The Hockey News' Ian Kennedy discusses the 2024 NCAA Frozen Four women's hockey final between Wisconsin and Ohio State A year ago, the University of Wisconsin women's hockey team won a thrilling 1-0 game to claim the school's seventh NCAA national championship. Tomorrow, they'll have the chance to make it eight. The year before that, it was Ohio State claiming the national title. The two teams will face-off in the NCAA Frozen Four final, just as they did last year, with a chance to add to the legacy each group is building. “We’re excited to win the game and move on, and get an opportunity to play the last game of the season," said Wisconsin head coach Mark Johnson following Wisconsin's win semi-final win over Colgate [https://thehockeynews.com/womens/college/wisconsin-melts-colgate-in-ncaa-frozen-four-one-win-from-repeat]. "We look forward to Sunday and the challenges that it will present to us, and the whole team and staff are excited for the opportunity.” WISCONSIN RIDING HOT HANDS ON PATH TO REPEAT For opponents watching Wisconsin's path toward a repeat, it's been a powerful performance from their youth pushing the current run. The NCAA's leading scorer Kirsten Simms has been dominant, as has forward Laila Edwards, who has been nearly unstoppable over the last month. On the blueliner, Vivian Jungels and Caroline Harvey have been integral in not only keeping the puck out of Wisconsin's net, but in jumpstarting their attack. In net, rookie Ava McNaughton has been nearly unbeatable for Wisconsin, stopping 24-of-25 in the Frozen Four semi-final against Colgate. Win or lose, the rest of the NCAA should take notice that Wisconsin's dynasty looks like it will get better next season. HUNTING A FINAL TITLE BEFORE PRO Looking at the rosters for both Wisconsin and Ohio State, they are loaded with future PWHL stars. Ohio State in particular is set to lose a massive chunk of their roster to the professional game next season, including likely first round picks Hannah Bilka and Cayla Barnes [https://thehockeynews.com/womens/pwhl/pwhl-draft-rankings-top-60-in-talent-laden-2024-draft]. The list of soon to be pros fro Ohio State however, also includes Jennifer Gardiner, Stephanie Markowski, Hadley Hartmetz, Lauren Bernard, Raygan Kirk, and Kelsey King. The face of Ohio State's roster will drastically change with this graduating class. Wisconsin will lose captain Britta Curl and defender Anna Wilgren to the pro game, along with solid defender Chayla Edwards. WHO HAS THE EDGE? In a one game final, anyone can win. Looking at recent results however, Wisconsin has been red hot, including a 6-3 win over Ohio State to capture the WCHA championship. [https://thehockeynews.com/womens/college/wisconsin-badgers-claim-wcha-title-doubling-up-buckeyes] In that game, Laila Edwards and Casey O'Brien each had four point nights, with Simms and Curl scoring the others. That said, Ohio State enters with the more veteran roster, which in a one game final could prove the difference. Puck drop on the NCAA Frozen Four national championship final is Sunday, March 24 at 4pm EST in Durham, New Hampshire.
