Badgers Are Back

Miles Felix/University of Wisconsin

The Wisconsin Badgers were back in action this weekend as they went on the road to take on the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs in their first game in the new year. While the Bulldogs looked to bounce back from back-to-back losses in the friendship series in Northern Ireland. 

The series kicked off Friday afternoon, and neither team was willing to give up the win, even through extra time, leaving Game 1 as a 1-1 tie. In the game, Madison Burr struck first for the Bulldogs just over a minute and a half into the first period. Then, at the end of the second period, Caroline Harvey found the back of the net to tie the game. 

In net, both goalies stood strong with Ava McNaughton for the Badgers holding off 24 shots, keeping the game tight after going down early. While Ève Gascon for the Bulldogs held off 37 shots, holding down the back end. On defence, it was Ashley Messier and Tova Henderson that stood out, each recording four blocks in the game for the Bulldogs. 

Game 2 was a whole different story with the Badgers hungry for a win. It was Kelly Gorbatenko who kicked off the scoring in the second half of the first frame. The Badgers were able to hold onto their 1-0 to end the period. 

The scoring in the second period kicked off in a similar fashion, but this time it was Adéla Šapovalivová short-handed from Lacey Eden, to double the Badgers' lead. Then it was Caroline Harvey from Laila Edwards and Kirsten Simms on the power-play, extending the lead to 3-0 at the end of two. 

The Bulldogs weren’t ready to give up and fought for it in the third with Rae Mayer getting them on the board short-handed. But the Badgers would answer this time with Kirsten Simms from Eden and Edwards on the power-play. Then, to cap off the series, Laila Edwards found the back of the net off Caroline Harvey on the power-play to take a 5-1 win over the Bulldogs. 

Ève Gascon had an incredible game in net for the Bulldogs despite the score, holding off 39 of the 44 shots. While the Badgers found a way to hold the Bulldogs to only 16 shots the entire game, relieving pressure from Ava McNaughton. 

Badgers Olympic Test

The Wisconsin Badgers have several players heading to the Olympic Games this February. With Laila Edwards, Ava McNaughton, Caroline Harvey, and Kirsten Simms representing the USA and Adéla Šapovalivová representing Czechia. 

While this is an amazing accomplishment for these young players, it leaves the Badgers in a tough spot as the NCAA schedule continues without them. Luckily for the Badgers, some of the pressure is relieved sitting in first place, but they also don’t want to slide down the standings before the WCHA playoffs kick off February 27th. 

The Badgers have a big matchup against rival Golden Gophers at the end of January before the Olympic Games kick-off. The next few matchups for the Badgers and Golden Gophers really matter as they are both sending off key players. Well, the Games are on in Italy, the remaining Badgers will be left to play Ohio State and Minnesota State, with Olympic players also possibly missing their last matchup of the season against St. Cloud. 

The Olympics will be a good test for the Badgers team as Harvey, Edwards, and Simms are expected to declare for the PWHL draft this year. 

Standings 

The Wisconsin Badgers have held onto 1st place in the standings, leading the WCHA with 41 points. Not far behind is Ohio State, sitting at 38 and the University of Minnesota at 36. They are currently 19-1-2  on the season and 13-1-2 in the conference.