Wisconsin Secures Second Consecutive NC Women’s Hockey Championship
The Wisconsin Badgers have clinched their second consecutive NC Women’s Hockey Championship title, defeating Ohio State 3-2 in a thrilling final on March 22, 2026. This victory marks Wisconsin’s ninth national championship in program history and their fifth title since 2019, solidifying their dominance in collegiate women’s ice hockey.
Game Recap
Wisconsin opened the scoring with two early goals from Kelly Gorbatenko and Laney Potter. Ohio State responded with two goals of their own in the third period, tying the game before Claire Enright scored the game-winning goal for the Badgers with 6:18 remaining in regulation. Wisconsin goaltender Ava McNaughton was named the Most Outstanding Player after stopping 34 of 36 shots.
Key Players
- Ava McNaughton (Wisconsin): Named Most Outstanding Player, making 34 saves.
- Claire Enright (Wisconsin): Scored the game-winning goal.
- Kelly Gorbatenko (Wisconsin): Scored one of Wisconsin’s first two goals.
- Laney Potter (Wisconsin): Scored one of Wisconsin’s first two goals.
Championship History
Wisconsin’s win continues a recent trend of success for the program. Here’s a look at the recent NC Women’s Hockey Championship history:
| 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 | — | — | — |
| 2019 | Wisconsin (35-4-2) | 2-0 | Minnesota | Hamden, Conn. |
Tournament Details
The championship field was revealed on March 8, 2026, with Ohio State earning the No. 1 seed. Five conferences received automatic bids, with six additional teams selected at-large for the tournament.
- Selection Show: March 8
- Regional Semifinals: March 20
- Women’s Frozen Four: March 22 (Final)
Looking Ahead
Wisconsin is poised to continue its success in women’s college hockey, attracting top talent for the upcoming season. Ohio State will aim to build on their performance and contend for the championship in future tournaments. The rivalry between these two programs promises exciting matchups in the years to come.
Source: NCAA.com, BVM Sports, el-balad.com, on3.com
Worth a look