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Ohio State Women's Hockey 2025-26
- Thread starter robertearle
- Start date
In a battle of the top teams in the country, top-ranked Wisconsin defeated 2nd-ranked Ohio State earlier tonight by a final score of 2-1. The Buckeyes played a decent game, but could not solve Ava McNaughton until 36 seconds remained in the game, which was too late. Wisconsin was better on special teams, scoring a power play goal and killing off two Buckeye power plays. Wisconsin appeared to play a cleaner game as well. The Buckeyes were without defender Emma Peschel tonight and will also be without her tomorrow. I am not using that as an excuse at all, but it does leave a mark when you are without an elite defender like Pesch. Neither team could light the lamp in the first period so the teams went into the first intermission with a 0-0 tie. Wisconsin's Adéla Šapovalivová scored on a power play in the second period to put the Badgers up 1-0 and that is how the middle frame ended. The game remained that way until Caroline Harvey scored on a 2-on-1 to put Wisconsin up 2-0 late in the game. Ohio State would get goal from Jocelyn Amos with 36 seconds to go in the game to avoid a shutout, final score, 2-1. Both tenders stood tall tonight. The Badgers outshot Ohio State 34-26 in this one. Wisconsin goaltender Ava McNaughton stopped 25 of the 26 shots she faced in the win. Buckeye netminder Hailey MacLeod stopped 32 of the 34 shots she faced in the loss. The two teams are back at it tomorrow at 3:00 pm EST.
Appreciate the kind words. It is good to be #1 in the NPI. Maybe we should be #1 in the human polls, but we need to earn that on the ice by winning tomorrow.
Final Score From Friday, December 5th
Wisconsin 2
Ohio State 1
1. The Buckeyes were good, but the Badgers were just a little better -- across the board. My compatriot osualum86 describes this well.
2. Mixed emotions about all of the pushing and shoving after the whistle. On the one hand, I admire the grit, determination and the refusal to give an inch. On the other hand, seeing such highly skilled players devoting so much energy to this side of the game leaves me a little wistful.
3. Three seasoned Badger Stars delivered a brilliant GWG in a 4 on 4 situation. Confident breakout pass from Lacey Eden. Magical headman pass from Laila Edwards to Caroline Harvey. Burst of speed creates the breakaway. Then Caroline Harvey shot like Caroline Harvey.
#1 Caroline Harvey
#2 Laila Edwards
#3 Lacey Eden
After all, they were the difference-makers -- which is my top factor while Star Gazing. But honestly this approach would omit so many deserving players on both teams, I can't fully embrace it. And while I've been know to be generous with Honorable Mentions, I'm a little baffled as to how to get that list down to a manageable number.
So unorthodox though it may be, that's my take on Friday evening's game. On to Saturday afternoon.
Wisconsin 2
Ohio State 1
Three Story Lines
1. The Buckeyes were good, but the Badgers were just a little better -- across the board. My compatriot osualum86 describes this well.
2. Mixed emotions about all of the pushing and shoving after the whistle. On the one hand, I admire the grit, determination and the refusal to give an inch. On the other hand, seeing such highly skilled players devoting so much energy to this side of the game leaves me a little wistful.
3. Three seasoned Badger Stars delivered a brilliant GWG in a 4 on 4 situation. Confident breakout pass from Lacey Eden. Magical headman pass from Laila Edwards to Caroline Harvey. Burst of speed creates the breakaway. Then Caroline Harvey shot like Caroline Harvey.
Three Stars
If you wish, you can go with:#1 Caroline Harvey
#2 Laila Edwards
#3 Lacey Eden
After all, they were the difference-makers -- which is my top factor while Star Gazing. But honestly this approach would omit so many deserving players on both teams, I can't fully embrace it. And while I've been know to be generous with Honorable Mentions, I'm a little baffled as to how to get that list down to a manageable number.
So unorthodox though it may be, that's my take on Friday evening's game. On to Saturday afternoon.
robertearle
Well-known member
When you went through the possible outcome combinations for the weekend here, you left one out.
Timothy A
Let's go RED!
To be fair, Wisconsin had not swept at that rink since 2019, so a sweep by them was rather unlikely.
It was an entertaining game for the most part, despite not going our way. We are thrilled that we have Joy on our team. You should feel the same way about Caroline Harvey. She is an elite player and fun to watch. That goal she scored tonight was a thing of beauty, and I don't think any tender in the country would have stopped that shot.
Wisconsin swept Ohio State with a convincing win earlier today, 6-1. The Badgers proved unequivocally that they are the best team in the country. Ohio State has some work to do, and possibly some soul-searching after that performance, if they want to get to that level and prove that they belong in the National Championship-contending conversation. Kirsten Simms opened the scoring for the Badgers as they took a 1-0 lead into the first intermission, and that was the last time this was a contest as Wisconsin pulled away after that. The Badgers got three more goals in the second period from Caroline Harvey, Maggie Scannell, and Kelly Gorbatenko to take a commanding 4-0 lead into the final intermission. Wisconsin would get another goal from Gorbatenko in the final frame to take a 5-0 lead. Ohio State's Mira Jungaker would get a goal later in the period to avoid the shutout. Hannah Halverson scored late in the game for the Badgers to make the final score 6-1. Wisconsin is now on top of the NPI rankings, which is correct as they showed that they are the best team in the country. Ohio State outshot the Badgers in this one, 36-35, but it didn't matter. Badger backstop Ava McNaughton stopped 35 of the 36 shots she faced to get her second win of the weekend. Buckeye netminder Genny Klein stopped 29 of the 35 shots she faced in the loss. Both teams will head to a break now. Ohio State will have a non-league series coming out of the break vs. Penn State on 1/2 - 1/3. Wisconsin will travel to Duluth to take on UMD on 1/9 - 1/10. It was telling to me that the coaches, who normally sing the alma mater with the players after the game, skipped the alma mater and headed straight to the locker room. My guess is that they were not happy with the performance, but I have no way of knowing that for sure. We'll see what happens with this team in the second half of the season. If they play like we all know they can play, they will have a shot to accomplish their goals.
robertearle
Well-known member
That's interesting to me.
Earlier this year, after the UW volleyball team lost at home to USC, it was the team members who failed to stay and sing the alma mater. Whether it was the first loss in the Field House this year, or that it was something of an upset, or that it was the first home loss at all for a good number of the players (a very young roster, with a number of transfers) who didn't realize they should still stick around, regardless, I don't know. But the coaches reportedly let them know in no uncertain terms that they are to stay on the court for the alma mater, win or lose. Which they certainly did two weeks later, after a home loss to Nebraska (certainly NOT an upset. LOL)
Final Score From Saturday, December 5th
Wisconsin 6
Ohio State 1
What is a Horologist, you ask? A basic Google Search gives us this answer:
Someone who is fascinated by timepieces, their history, craftsmanship and mechanics. Someone who collects them for their beauty, historical significance or the joy of restoring intricate machines.
Why were local Horologists so happy on Saturday?
We Got Our Clocks Cleaned.
Wisconsin Honorable Mention: Kirsten Simms
Ohio State ate a fair amount of humble pie on Saturday. Kirsten served up the first slice. Preceded by an awesome hesitation move into the middle of the slot, Simms launched a surgical strike into the Buckeye net. With that first goal on the scoresheet, the Badgers were on their way to a dynamic victory.
#3 Star: Kelly Gorbatenko, Wisconsin
Ultimately they were just insurance tallies. But Kelly was the only player to score twice. Gorbatenko pounded in the 4th & 5th Badger goals, which essentially settled the matter.
#2 Star: Ava McNaughton, Wisconsin
Great performance both days by Ava. On Friday McNaughton has 25 Saves on 26 Buckeye Shots. On Saturday the total was 35 Saves on 36 Buckeye Shots. That's 60 Saves for the Weekend!
Naturally Ava has a stingy Badger Defense in front of her. Let's not forget to credit the whole Wisconsin 'D' Corps. Still, McNaughton played plenty well enough to earn a shutout in either game. Buckeye persistence kept that from happening both days. But just barely.
#1 Star: Caroline Harvey, Wisconsin
Caroline has been causing me heartbreak for some time now. Most notably on March 23, 2025.
But Harvey also played quite brilliantly on Saturday. Caroline had a Goal and 2 Assists. Her 3 Scoring Points led all players. Don't forget that Harvey plays 'D' as well. Her 4 Blocked Shots led all players.
#4 has got to be my favorite Badger since at least Sara Bauer. But Caroline, please. I'm not trying to be Petty, but you've Nicked me up enough. Stop dragging my... stop dragging my heart around!
Confidential To All Who Were Chirping: I went to a Hockey Game & a Debate Broke Out. OK, I Get That There Are Times When First Amendment Rights Must Be Exercised. But Keep In Mind You're World Class Hockey Players, Not Debate Club Members!
Next Stargazing: Have A Very Merry Christmas & A Prosperous New Year. Along With Much Happiness!
Then On January 2nd & 3rd, We're Back At The Ice Rink For An Intriguing Match-Up With CHA Leader Penn State.
Wisconsin 6
Ohio State 1
It Was A Great Day For Horology
What is a Horologist, you ask? A basic Google Search gives us this answer:
Someone who is fascinated by timepieces, their history, craftsmanship and mechanics. Someone who collects them for their beauty, historical significance or the joy of restoring intricate machines.
Why were local Horologists so happy on Saturday?
We Got Our Clocks Cleaned.
Three Stars of the Game: Decidedly Unofficial & Just For Fun
Ohio State Honorable Mention: Mira Jungaker
Late in the 3rd Period, Mira took a Holding Penalty. Upon her release for the box, she turned that lemon into lemonade. Back on the OSU Penalty Kill, Jocelyn Amos blocked a shot and Hilda Svensson swept the puck out of the zone. Jungaker gained possession of the puck, and put a backhander into the top shelf of the Badger Net. Too little and much too late? Of course. But nevertheless a sweet shot? Also yes.Ohio State Honorable Mention: Mira Jungaker
Wisconsin Honorable Mention: Kirsten Simms
Ohio State ate a fair amount of humble pie on Saturday. Kirsten served up the first slice. Preceded by an awesome hesitation move into the middle of the slot, Simms launched a surgical strike into the Buckeye net. With that first goal on the scoresheet, the Badgers were on their way to a dynamic victory.
#3 Star: Kelly Gorbatenko, Wisconsin
Ultimately they were just insurance tallies. But Kelly was the only player to score twice. Gorbatenko pounded in the 4th & 5th Badger goals, which essentially settled the matter.
#2 Star: Ava McNaughton, Wisconsin
Great performance both days by Ava. On Friday McNaughton has 25 Saves on 26 Buckeye Shots. On Saturday the total was 35 Saves on 36 Buckeye Shots. That's 60 Saves for the Weekend!
Naturally Ava has a stingy Badger Defense in front of her. Let's not forget to credit the whole Wisconsin 'D' Corps. Still, McNaughton played plenty well enough to earn a shutout in either game. Buckeye persistence kept that from happening both days. But just barely.
#1 Star: Caroline Harvey, Wisconsin
Caroline has been causing me heartbreak for some time now. Most notably on March 23, 2025.
But Harvey also played quite brilliantly on Saturday. Caroline had a Goal and 2 Assists. Her 3 Scoring Points led all players. Don't forget that Harvey plays 'D' as well. Her 4 Blocked Shots led all players.
#4 has got to be my favorite Badger since at least Sara Bauer. But Caroline, please. I'm not trying to be Petty, but you've Nicked me up enough. Stop dragging my... stop dragging my heart around!
Confidential To All Who Were Chirping: I went to a Hockey Game & a Debate Broke Out. OK, I Get That There Are Times When First Amendment Rights Must Be Exercised. But Keep In Mind You're World Class Hockey Players, Not Debate Club Members!
Next Stargazing: Have A Very Merry Christmas & A Prosperous New Year. Along With Much Happiness!
Then On January 2nd & 3rd, We're Back At The Ice Rink For An Intriguing Match-Up With CHA Leader Penn State.
Yeah, not 100% sure why our coaches were not singing the alma mater, just a guess. I probably sounded a tad harsh in my write-up of yesterday's game. I just felt like we needed to play better and should have played better. Hopefully, the team will figure things out and be better for it. I remember us getting rolled by Wisconsin a couple of yeas ago in the WCHA Title Game, then going on to win the National Title in New Hampshire. The coaches and kids will have a month to stew about this before Penn State comes to town the first weekend of January. Hopefully they come out with fire in their eyes and ready to start rolling. February will be difficult when we are missing our best players during the Olympics. Wisconsin will be in the same boat. My educated guess is that you will be without Harvey, Eden, Simms, Edwards, possibly McNaughton (not sure who the USA will pick to be the third goaltender), maybe others that are playing for other countries. Minnesota seems like they may be best-positioned to weather the Olympics. We'll see.
Caroline Harvey is one of my favorites. I love her game. She is so smooth and when she gets in open space, forget about it. It is going to be fun watching her in the Olympics and the PWHL. LOL, it will be fun when she is no longer playing for the Badgers!
They are so loaded this season, just like last season. I sitll think we can play with them and beat them, but we need to continue to work and get better.Wisconsin by far will be the best to weather the Olympic storm.. Ohio State and Minnesota without their “Best” players are merely mortal and Ohio State is severely shorthanded to begin with. You take out Dunne, Svennson, Jungaker and Raunio and you have not much left in numbers let alone talent.
Minnesota without Murphy, Bouveng, Primerano and you are wondering who will score a goal.
Wisconsin will not lose one of their top forwards as everyone thinks and you combine that with, Gorbatenko, Hall, Scannell, Potter, Juengels, Picard, McCarthy and I’ll play that all day long against what’s left of anyone.
robertearle
Well-known member
The only other absentee for Wisconsin will be Sapovalivova.
eastcoastgopher
Member
Murphy, Bouveng, Plosova, Laitinen, and possibly Primerano gone for Minnesota. So that's the two primary play-drivers up front and two of the three defenders who provide offense. Don't know when Paul's coming back. While there's still plenty of talent on the team so much of what they do is tied into 18. The best hope is actually the schedule, where they'll be playing other shorthanded teams. Who knows.