Wisconsin Wins Eighth Women’s Hockey Championship After Defeating Ohio State in Overtime in the Frozen Four Final

The 2025 NCAA Women’s Ice Hockey Tournament will go down in history not just for the thrilling performances it featured, but for the dramatic and hard-fought championship final between the Wisconsin Badgers and the Ohio State Buckeyes. The game, which took place in front of a packed arena and millions of viewers at home, was a nail-biting, back-and-forth battle that had everything: drama, intensity, skill, and resilience. When the final buzzer sounded after an overtime period, the Wisconsin Badgers emerged victorious, securing their eighth NCAA Women’s Ice Hockey Championship in a stunning 3-2 victory over the Ohio State Buckeyes.

The win was especially sweet for Wisconsin, who had been through some highs and lows in their journey to the Frozen Four. But the way they triumphed in this final—on the back of timely heroics, relentless teamwork, and grit—was a testament to the Badgers’ dominance in the sport and their ability to rise to the occasion when it mattered most. For Ohio State, it was a heartbreaking defeat, as they had fought valiantly and were on the verge of claiming their first-ever national championship. However, despite their best efforts, the Buckeyes fell short in one of the most dramatic and emotionally charged games in NCAA women’s hockey history.

The Road to the Frozen Four: A Championship Battle

Both Wisconsin and Ohio State had been dominant forces in women’s college hockey throughout the season. Wisconsin entered the tournament as the top seed, riding high on a regular-season campaign that saw them finish with an impressive record, bolstered by a potent offense and a defense that was nearly impenetrable. The Badgers had long been considered one of the premier programs in the country, with a rich history of success and a championship pedigree that made them a favorite to take home the title.

Ohio State, on the other hand, had emerged as one of the sport’s rising powers, under the leadership of head coach Nadine Muzerall. The Buckeyes had enjoyed a banner year, showcasing the best of what modern women’s college hockey could offer. With an explosive offense, a balanced defensive core, and one of the nation’s top goaltenders, Ohio State was ready to take the next step in their program’s history. They had already secured a spot in the Frozen Four, and the championship game against Wisconsin would be their chance to solidify their place among the elite.

Both teams had been on a collision course for the national championship since the outset of the tournament. Wisconsin and Ohio State had both survived intense competition in the earlier rounds, overcoming tough opponents with resilience and skill. However, both teams knew that their toughest test still lay ahead. The Frozen Four final would prove to be the ultimate test of both their skill and their mental toughness.

A Thrilling First Period: A Tense Start

As the puck dropped in the Frozen Four final, it was immediately apparent that both teams came prepared for war. The early exchanges were fast-paced, with both teams looking to establish themselves physically and take control of the game. Wisconsin’s offensive depth, led by standout players like senior forward Abby Roque and dynamic sophomore forward Lacey Eden, came to the forefront in the opening minutes. The Badgers quickly began to put pressure on Ohio State’s defense and goaltender, Andrea Braendli, who had been one of the best in the country all season long.

Despite the offensive pressure from Wisconsin, Ohio State was not going to back down easily. The Buckeyes’ defensive core, anchored by the likes of Emma Maltais and Jincy Dunne, did everything they could to keep Wisconsin’s forwards at bay. Ohio State’s counterattacks, led by the talented duo of Liz Schepers and Paetyn Levis, had their moments, and they threatened to break through Wisconsin’s defense.

It wasn’t until the 15-minute mark that the first goal of the game came, and it was Wisconsin that struck first. A beautiful pass from senior captain Sophie Shirley found Lacey Eden in the slot, who made a move to her backhand and slid the puck past Braendli, giving the Badgers a 1-0 lead. The goal was a product of precise puck movement and quick decision-making, something Wisconsin had executed to perfection all season long.

The lead, however, didn’t last long. Just two minutes after Eden’s goal, Ohio State responded in kind. A miscommunication between Wisconsin’s defense and goaltender, Kennedy Blair, led to a loose puck in front of the net. Liz Schepers, always in the right place at the right time, pounced on the opportunity and slammed the puck home to tie the game at 1-1. The Ohio State bench erupted, and the game quickly turned into a back-and-forth battle with both teams pushing for a second goal.

The first period ended with both teams tied 1-1, and the stage was set for an exhilarating second frame. Both Wisconsin and Ohio State knew that the next goal would be crucial, and neither side seemed willing to give an inch. As the second period began, it was clear that the intensity was only going to increase.

The Second Period: A Defensive Struggle

The second period was a more methodical and defensive affair compared to the opening frame. Both teams were extremely cautious with their puck management, realizing that any mistake could lead to a momentum shift. The pace was still fast, but the game had slowed down in terms of scoring chances.

Wisconsin continued to apply pressure on Braendli, who was having a stellar game, making save after save to keep her team in it. The Buckeyes, for their part, played a more patient style, waiting for Wisconsin to make a mistake that they could capitalize on. The Badgers’ defense, led by players like Caroline Harvey and Charly Dahlquist, kept Ohio State at bay, blocking shots and playing physical to prevent any clean opportunities.

It wasn’t until the 12-minute mark of the second period that the game would see its second goal. This time, it was Ohio State who would take the lead. A well-executed power play saw a crisp pass from Jincy Dunne to Paetyn Levis at the point, who fired a low shot that was deflected in front by Liz Schepers. The redirection beat Blair, giving Ohio State a 2-1 lead and sending their fans into a frenzy. The Buckeyes had weathered the storm in the first period and had now gained the upper hand.

Wisconsin wasn’t going to let the game slip away so easily. They ramped up their pressure and threw everything they had at Ohio State in the final minutes of the period. However, Braendli stood tall, making crucial saves on shots from Roque and Shirley. The period ended with Ohio State holding a 2-1 lead, but the momentum had clearly shifted in Wisconsin’s favor. The stage was set for a thrilling final period of regulation.

The Third Period: Wisconsin Forces Overtime

The final 20 minutes of regulation saw both teams battling for every inch of ice. Wisconsin, desperate to tie the game, came out with everything they had. The Badgers’ speed and skill began to shine through as they dominated possession, with Abby Roque leading the charge with a number of dangerous chances. Braendli, however, remained a wall in net, stopping everything thrown her way.

With less than five minutes left in regulation, Wisconsin’s persistence finally paid off. After a prolonged shift in Ohio State’s zone, the Badgers got the puck to the point, where sophomore defenseman Caroline Harvey fired a slapshot that was deflected in front by Lacey Eden. The puck found its way past Braendli, and Wisconsin had tied the game 2-2.

The atmosphere in the arena was electric as both teams fought for the game-winner in the closing minutes of regulation. However, neither team could break through in the final moments, and the game was headed to overtime, with the national championship on the line. The excitement and tension in the building were palpable, as fans on both sides knew that this game could end at any moment.

Overtime: Wisconsin Claims the Championship

Overtime in the NCAA Women’s Hockey Championship is always a nerve-wracking affair. One mistake, one brilliant play, could end the game in an instant. As the puck dropped for the extra period, both teams knew that the next goal would secure the national championship.

It didn’t take long for Wisconsin to make their move. Less than five minutes into overtime, the Badgers capitalized on a turnover in Ohio State’s defensive zone. Abby Roque, who had been a constant presence all game long, made a beautiful pass to Sophie Shirley, who was skating in on a breakaway. Shirley faked a shot and slid the puck across the crease to a waiting Lacey Eden, who tapped it into the open net for the game-winning goal. The Wisconsin bench erupted as Eden, the hero of the night, was mobbed by her teammates.

With that, the game ended, and Wisconsin had claimed their eighth NCAA Women’s Ice Hockey Championship with a thrilling 3-2 overtime victory over Ohio State. The Badgers celebrated their hard-fought triumph, while the Ohio State players, exhausted and heartbroken, could only watch as their dreams of a national title slipped away.

A Heartbreaking Defeat for Ohio State

For Ohio State, the loss was devastating. The Buckeyes had fought valiantly, overcoming adversity and showing incredible heart throughout the game. They had been moments away from winning their first-ever national championship, but in the end, it was Wisconsin’s experience and poise that proved to be the difference. Head coach Nadine Muzerall and her players were clearly disappointed, but they could hold their heads high knowing they had given everything they had in the final.

A Historic Championship for Wisconsin

For Wisconsin, this victory marked their eighth NCAA Women’s Ice Hockey Championship, further cementing their status as one of the premier programs in the sport. The Badgers have now won more national titles than any other team in NCAA women’s hockey history, a testament to the strength and consistency of their program over the years. The win was also a crowning achievement for head coach Mark Johnson, who has built Wisconsin into a perennial powerhouse and a destination for the best hockey players in the country.

Looking Ahead

The 2025 Frozen Four final between Wisconsin and Ohio State will go down as one of the most memorable in NCAA Women’s Ice Hockey history. The game had everything: incredible skill, dramatic momentum shifts, and a thrilling overtime finish. For Wisconsin, it was another championship in an already decorated history. For Ohio State, it was a heartbreaking loss but one that will serve as motivation as they continue to build toward their own national championship aspirations. Both teams have bright futures ahead, and it’s clear that this rivalry will continue to captivate the world of women’s hockey for years to come.