Ohio State Women's Ice Hockey
The Ohio State Women's Ice Hockey team is a force to be reckoned with in the NCAA. The Buckeyes have been ranked in the top 10 nationally and in the top 3 in their conference in recent years. With a talented roster and dedicated coaching staff, Ohio State is poised to continue its success in the coming seasons.
A Brief History of Ohio State Women's Ice Hockey
Ohio State Women's Ice Hockey began as a club team in the 1999-2000 season. In 2002, the Buckeyes moved up to varsity status and joined the Central Collegiate Women's Hockey Association (CCWHA). The team has since moved to the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA), one of the top conferences in the country.
The Buckeyes have seen success in recent years with back-to-back NCAA tournament appearances in 2018 and 2019. In the 2019 tournament, Ohio State reached the Frozen Four for the first time in program history.
The Coaching Staff
The Ohio State Women's Ice Hockey team is led by head coach Nadine Muzerall. Muzerall was hired in 2016 after serving as an assistant coach at the University of Minnesota. In just her second season at Ohio State, she led the Buckeyes to their first ever NCAA Frozen Four appearance.
Under Muzerall's leadership, the Buckeyes have seen immense success, with two NCAA tournament appearances and a conference championship in the past three seasons. Muzerall's coaching style emphasizes hard work, discipline, and a team-first mentality.
The Roster
The Ohio State Women's Ice Hockey team boasts a talented roster with players from across the United States and Canada. The team is led by senior forward Emma Maltais, who was named a finalist for the Patty Kazmaier Award in 2020. Maltais is a highly skilled player who can score and create chances for her teammates.
Junior goaltender Andrea Braendli is another key player for the Buckeyes. Braendli, who hails from Switzerland, has been a standout in net for Ohio State since her freshman season. She has a career save percentage of .929 and has recorded 9 shutouts in her collegiate career.
The Facilities
The Ohio State Women's Ice Hockey team plays its home games at the OSU Ice Rink. The rink has a seating capacity of 1,400 and features modern amenities for players and fans alike. The Buckeyes also have access to state-of-the-art training facilities and equipment.
The Fanbase
The Ohio State Women's Ice Hockey team has a dedicated and passionate fanbase. Buckeye fans regularly pack the OSU Ice Rink to cheer on the team, and the program has a strong following on social media.
The Buckeyes also have the support of the university and athletic department. Ohio State has made significant investments in the women's hockey program in recent years, including facility upgrades and increased resources for recruiting and training.
Conclusion
The Ohio State Women's Ice Hockey team is a rising powerhouse in the NCAA. With a talented roster, dedicated coaching staff, and strong support from the university and fans, the Buckeyes are poised for continued success in the coming seasons.