Badgers Women's hockey 2024-25

[Voyageur]

Amazing game today (10/19/24). The Badger women were down 3-1 in the 3rd period. The Gopher women scored 3 goals on them, and had them on the ropes. But, like all of Mark Johnson's teams, you'd better not go to sleep on them because they're not going to skate away and accept getting whipped, without a fight.

The Badgers scored 3 times in the period, taking the lead with a little over 6 minutes left to play, then held off the desperate charge of the Gophers. Nice win for Bucky, 4-3. It looks even better, since it was a sweep against the #3 team in the nation. The Badgers won Friday night 5-0.

Here's an interesting fact. Six of the top seven women scoring in the US are Wisconsin players. One player, from Minnesota, in the middle.

There's a good reason the Badger women are ranked #1 in the nation. They can play hockey!

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

You read my mind, I was going to start a thread about this team.

I watched the game on Saturday as well. When the Badgers went down 3 zip in the second, I thought "Oh great, I tune in and they lose their first game." Given that they had spanked the Gophers the night before (5-0) and they were undefeated, I wasn't going to give up watching the game. I am glad I didn't.

As soon a Leila Edwards scored the Badgers first goal on a PP, I knew "game on". You could see the change in momentum and energy.

The announcers brought up that going into the weekend that the Badgers were averaging 7+ goals a game and I believe the Gophers coach comment was "They score over a touchdown a game".

This could be another special Mark Johnson coached Team. They have 4 solid lines, filled with some real stars. I believe their 4th line is all freshman and they aren't just playing when the game is out of hand. They are playing, scoring and playing better than most teams 3rd lines. That will go a long way as the long season wears on.

I would love to see an undefeated season for the Badgers, but that is highly unlikely, when you factor in the length of the season (40+ games). That said, I think if they stay healthy, this could end really well for them.

 

[Voyageur]

Wow! The Badgers are now 10-0. They've outscored their opponents 65 to 9 over those ten games. Totally amazing!

I wonder if Mark can take them to another NCAA Championships. They're going to be tough to derail. Giving up less than 1 goal a game? I don't recall any women's team being this good in the past.

I'm quite happy that Mark hasn't considered leaving the Badgers for a coaching job in the NHL, or for a men's program. What he's done with the ladies is inspiring. He's sure a "chip off the old block" of his Dad, who knew how to get the best out of his players on the ice as well.

It's great that both Women's hockey, and volleyball are carrying the banner of Badger sports at the highest level. Thanks to Kelly and Mark. Great programs, and the AD deserves credit for giving them the support they need to make them the envy of NCAA women's sports.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Wow! The Badgers are now 10-0. They've outscored their opponents 65 to 9 over those ten games. Totally amazing!

I wonder if Mark can take them to another NCAA Championships. They're going to be tough to derail. Giving up less than 1 goal a game? I don't recall any women's team being this good in the past.

I'm quite happy that Mark hasn't considered leaving the Badgers for a coaching job in the NHL, or for a men's program. What he's done with the ladies is inspiring. He's sure a "chip off the old block" of his Dad, who knew how to get the best out of his players on the ice as well.

It's great that both Women's hockey, and volleyball are carrying the banner of Badger sports at the highest level. Thanks to Kelly and Mark. Great programs, and the AD deserves credit for giving them the support they need to make them the envy of NCAA women's sports.

Yeah, the only place Mark goes from here is retirement. He loves the Women's program. I think he was offered the Men's job and decided that he had found the place that he wanted to be.

I've watched this seasons team play several times now, I think it is one of their better teams in awhile. They are solid from top to bottom on their roster. They always have a few big names on the roster, but this one is consistently talented. They are still averaging a blistering 6.5 goals per game.

Ava McNaughton is really a solid goalie. At 6' tall, she's intimidating too and only a Sophomore.

Now the really GOOD news, this isn't a senior laden team. They have only 3 players that I think will be out of eligibility after this season. With only 2 of those being big contributors; Casey O'Brien and Katie Kotlowski.

Their next series is at #7 St. Cloud, tonight and tomorrow. They can't look past the Huskies and to their next match (after a bye week) with the 2nd best team (I think) in the Country, Ohio State.

Fun season ahead, strap yourselves in!

 

[Voyageur]

Yeah, the only place Mark goes from here is retirement. He loves the Women's program. I think he was offered the Men's job and decided that he had found the place that he wanted to be.

I've watched this seasons team play several times now, I think it is one of their better teams in awhile. They are solid from top to bottom on their roster. They always have a few big names on the roster, but this one is consistently talented. They are still averaging a blistering 6.5 goals per game.

Ava McNaughton is really a solid goalie. At 6' tall, she's intimidating too and only a Sophomore.

Now the really GOOD news, this isn't a senior laden team. They have only 3 players that I think will be out of eligibility after this season. With only 2 of those being big contributors; Casey O'Brien and Katie Kotlowski.

Their next series is at #7 St. Cloud, tonight and tomorrow. They can't look past the Huskies and to their next match (after a bye week) with the 2nd best team (I think) in the Country, Ohio State.

Fun season ahead, strap yourselves in!

It is amazing how they keep building in a team with players who aren't graduating. Always someone there to step up when it's their turn. It's a real complement to recruiting. They fill their needs, and have a rebuilding program in place even while they're doign well, during a season. McNaughton is tough in goal. She flat refuses to give up anything.

I think you're right on Mark. He's happy where he's at. Money no longer matters to him, family honor, and respect of the program does. The family legacy is what drives him more than anything, except his constant low key approach to working towards excellence.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

It is amazing how they keep building in a team with players who aren't graduating. Always someone there to step up when it's their turn. It's a real complement to recruiting. They fill their needs, and have a rebuilding program in place even while they're doign well, during a season. McNaughton is tough in goal. She flat refuses to give up anything.

I think you're right on Mark. He's happy where he's at. Money no longer matters to him, family honor, and respect of the program does. The family legacy is what drives him more than anything, except his constant low key approach to working towards excellence.

Yeah, Mark and his family have been Madisonian's for most of their life. Mark and I graduated from the same High School (not at the same time) and I had the pleasure of golfing with his Dad, Badger Bob a few times. My Dad and his Dad were buddies.

I think what the Badgers have in Women's Hockey and to an extent with the Volleyball program, is being elite every year helps. Along with great coaching, it keeps the recruiting efforts targeted at and landing the best. I am sure this is how Ohio State fans feel about their football team.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Another sweep for the 12 and 0 Badgers! 10 goals scored, zero given up.

Yesterday's game was almost over 3 minutes and 6 seconds into the game. The Badgers scored 3 goals before people probably found their seats.

Goal by Jungles: 32 seconds into the game.
Goal by Hall: 1 minute and 16 seconds into the game
Goal by Edwards: 3 minutes 6 seconds into the game

The Huskies pulled their starting goalie after that 3rd goal. As PB (Paul Braun) said, it was the fastest he had ever seen a goalie pulled.

Man, they are GOOD!

 

[Voyageur]

Another sweep for the 12 and 0 Badgers! 10 goals scored, zero given up.

Yesterday's game was almost over 3 minutes and 6 seconds into the game. The Badgers scored 3 goals before people probably found their seats.

Goal by Jungles: 32 seconds into the game.
Goal by Hall: 1 minute and 16 seconds into the game
Goal by Edwards: 3 minutes 6 seconds into the game

The Huskies pulled their starting goalie after that 3rd goal. As PB (Paul Braun) said, it was the fastest he had ever seen a goalie pulled.

Man, they are GOOD!

That's an amazing start to a game. Their game is constant pressure on the opponent. The puck is not allowed to stay on the Badgers side of the blue line. They're constantly moving it out to center ice, and taking command.

I'm not going to get too excited yet, because it's still too early, but this may well be the best, or at least one of the best, teams the Badgers ever had. What makes me smile is that only 5 ladies will be leaving the program after this year. The nucleus for next year is already in house. They can recruit some solid incoming new players who can get ice time because of how well this team scores.

Gotta be excited.