Ohio State Buckeyes Women's Hockey
Ohio State Buckeyes Women's Hockey is the varsity women's ice hockey team that represents The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. The team competes in NCAA Division I and is a member of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA).
The Buckeyes' women's hockey program was established in 1999 and has since become a competitive force in college hockey. The team has earned several accolades and is known for its exceptional performance on the ice. In this article, we will take a closer look at Ohio State Buckeyes Women's Hockey and the players who make up this impressive team.
The History of Ohio State Buckeyes Women's Hockey
Ohio State Buckeyes Women's Hockey began playing at the Division I level in 1999. The team was initially part of the Central Collegiate Women's Hockey Association (CCWHA) and moved to the WCHA in 1999. Since joining the WCHA, the Buckeyes have made 11 appearances in the NCAA Tournament and have finished in the NCAA Tournament's top eight four times.
Ohio State has had several head coaches since the team's establishment, including Jackie Barto, who coached the team from 1999 to 2010, and Nadine Muzerall, who took over as head coach in 2016. In 2018, Muzerall led the Buckeyes to their first-ever WCHA championship.
Ohio State Buckeyes Women's Hockey Players to Watch
Ohio State Buckeyes Women's Hockey has had many exceptional players throughout its history. Here are some of the notable players on the current roster to keep an eye on:
- Jincy Dunne: A senior defenseman from O'Fallon, Missouri, Dunne is a dominant force on the ice. She was a 2020 Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award nominee, which is presented annually to the top female college hockey player in the United States.
- Tatum Skaggs: A senior forward from Hartland, Wisconsin, Skaggs is an offensive powerhouse. She led the team in goals in 2019-20 and was named to the All-WCHA Second Team.
- Emma Maltais: A junior forward from Burlington, Ontario, Maltais is a two-time All-American and was a finalist for the Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award in 2019.
- Andrea Braendli: A junior goaltender from Vaduz, Liechtenstein, Braendli is a standout player in the net. She was named the WCHA Goaltending Champion in 2019-20 and helped Switzerland earn a silver medal at the 2018 Winter Olympics.
Ohio State Buckeyes Women's Hockey Season Highlights
The Ohio State Buckeyes Women's Hockey team has had many impressive seasons throughout its history. Here are some of the recent highlights:
- 2015-16: The Buckeyes finished the season with a 14-18-4 record and made it to the semifinals of the WCHA Tournament.
- 2016-17: Ohio State finished the season with a 14-17-5 record and made it to the quarterfinals of the WCHA Tournament.
- 2017-18: The Buckeyes finished the season with a 24-11-4 record and won the WCHA championship. They also made it to the NCAA Tournament quarterfinals.
- 2018-19: Ohio State finished the season with a 20-15-3 record and made it to the WCHA Tournament semifinals. They also made it to the NCAA Tournament quarterfinals.
- 2019-20: The Buckeyes finished the season with a 24-9-5 record and made it to the WCHA Tournament semifinals. The season was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and Ohio State was unable to participate in the NCAA Tournament.
Final Thoughts
Ohio State Buckeyes Women's Hockey is a team to watch in NCAA Division I ice hockey. The team has a rich history of success and is consistently competitive. With exceptional players and dedicated coaches, the Buckeyes are sure to continue making a name for themselves in the college hockey world.
Whether you are a lifelong Buckeyes fan or a newcomer to the sport, Ohio State Buckeyes Women's Hockey is a team worth rooting for.
