Two-time reigning NCAA Champions Wisconsin Badgers are going into their 2026-2027 season feeling the familiarity of the No. 1 seed, but this Badger team looks different from last year’s.
With new leadership and players stepping into key roles, the Badgers will need to adjust quickly to find success on the ice.
This is not the first time Wisconsin is the No. 1 seed, as this season marks the 11th time the U.S. College Hockey Online (USCHO) poll has ranked them in first.
Heated Rivalry
Wisconsin’s archrival Ohio State also received many first-place votes for seeding from both the USCHO and USA Hockey polls. The Buckeyes were placed first in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) Preseason Coaches Poll, preceding the Badgers.
The two schools have had a heated rivalry since the Badgers defeated the Buckeyes 3-2 to win the 2026 National Championship. Wisconsin will face Ohio State University early this season, which dealt the Badgers their two losses in the regular season last year.
Ohio State landed the Badgers’ first loss, 4-1, then later took the WCHA Championship, 2-1, winning conference play.
Fans should look forward to when these two teams meet, as they both dominate the hockey world at the highest level and have fierce competition.
Looking Ahead
The Minnesota Golden Gophers will be tough to beat this upcoming season. The Gophers are ranked No. 3 behind Ohio State. The Badgers will face border-rival Minnesota in the upcoming months. Wisconsin has until early December to hone in on new players and refine the overall team before taking on the Gophers.
Wisconsin finished the 2025-2026 season with a 35-4-2 record and their ninth national championship. However, the team graduated standout players who led them last season.
The loss of star seniors such as Caroline Harvey, Lalia Edwards, Lacey Eden, Kristen Simms and Vivian Jungels — all of whom were first-round picks in the most recent PWHL draft — places pressure on the new Badger team.
Kelly Gorbatenko is the only returning player with leadership experience, as she was an alternate captain for the 2025-2026 season and was named this season’s captain. She contributed 28 goals and 22 assists last season, with a standout performance in the National Championship with one goal and one assist against Ohio State.
Ava McNaughton, Laney Potter and Maggie Scannell step into first-time alternate captain roles.
The team’s strengths, weaknesses to watch
The Badgers remain strong in their goaltending. Senior goaltender Ava McNaughton is an essential defensive element. In 2026, she was named Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA Tournament, which follows her 2025 National Goalie of the Year accolade.
Not only does Wisconsin have a strong returning core, but with a decorated up-and-coming freshman class, they have the potential for yet another sensational year. Hall of Fame coach Mark Johnson remarked that the highly anticipated incoming freshmen are one of the most skilled groups Wisconsin has obtained.
Johnson’s recruiting class brought on four forwards: Nela Lopušanová, Haley Box, Maddy Kimbrel, and Rosalie Tremblay. On the blue line, freshman defenders Shayla Beaudette, Brynn Holvenstot and Emma Cerruti will enter the line-up. Backing up McNaughton and sophomore goaltender Rhyah Stewart, freshman Kayla Swartout is Wisconsin’s future between the pipes.
These are eight dynamic and talented athletes ready to fill gaps the team has and may have the potential to go beyond that. However, facing early top-tier opponents such as Ohio State and Minnesota may prove difficult for the new Badger team as they navigate building chemistry and experience for younger players.
This past weekend, Wisconsin kicked off the season against unranked St. Lawrence University and triumphed in both games. Winning 6-2 the first night, then followed it with a 6-0 shut-out to end the series.
Wisconsin’s home opener will be the first opportunity to see the new women’s hockey team on home ice. The Badgers take on Boston University at La Bahn Arena on Oct. 1.
Coming off of two historic seasons and unending program success, the 2026-27 Badgers have much to prove and expectations to uphold. Only time will tell if they can continue the dominant legacy of Wisconsin women’s hockey.
