DULUTH, Minn. – The Wisconsin women’s hockey team claimed its record-breaking seventh NCAA title thanks to a thrilling 1-0 win over Ohio State on Sunday afternoon at AMSOIL Arena.Kirsten Simms scored the lone goal for the Badgers (29-10-3) as they upset the No. 1 Buckeyes (33-6-2) in the 2023 NCAA National Championship game.

Simms struck first for the Badgers just 6:32 into the first period for her 16th goal of the season thanks to an assist from fellow freshman Claire Enright.

The Badgers had several great chances in the second period, outshooting OSU 11-6, but neither team was able to light the lamp.

After a scoreless third period, the Badgers were named the 2023 NCAA National Champions!

Cami Kronish stopped all 31 shots she faced to shutout the top-ranked Buckeyes.

Notes of the Game

• Wisconsin now holds the most national titles (7) in all of NCAA women’s ice hockey. UW was previously tied with Minnesota with six titles.
• This marks the first time a team has been shutout in a national championship game since the Badgers shutout Minnesota 2-0 in the 2019 NCAA Championship in Hamden, Conn.
• Five Badgers, including Jesse Compher, Laila Edwards, Caroline Harvey, Cami Kronish and Kirsten Simms were named to the 2023 NCAA Frozen Four All-Tournament team.
• Goalie Cami Kronish was named the Most Outstanding Player of the 2023 NCAA Frozen Four following her shutout.

Straight from the Rink:
Head Coach Mark Johnson
On the importance of team chemistry for this team:
“The best chance you can give yourself to win these things is to get everybody on the same page. We started in September and we had nine and 10 different players that weren’t on the team last year, with the freshmen coming in and the kids coming back that were part of the national team. You want to be in the same boat pushing in the same direction. If you’re willing to do that, you have a chance. No guarantee at the end of the day, but you have to give yourself the best opportunity.”

On getting a rematch against Ohio State:
“Part of the process is having some bumps along the way. The last time we played against Ohio, we lost the game in the last three and a half minutes. They found a way to beat us but again, you put it in the back of your mind and that scenario presents itself, how are you going to react? At the media timeout, I pulled out the chalkboard and said hey, if they pulled a goalie, here’s what we need to do, can we execute it and learn from last time.”

Senior Cami Kronish
On earning her third national title:
“I cannot believe this is my life right now. I think about the past five years and the people I’ve played with Kristen Campbell, Kennedy Blair, all of my goalie partners that helped make me play the way I do today and the person I am today. I am just so thankful for everyone and everything that’s been a part of my journey. I’m just in disbelief.”

Freshman Kirsten Simms
On winning a national title as a freshman:
“It’s cool to be a freshman in this moment, but we couldn’t have done it without our upperclassmen. They really took us under their wing the second we walked into Wisconsin. They showed us the way, how to be great teammates and how to look up to everyone. It got us to where we are now.”

Up Next: UW will host a Welcome Home Event on Monday, March 20 at LaBahn Arena. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with the program to follow at 6 p.m.

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