Game Thread: Badgers and Buckeyes meet in an early season showdown among top teams

On March 22, 2026, the Wisconsin Badgers took on the Ohio State Buckeyes in the NCAA Women's Ice Hockey Championship game at Pegula Ice Arena in State College, Pennsylvania. This marked the earliest meeting between the two teams since 2016 and served as the first true test for the Badgers, who had recently posted a perfect 4-0 record.

The Buckeyes, who had recently returned from a successful road series against No. 4 Penn State, were expected to be battle-tested going into the matchup. The Badgers, on the other hand, had several newcomers who were proving their worth, including freshman forward Nela Lopušanová, who was named WCHA Rookie of the Week with five points in a single game.

Veteran leaders Cassie Hall and Kelly Gorbatenko were also performing well, averaging two points per game through the first four contests. The Badgers' goaltender, Ava McNaughton, had a stellar record against the Buckeyes, going 8-4-1 with a 2-1 record in NCAA championship games. However, the Buckeyes brought back two high-scoring players, Hilda Svensson and Joy Dunne, who had already posted four goals in four games.

The first game of the series ended in a 2-1 loss for the Badgers, with Svensson scoring the go-ahead goal in the third period. The Badgers will look to bounce back in the second game, scheduled for Saturday, October 10, at 2:00 p.m. in Columbus, Ohio, where they will host the Buckeyes at the Ohio State Ice Rink. The game will be broadcast on Big Ten Plus.