The No. 1 Wisconsin Badgers women’s hockey team won the Icebreaker Tournament last weekend in Schenectady, NY, beating Vermont 8-1 Friday before blanking Union College 4-0 Saturday in the final.
The offense was flowing early against Vermont. Badger forward Lacey Eden put up the first points of the tournament by capitalizing on a power play early in the first period. Four minutes later, forward Laney Potter scored on a loose puck to make it 2-0.
In the second period, captain and defender Caroline Harvey scored during another Wisconsin power play. The goal was assisted by Eden, who became the 13th Badger to have 100 career assists. Cassie Hall followed with two goals, ending the period 5-0.
The third period started off strong with a goal from forward Kelly Gorbatenko. Vermont then got on the board when Stella Retrum scored. It would be the only goal Wisconsin goalie Ava McNaughton allowed the whole tournament.
Wisconsin scored two more goals to seal the game, 8-1.
Wisconsin took on Union College Saturday afternoon in the championship game. Much like Friday, Wisconsin's first goal was on a power play by Hall. In the first period alone, the Badgers totaled 30 shots against Union’s goaltender Monja Wagner. However, none were successful.
Wisconsin broke through in the second period. After receiving a clean pass from Harvey, Gorbatenko shot one past Wagner. Minutes later, Eden got in on the action, making the game 3-0.
Thiry seconds into the third period, Eden scored again, putting the game out of reach.
With three goals and two assists on the weekend, Eden was named MVP of the Icebreak Tournament.
In winning the Icebreaker Tournament, the Badgers show they’ve come to play, not letting a game go by without putting their best skate forward. It also gave new players a taste of what a championship situation feels like, something the defending national champs will surely carry with them the rest of the season.
Amid their successful roadtrip, Wisconsin also celebrated ten current and former players named to Team USA’s squad for the 2025 Rivalry Series — an annual event since 2018 between Team Canada and Team USA, who use it as a way to gear up before big tournaments. This year, the event is a lead up to the 2026 Winter Olympics. The first Rivalry game will be played on November 6 in Cleveland, OH.
Looking forward, this Saturday and Sunday the Badgers will take on Minnesota State at La Bahn Arena.
