The final game of the 2025 NCAA women`s hockey tournament is set to be a thrilling rematch. Top-seeded Wisconsin will face off against Ohio State for the national championship, marking the third consecutive year these two powerhouses have competed for the title.
These teams have dominated women`s college hockey in recent years, splitting the last four national championships. Wisconsin claimed victory in 2023 and 2021, while Ohio State triumphed in 2024 and 2022.
Wisconsin, entering as the top overall seed, boasts an impressive 35-1-2 record. Their only defeat was a narrow one-goal loss to Ohio State earlier in the season. In the semifinals, the Badgers demonstrated their strength by defeating Minnesota 6-2. Ohio State, the defending champions, secured their spot in the final with a 4-2 win against Cornell.
The highly anticipated championship game will take place on Saturday at Ridder Arena in Minneapolis at 4 p.m. ET.
- Schedule
- Frozen Four (at Ridder Arena, Minneapolis)
- Semifinals, March 21
- Final, March 23
- Regionals
- First Round, March 13
- Finals, March 15
- Frozen Four Preview: Keys to Victory
- Wisconsin Badgers (35-1-2)
- Ohio State Buckeyes (27-7-3)
- Tournament Field Overview
- Wisconsin (35-1-2)
- Ohio State (27-7-3)
- Cornell (24-4-5)
- Minnesota (28-11-1)
- Colgate (30-8-0)
- Minnesota Duluth (21-14-2)
- Penn State (31-5-1)
- Clarkson (24-12-2)
- St. Lawrence (21-11-5)
- Boston University (24-11-2)
- Sacred Heart (21-14-3)
Schedule
All times Eastern
Frozen Four (at Ridder Arena, Minneapolis)
Semifinals, March 21
- Ohio State 4, Cornell 2
- Wisconsin 6, Minnesota 2
Final, March 23
- Ohio State vs. Wisconsin, 4 p.m. ET
Regionals
First Round, March 13
- Minnesota Duluth 6, Sacred Heart 1
- St. Lawrence 4, Penn State 1
- Clarkson 3, Boston University 1
Finals, March 15
- No. 1 Wisconsin 4, Clarkson 1
- No. 4 Minnesota 3, No. 5 Colgate 2
- No. 3 Cornell 1, Minnesota Duluth 0
- No. 2 Ohio State 6, St. Lawrence 1
Frozen Four Preview: Keys to Victory
Wisconsin Badgers (35-1-2)
How Wisconsin Can Win:
- Control the Pace: Wisconsin needs to set the tempo early and utilize their depth throughout the game.
- Power Play Efficiency: Capitalize on power play opportunities; special teams could be decisive.
Player to Watch: Casey O`Brien, a fifth-year forward, is a high-scoring threat, averaging 2.18 points per game.
Ohio State Buckeyes (27-7-3)
How Ohio State Can Win:
- Maintain Identity: Continue their aggressive, pressure-focused style of play.
- Team Unity: Play as a cohesive five-player unit, relying on teamwork.
Player to Watch: Jocelyn Amos, a sophomore forward, leads the Buckeyes in scoring with 27 goals.
Tournament Field Overview
(Statistics as teams entered the NCAA tournament)
Wisconsin (35-1-2)
PairWise Ranking: 1
Tournament Entry: WCHA Tournament Champion
Key Stats: Wisconsin`s only regulation loss was against Ohio State. They are the top-scoring team (5.45 goals per game) and have the top three individual scorers. They also lead in scoring defense (1.11 goals per game). They have won seven national titles.
Analyst`s Take: Wisconsin is the top team this season, led by experienced players like O`Brien and Harvey. Goalie McNaughton is a top goalie finalist. They excel on power play and penalty kill, making them a strong contender despite being a target.
Ohio State (27-7-3)
PairWise Ranking: 2
Tournament Entry: At-large bid (WCHA)
Key Stats: Ohio State has won two of the last three national titles. They were strong before losing to Minnesota in the WCHA semifinals. They are second in scoring offense (3.84 goals per game). Jocelyn Amos is a top scorer and faceoff specialist.
Analyst`s Take: The defending champions play aggressively. After a WCHA upset, they are expected to be motivated. Repeating is tough, but they have the capability. Joy Dunne is a key player and Patty Kazmaier finalist.
Cornell (24-4-5)
PairWise Ranking: 3
Tournament Entry: ECAC Champion
Key Stats: Goalie Bergmann has nine shutouts and a low goals-against average. Cornell has balanced scoring with 12 players in double-digit points. This is their 10th NCAA appearance.
Analyst`s Take: Cornell, the ECAC champions for the first time since 2014, has a strong goalie in Bergmann. Their depth in offense and peaking special teams are key strengths.
Minnesota (28-11-1)
PairWise Ranking: 4
Tournament Entry: At-large bid (WCHA)
Key Stats: Minnesota has six national titles. They are second in goals scored but 23rd in scoring defense. Abbey Murphy is a top scorer and game-winner. Their record against top teams is weaker.
Analyst`s Take: Playing at home in the Frozen Four is a boost for Minnesota. They performed well in the WCHA tournament, upsetting Ohio State. Murphy`s leadership and their hard-to-play-against style are important.
Colgate (30-8-0)
PairWise Ranking: 5
Tournament Entry: At-large bid (ECAC)
Key Stats: Colgate is strong against ranked opponents. They rank high in scoring and power play percentage. Goalie Murphy has a high save percentage. This is their fifth consecutive NCAA appearance.
Analyst`s Take: Colgate`s success comes from a mix of youth and leadership. Goalie Murphy is a world-class leader. Kaltounková is a top offensive player and Patty Kaz finalist. Underclassmen have stepped up significantly.
Minnesota Duluth (21-14-2)
PairWise Ranking: 6
Tournament Entry: At-large bid (WCHA)
Key Stats: Minnesota Duluth has a long NCAA history. Goalie Gascon has a high save percentage, and they generally allow few goals. They have been competitive against top teams.
Analyst`s Take: Minnesota Duluth relies on goalie Gascon, the WCHA Goalie of the Year. Freshman Kraemer is also a standout. Gascon`s strong performances are crucial for their tournament hopes.
Penn State (31-5-1)
PairWise Ranking: 7
Tournament Entry: Atlantic Hockey Champion
Key Stats: Goalie DeSa has nine shutouts. Penn State is strong in scoring. Janecke is a top player in goals, points, and faceoff wins.
Analyst`s Take: Penn State, with a record number of wins, aims to advance past the first round of the NCAA tournament for the first time. Janecke`s performance will be key for their success.
Clarkson (24-12-2)
PairWise Ranking: 8
Tournament Entry: At-large bid (ECAC)
Key Stats: Clarkson has won three national championships. They have a strong power play and a good scoring offense. They have many players with double-digit points.
Analyst`s Take: Clarkson will use their triple overtime loss experience to fuel their NCAA run. Having reached the Frozen Four last season, they know what it takes. Winn and Gosling are key leaders.
St. Lawrence (21-11-5)
PairWise Ranking: 9
Tournament Entry: At-large bid (ECAC)
Key Stats: St. Lawrence is in the NCAA field for the second year in a row. Goalie Sofie-Nordstrom has many saves. Lum has scored several game-winning goals.
Analyst`s Take: St. Lawrence aims to build on last year`s quarterfinal appearance. Hustler is a key offensive player, leading the team in points.
Boston University (24-11-2)
PairWise Ranking: 11
Tournament Entry: Hockey East Champion
Key Stats: BU won their first Hockey East title since 2015 and has their most wins since 2020. They have a strong penalty kill. Many players have contributed to scoring.
Analyst`s Take: BU is known for winning in big moments, coming from behind in their postseason games. Healey, the tournament MVP, is a key scorer.
Sacred Heart (21-14-3)
PairWise Ranking: 27
Tournament Entry: NEWHA Champion
Key Stats: Sacred Heart is making their first NCAA appearance in 22 years. Goalie Greene has a high save percentage. They improved their power play in the conference tournament.
Analyst`s Take: Sacred Heart`s NCAA entry is significant for the program. Greene`s goaltending and contributions from players like Limke and Chaput were key to their conference win.
