The Wisconsin Badgers women’s hockey team is set to take on familiar foe and defending national champion the Ohio State Buckeyes at 3 p.m. in Minneapolis Sunday afternoon.
The colored history between the two teams spans 118 matches and dates back to 1999, but it is in recent years that the tension between the Buckeyes and Badgers has undeniably heightened. In fact, this is the third consecutive season that the two teams will face off in the championship. Wisconsin came on top in the 2022-23 season only to be dethroned by Ohio State last season. A single goal by the Buckeyes’ Joy Dunne in the third period cost Wisconsin the game and what would’ve been their eighth national championship.
Well, with a record-breaking 37-1-2 season, the Badgers have rekindled their chances at an eighth title and will look to avenge themselves against none other than the 29-7-3 Buckeyes who cut this same dream short.
Wisconsin and Ohio State have played each other in two series this season. In the first, Wisconsin won one game and the second ended in a draw, with Ohio State winning the shootout. The second series was split.
Recent Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award recipient and all-time Badger point leader Casey O’Brien will lead the Badgers squad with phenomenal talent and support surrounding her. Defender Caroline Harvey, who leads the WCHA in plus/minus ratings with 76, should play a big role in the matchup. Harvey’s ability to contribute on both sides of the puck is nothing short of remarkable. She is well-complemented by nifty forward Laila Edwards, who ranks third in the NCAA in short-handed goals and can also be expected to have an impact on the match.
Wisconsin thrives in its fast-paced game, power play efficiency that leads the country, and scoring range that knows no limits.
The Badgers’ success is dependent on limiting the opportunities of the Buckeyes' patient and tactical Dunne. The forward with last season’s national title’s winning goal is hotter than ever, boasting a season-total 61 points. Her teammate, Jocelyn Amos, totals 51 on the season. Wisconsin has struggled this season in conceding the first goal, and Dunne and Amos will try to take advantage of that.
This should be a tight matchup, and with two elite offenses, likely a high-scoring one.
