
O'Brien explained that she and the upperclassmen aim to guide younger teammates through leading by example. She also highlighted that she must be dependable for her teammates to confide in “when they need to be helped up”.
Goalie Ava McNaughton, who went 20-3 last season with five shutouts, agreed the team's bond is integral in their success on and off the court.
“My teammates are just very open to have harder conversations, or if you need a helping hand or listening ear, they're always there,” McNaughton told the Cardinal.
Both Johnson and O'Brien remain optimistic about the recovery of her wrist following surgery in July to repair a torn triangular fibrocartilage complex, which stabilizes and supports the wrist.
“Today, she was out there a good chunk.” Johnson told The Cardinal. “Those are real positive signs, and hopefully she'll continue that progression.”
Johnson has expressed his commitment to learning from others himself and developing a bond of mutual respect with O'Brien. Johnson, as the winningest coach in NCAA collegiate women's hockey history, said he intends to continue to grow as a coach.
“I think, as a coach, for me, you know, you're always learning,” he said.
The Badgers took over the top spot in the USCHO.Com poll this week while also maintaining the No.1 ranking in the USA Hockey/ Rink Live Poll. This mentality worked well for the Badgers when they beat Boston College 7-0 on Oct. 5, and they have a lot of season left.
