Wisconsin Badgers Women's Hockey Begins Title Defense with Renewed Squad
The University of Wisconsin women's hockey team opens its 2026-27 campaign on Friday with a two-game road series against St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York. The Badgers enter the season as the top-ranked team in both the USCHO and USA Hockey preseason polls, edging out Ohio State University. The program seeks its third consecutive national championship, a feat that would extend its remarkable run of five titles in the last seven seasons.
A New Era After Historic Departures
Wisconsin faces the considerable challenge of replacing an extraordinary group of departing players. The roster losses include Olympic MVP Caroline Harvey, who anchored the blue line for four years, as well as Lacey Eden, last season's NCAA points leader, and former scoring champions Kirsten Simms and Laila Edwards. Five Badgers were selected within the first eleven picks of the 2026 PWHL draft, underscoring the magnitude of talent that has moved on to professional ranks.
This level of roster turnover is unprecedented in recent program history. However, the Badgers have demonstrated resilience in past transitions, including last season when they captured the title following the departure of Patty Kazmaier Award winner Casey O'Brien.
Defensive Rebuilding with Veteran Leadership
The defensive corps will feature senior Ava Murphy and Laney Potter as anchors, supported by sophomore Mackenzie Jones and junior Emma Venusio, who are expected to see significantly increased responsibilities. Junior Lauren Johnson, a Sun Prairie native, transfers from Union College to add experience to the blue line.
Providing stability behind the young defense is senior goaltender Ava McNaughton. With a career record of 84-6-4 and a goals-against average of 1.33, McNaughton approaches the 100-win milestone. Her consistent performance will allow the new defensive core to develop throughout the early season.
Offensive Outlook and Key Contributors
Captain Kelly Gorbatenko is projected to lead the team in scoring. After a slow start last season, she finished with 28 goals and will now serve as the primary offensive threat. Senior forward Cassie Hall, who has recorded back-to-back 20-goal seasons, is expected to see an expanded role and could surpass 50 points this year.
Sophomore center Adéla Šapovalivová, a Czechia Olympian, will be integral to the team's offensive production. Her postseason performance included five points in the Frozen Four, and she now assumes greater responsibility with the departure of veteran stars.
New Additions and Fresh Talent
The roster welcomes several promising newcomers. Slovakian standout Nela Lopušanová, who committed to Wisconsin two years ago following a dominant World Junior Championship performance, makes her long-awaited NCAA debut. Additional reinforcements include Canadian under-18 national champion Rosalie Tremblay, Minnesota Ms. Hockey Award winner Maddy Kimbrel, and Wyoming native Haley Box.
The Badgers will face a season-long rivalry with Ohio State, with the two programs favored to meet in the championship game for the fifth consecutive year. Wisconsin returns home in week two to raise the 2026 championship banner against Boston University.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Wisconsin's 2026-27 season begin?
The Badgers open their season on Friday, September 25, 2026, with a two-game road series against St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York.
Who are the key returning players for Wisconsin?
Senior goaltender Ava McNaughton, captain Kelly Gorbatenko, forward Cassie Hall, and sophomore center Adéla Šapovalivová are the primary returning contributors expected to lead the team this season.
How many national titles have the Badgers won recently?
Wisconsin has won five of the last seven NCAA championships and seeks its third consecutive title in 2026-27.