Wisconsin Badgers Women's Ice Hockey
When it comes to college women’s hockey, the Wisconsin Badgers are a team to watch. The team, which represents the University of Wisconsin-Madison, has a rich history of success in the sport, with seven national championship titles and an impressive 40 NCAA tournament appearances.
History of Women’s Hockey at Wisconsin
The Wisconsin women’s hockey program was established in 1971, making it one of the oldest women’s hockey programs in the country. However, it wasn’t until the late 1990s that the team really began to make its mark on the sport.
Under the guidance of head coach Mark Johnson, who also happens to be a former member of the U.S. men’s hockey team and a two-time Olympic silver medalist, the Badgers became a force to be reckoned with in women’s college hockey. Since Johnson took over as head coach in 2002, the team has won five national titles.
The 2019-2020 Season
The most recent season, which was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic, was shaping up to be another successful one for the Badgers. As of the end of February 2020, the team had a record of 28-5-3 and was ranked No. 2 in the nation.
One of the standout players on the team during the 2019-2020 season was forward Daryl Watts. The sophomore, who transferred to Wisconsin from Boston College, led the nation in both goals and points. She was also named the WCHA Player of the Year.
Notable Alumni
Over the years, many talented players have come through the Wisconsin women’s hockey program. Some of the most notable alumni include:
- Hilary Knight: Knight is one of the most well-known women’s hockey players in the world. She has won two Olympic silver medals and one Olympic gold medal as a member of the U.S. women’s hockey team.
- Breanna Decker: Decker is another Olympic gold medalist who played for the Badgers. She currently plays for the Calgary Inferno in the Canadian Women’s Hockey League.
- Meghan Duggan: Duggan is a three-time Olympic medalist who captained the U.S. women’s hockey team to a gold medal at the 2018 Winter Olympics.
Conclusion
The Wisconsin Badgers women’s hockey team is a dominant force in the NCAA. With a rich history of success and a roster of talented players, it’s no surprise that the team is consistently among the top-ranked in the country. Whether you’re a fan of women’s hockey or just love watching top-level college sports, the Badgers are definitely a team to watch.
