The defending champions began their season against the St. Lawrence Saints this past weekend, winning the first game 6-2 and the second 6-0. Wisconsin enters the season ranked No. 1 in both the U.S. College Hockey Online (USCHO) and USA Hockey preseason polls after beating out Ohio State, and the University of Minnesota, who are second and third, respectively.
The Badgers had one of the highest-producing senior classes in school history, and being able to replace that production will be a challenge. This includes the likes of Patter Kazmaier Award winner and Olympic MVP Caroline Harvey, Lacey Eden, Kirsten Simms and Laila Edwards.
New faces, fresh skaters
Wisconsin has never steered away from a challenge. Two first year players have been highly anticipated: Nela Lopušanová and Rosalie Tremblay.
Lopušanová, a Slovakian star, committed to Wisconsin over two years ago after having a fantastic performance at the World Junior Championships — a player with professional experience who will be integral to the Badger’s success this year. She assisted the first goal scored by Maggie Scannell four minutes into the second
Another important addition to the Badgers is Tremblay — a Canadian under-18 national champion and MVP for Canada. She scored the lone goal this past Aug. in the 2026 National Women’s Development Team Series vs United States, playing against five of her new Wisconsin teammates. She had an assist in the first game on the first goal, helping the Badgers begin their six goals on the day's spree.
Offensive power
The Badgers have returners such as forwards Kelly Gorbatenko, Cassie Hall and Maggie Scannell.
From her sophomore to junior season, Gorbatenko has increased her goal production from 15 to 28 total goals, and is on track to pump up those numbers. She had 4 goals and 5 points on the weekend.
Hall is coming off back-to-back 20 goal seasons, on track to finish with over 50 points this season after being shy two points last season. She had 2 goals and 5 points this weekend, adding to her stat line.
Captain Scannell, the sole junior captain, had 13 goals and 15 assists last season. She was selected as the captain for Team USA in August.
Sophomore Charlotte Pieckenhagen had 3 assists and 1 goal on Friday's win, adding to the versatility for Wisconsin. With a year under her belt, Pieckenhagen already proved she can be an asset in multiple ways on the offense.
Along with Ava McNaughton, Gorbatenko, Hall and Scannell are projected to be Wisconsin’s most productive skaters. Their leadership and guidance this season will help shape a young team; they have the ability to coach their newcomers and learn versatility with only 12 full-time forwards.
On the blue line
Ava Murphy and Captain Laney Potters are veteran defenders La Bahn Arena is lucky to see again this season. With their combined strength, they carry a frightening defense for Wisconsin’s end of the ice.
Murphy is a two-way defender, with one goal, 16 points and 15 assists. She was awarded Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) Defender of the Week and strives for the success that the Wisconsin hockey program gives.
Potters had 26 points last season, 10 goals and 16 assists. She was most beneficial during the tournament run with three points as well as 52 blocks overall. Potters added two more blocks this past Friday.
The defenders can shut down opponents in the neutral zone, and always swing the momentum the way of Wisconsin.
Between the pipes
On the goalie side, Ava McNaughton will be at the helm as she appeared in 32 games last season. She had a save percentage of .939 and a 1.35 GAA, even with her Olympic appearance, where she’ll likely appear again this November for Team USA.
Kayla Stewart will step in again as her backup. With another year of growth under her, Stewart’s talent will rise above more often, and her presence will calm the team. Stewart stopped 26 shots on the weekend, with her first career shut out in the second game.
Fresh faces
There are nine new skaters on this Badger roster — eight freshmen and one transfer. Along with Lopušanová and Tremblay, Shayla Beaudette, Emma Cerruti, Brynn Holvenstot, Haley Box, who scored her first goal Saturday, Maddy Kimbrel, who recorded her first assist Friday, and Kayla Swartout are all new to collegiate hockey.
Lauren Johnson is a transfer from Union College, ready to take her claws out on defense. Johnson, the Sun Prairie native, had two assists, two points and 11 blocks her sophomore season. She will bring in-state pride as well as veteran experience from another conference.
A family is also reuniting on the ice, with sophomore Nicole and Rachel Gorbatenko joining their sister Kelly.
This year’s team has an average age of just 19. Already on a hot streak, they will look to take the ice and continue the dynasty everyone knows Oct. 1 at home in La Bahn Arena.
