A True Dynasty, and a new definition for “Title 9”
University of Wisconsin Badgers: 9 Time National Champions
2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2019, 2021, 2023, 2025, 2026
For the third time in four seasons, the Lady Badgers contentedly defended their title, going back-to-back as the 2026 Natty Champions in an intense late-push battle against their long-time sweltering rivalry, the Ohio State Buckeyes. Wisconsin retained their sovereignty while raising their 9th Natty Trophy and finishing the season (35-4-2) and beating OSU 3-2. Each of their three previous match-ups were decided by only one goal, showing that these two teams know and compete against each other very well quite often. But the Lady Badgers continue to have their number.
The University of Wisconsin undisputedly has the best college hockey program in the world for women, having seven “Patty Kazmaier Award” winners, several Olympic gold medalists, and (5x) Frozen Four All-Tournament players from this game.
2026 Women’s Frozen Four All-Tournament Team
Forward, Tessa Janecke (Penn State)
Forward, Laila Edwards (Wisconsin)
Forward, Kirsten Simms (Wisconsin)
Defenseman, Caroline Harvey (Wisconsin)
Defenseman, Emma Peschel (Ohio State)
Goaltender, Ava McNaughton (Wisconsin)
Generational Talent all across the board with a more than successful season all around.
Lacey Eden goes down in the history books, becoming the first player in NCAA D1 hockey history to win four national championships. Kristen Simms scored her 100th career goal that sent Wisconsin to the National Championship Game. Ava McNaughton is named the “Most Outstanding Player” Award. Head Coach Mark Johnson’s legacy has been stamped and approved as the most winningest coaching NCAA Women’s Hockey history, reaching 700 career wins and nine championships.
2026 has undeniably been one of the best years for women’s hockey.
And let’s talk about Caroline Harvey.
Carline Harvey: An Optimal Season Performance in One Year (2026)
- – US College Hockey Player of the Year
- – WCHA Player of The Year
- – Olympic Gold Medalist
- – Olympic All-Star
- – Olympic Best Defender
- – 1st Team All-American
- – NCAA National Champion
From childhood friends to Olympic roommates. It is a bittersweet moment knowing that the end of an era has finally approached. This being the last season that Laila Edwards and Caroline Harvey will wear the big red “W” on their chest. It’ll be no surprise if they are both a Top 3 pick in this year’s PWHL Draft. Edwards, Harvey, Kristen Simms, and Ava McNaughton couldn’t have ended the season on a better note, taking home gold medals and winning a National Championship banner all within a month. All teams have high and lows, but this Lady Badgers team has been riding high since game one.
Passion. Pride. Determination.
Poetry in Motion.
Dante Robinson | Senior PWHL Analyst for The NSR Network
