WCHA February Recap

The Olympics have wrapped and eyes are back on the NCAA as the stars return for WCHA Round 1. Here’s everything that went down during the Olympic stretch: 

(1) Wisconsin Badgers 

With their win yesterday the Wisconsin Badgers secured the number 1 seed in the WCHA. Heading into the Olympic Games there were some concerns around how the Badgers would perform losing forwards Kirsten Simms and Adéla Šapovalivová; key defenders Laila Edwards and Caroline Harvey; along with primary goaltender Ava McNaughton. But the Badgers had some surprises up their sleeve with Rhyah Stewart in net, and their depth with 14 players getting on the scoresheet. Leading the way for the Badgers through the break was fifth year forward Lacey Eden, who recorded 8 goals and 11 assists, helping lead the charge was junior Cassie Hall who had 7 goals and 4 assists. On the defensive end it was junior Laney Potter and senior Vivian Jungels with a combined 4 goals and 15 assists. The Badgers are hoping to continue their season dominance into the playoffs, with their depth peaking at the right time and the Olympians returning the Badgers will look to defend their title, and go back-to-back. 

(2) Ohio State Buckeyes 

The Ohio State Buckeyes didn’t miss a beat during the Olympic stretch winning 7 of 8 games, making a run for the number 1 spot. The Buckeyes were without junior forward Joy Dunne, sophomore Mira Jungåker freshman Sanni Vanhanen, Jenna Raunio and Hilda Svensson. Four of the Buckeyes representing their national teams played in the medal games. If the Buckeyes performance during the Olympics proved anything, they are not taking their foot off the gas as they look to climb back to the top. 

(3) Minnesota Golden Gophers 

The Minnesota Golden Gophers continued to struggle finding their game, without star players. Heading into the Olympic Games the Gophers seemed to be set up well, finding goals all over ice, and strong goaltending. But, it’s not how it played out with the Gophers winning only 2 games during the Olympic stretch. However, not all was lost as the Gophers secured home ice advantage and finished third overall in the conference. Heading into WCHA Round 1, the Gopher Olympians will all be back in action, including star senior Abbey Murphy, they look to get their spark back. The Gophers are hoping to hit the ground running in the playoffs and put the past few weeks in the rearview. 

(4) Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs 

The Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs continued to push in the last stretch of the season winning 6 of their final 8 games. Heading into the Olympics there was no doubt about where the team would finish, with no way to move themselves up the standings the Bulldogs focus moved to setting themselves up for a successful post-season gaining momentum. With their recent success and Olympians Thea Johansson and Ida Karlsson re-joining the lineup the Bulldogs are set up for success as they open the playoffs at home. 

(5) Minnesota State Mavericks 

The Minnesota State Mavericks made a push to finish in fifth place. The Mavericks have had their struggles throughout the season against bigger teams, but with their series sweep on the road this past weekend the Mavericks are bringing some momentum. The last month was a really good opportunity for the Mavericks to continue strategizing their lines and building chemistry, with no Olympians in the lineup. With their recent success the Mavericks are looking to flip the script and prove the naysayers wrongs. 

(6) St. Cloud Huskies

The St. Cloud Huskies were also on the hunt for the fifth overall spot, but with their final weekend playing out in Wisconsin, they had to settle for sixth. The Huskies have had their struggles, even with Emilia Kyrkkö continuing to shine in net, Kyrkkö who represented Finland in the Olympics returned to the Huskies lineup this weekend, in preparation for Round 1. Well, the Huskies have struggled to score. Kyrkkö has done a good job keeping games close, to be successful in the playoffs, the Huskies are going to have to push offensive possession and continue locking down their back end. 

(7) St. Thomas Tommies 

The St. Thomas Tommies were also in the mix for the fifth overall spot, but with their continued struggles and only 2 wins in their last 8 games, had to settle for seventh. Well things may look bleak for the Tommies, they can’t be counted out forcing big schools like Wisconsin and Minnesota to extra-time. The Tommies will need to force turnovers and lock down the backend as they look to push past Round 1. 

(8) Bemidji State Beavers 

The Bemidji State Beavers have continued to struggle and the latest stretch was no different with only 1 win in their last 8 games. Facing the reigning champs is going to be a challenge for the Beavers who have been outscored 138 to 38 this season, but anything is possible. The Beavers will need to slow the momentum and flow of the game as they face a strong Badgers offence.