Wisconsin goaltender Ava McNaughton is recovering nicely | Update
Senior Ava McNaughton left Wisconsin's season opener Sept. 25 with a lower body injury, but the prospect for a quick return sounds promising.
Madison - The outlook for Wisconsin senior goaltender Ava McNaughton is looking positive after she suffered a lower body injury during the Badgers' season opener against St. Lawrence on September 25. The injury forced McNaughton to leave the game and she was initially considered "day-to-day" by UW Communications. However, Badgers associate head coach Dan Koch reported on September 29 that McNaughton has been practicing this week.
The Badgers will host Boston University for their home opener on October 1-2, with the program set to raise its national championship banner before the game. Koch acknowledged that while the severity of the injury is unknown, McNaughton appeared to be making progress. She was able to wake up the next morning without swelling and showed improved movement.
McNaughton, a member of the 2026 gold medal Olympic team, suffered the injury while making a save at the 13:21 mark of the second period, with the score tied at 2-2. She immediately grabbed her left leg and felt better the following day. While she was not needed to play in the series finale the following day, the plan was to start sophomore Rhyah Stewart, who had a strong showing in the Olympics.
Stewart made 15 saves and recorded her first shutout in a 6-0 victory over St. Lawrence, playing in 12 games and posting a .924 save percentage. The Badgers are looking to give Stewart more opportunities as McNaughton continues her recovery.
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