Wisconsin Beats Ohio State in Frozen Four Final OT for Eighth Women’s Hockey Title

The 2025 NCAA Women’s Ice Hockey Championship concluded with one of the most thrilling and dramatic finishes in recent memory. The University of Wisconsin Badgers defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes in a thrilling overtime battle in the Frozen Four final, securing their eighth national title in program history. With a stunning 3-2 overtime victory, Wisconsin added yet another chapter to their storied legacy in women’s college hockey.

The championship game was a showcase of everything that makes the sport so captivating—high-octane offense, unyielding defense, and the kind of clutch moments that make sports fans stand up and cheer. For Ohio State, it was a heartbreaking loss, but the Buckeyes’ resilience and talent throughout the season left them with a bright future ahead. However, on this day, it was Wisconsin’s experience and poise under pressure that ultimately proved to be the difference in what will be remembered as a classic championship game.

In this article, we’ll break down the Frozen Four final, examining the key moments, the impact of both teams’ performances, and the significance of Wisconsin’s eighth national championship in women’s ice hockey.

A Battle of Titans: Wisconsin vs. Ohio State

The matchup between Wisconsin and Ohio State had all the makings of an epic showdown. Both teams were dominant forces in women’s college hockey throughout the 2025 season, and they had earned their places in the Frozen Four final with a series of impressive performances.

Wisconsin, under the leadership of head coach Mark Johnson, entered the game as the defending national champions, having won their seventh title the previous year. Known for their fast-paced and aggressive style of play, the Badgers boasted a lethal offensive attack led by star forward Sarah Sima and a rock-solid defensive core anchored by Kennedy Blair, the team’s experienced goaltender. Wisconsin’s reputation as a perennial powerhouse in women’s ice hockey was solidified by their dominant regular-season performance, but they knew they would be in for a tough test against Ohio State.

On the other hand, Ohio State had been one of the most formidable teams in the country all season. Led by head coach Nadine Muzerall, the Buckeyes had made significant strides over the past few seasons and had earned their spot as one of the top teams in women’s ice hockey. Ohio State was powered by an incredible blend of speed, skill, and toughness, with players like Emma Maltais and Paige Bueckers leading the charge offensively. In goal, Andrea Braendli had been a standout performer, making key saves all season long and keeping the Buckeyes in games even when they were under pressure.

The rivalry between these two teams had been building over the past several years, with Wisconsin and Ohio State trading victories in the regular season and the postseason. By the time they met in the Frozen Four final, it was clear that the two teams were evenly matched, making the prospect of a thrilling championship game inevitable.

A Back-and-Forth Battle: The Regulation Time Drama

From the opening puck drop, the intensity of the game was palpable. Both teams came out firing, with Wisconsin’s aggressive forecheck testing Ohio State’s defense early on. The Badgers were able to dictate the pace of the game early, pushing the Buckeyes into their own zone and creating several scoring chances. However, Ohio State’s defense held firm, with Braendli coming up with a couple of key saves to keep the score level.

The first period was a fast-paced, physical affair, with both teams throwing everything they had at each other. Wisconsin’s Sarah Sima and Ohio State’s Emma Maltais were particularly dangerous, each creating chances and keeping the goaltenders busy. The period ended with no goals scored, but it was clear that both teams were poised to break through at any moment.

In the second period, Wisconsin finally struck first. A beautiful passing sequence between Sarah Sima and Megan Mitchell led to a perfectly timed shot from the slot by Sima, who beat Braendli glove-side to give Wisconsin a 1-0 lead. The Badgers had the momentum, and the crowd in the arena erupted in celebration.

However, Ohio State wasn’t going to go down without a fight. Just minutes after Wisconsin’s goal, the Buckeyes answered with an equalizer. Paige Bueckers, who had been a force throughout the tournament, drove to the net and delivered a quick shot that slipped past Wisconsin’s Kennedy Blair, tying the game at 1-1. The Buckeyes, with their high-energy style of play, were able to take advantage of Wisconsin’s momentary lapse in focus and claw their way back into the game.

As the second period wound down, both teams traded chances, but neither was able to break the tie. The crowd was on the edge of their seats, knowing that the next goal could be the one to push either team to a national title.

The third period saw both teams tighten up their defense, with the intensity escalating to another level. Every shift mattered, and every puck battle was contested with everything on the line. Wisconsin had a few opportunities to take the lead, but Braendli stood tall in net, making crucial saves to keep Ohio State in the game.

As the clock ticked down, it seemed like the game was destined to go into overtime. But with just under two minutes remaining, Wisconsin found a way to break the deadlock. A turnover in Ohio State’s defensive zone allowed Megan Mitchell to gain possession behind the net and make a quick pass to Sarah Sima, who fired the puck into the net, giving the Badgers a 2-1 lead. The Wisconsin bench erupted, and it appeared that they were on the brink of their eighth national championship.

However, Ohio State wasn’t done yet. In the final minute, the Buckeyes pulled Braendli for the extra attacker, and their pressure paid off. With just 30 seconds left in regulation, Emma Maltais fired a shot from the point that deflected off a Wisconsin defender and found the back of the net, tying the game at 2-2 and sending the Frozen Four final into overtime.

Overtime: The Heart-Stopping Finish

Overtime in a championship game is always a nerve-wracking experience, and the atmosphere in the arena was electric as both teams took the ice for the extra period. The stakes were clear—one mistake, one moment of brilliance, and the game would be decided.

Wisconsin, with their championship pedigree, came out in overtime with the poise and confidence that had served them well throughout their history. The Badgers pushed the pace, knowing that they had the offensive firepower to end the game quickly. Sarah Sima, who had been one of the best players on the ice all night, was relentless in her pursuit of the game-winning goal.

Ohio State, on the other hand, wasn’t going to back down easily. The Buckeyes played with urgency and intensity, their eyes fixed firmly on winning the national title they had come so close to capturing. Braendli, who had been outstanding in net all night, made several clutch saves to keep Ohio State in the game, but it was clear that the Badgers were determined to finish what they had started.

The defining moment came midway through overtime. Sarah Sima, who had already been involved in both of Wisconsin’s goals, was in the right place at the right time. After a rebound off a shot from Megan Mitchell, Sima found herself with a golden opportunity in front of the net. Without hesitation, she fired a shot past Braendli, sending the puck into the net and clinching Wisconsin’s eighth national championship with a 3-2 overtime victory.

The Wisconsin bench erupted in celebration, and the players mobbed Sima in joyous celebration as she was mobbed by her teammates. It was a fitting end to an unforgettable game, and the Badgers’ eighth title was secured in dramatic fashion.

Key Performances and Takeaways

Wisconsin’s Resilience and Poise: The Badgers’ ability to maintain composure in the face of adversity was key to their victory. Despite losing the lead late in regulation, Wisconsin didn’t panic. Their experience in high-pressure situations showed in overtime, where they executed a well-timed offensive attack to claim the championship. Sarah Sima, in particular, was instrumental in Wisconsin’s success, scoring both the game-winning and game-tying goals.

Ohio State’s Heartbreak: For Ohio State, it was a heartbreaking end to a historic season. The Buckeyes had fought hard and had moments where they looked poised to win it all. Emma Maltais’ late goal to force overtime exemplified the team’s determination. However, despite their resilience, they couldn’t find a way to outlast the Badgers in overtime. Ohio State will undoubtedly use this experience as motivation for the future, knowing they were a few key moments away from winning their first-ever national championship.

Wisconsin’s Legacy: The Badgers’ eighth title solidifies their place as one of the premier programs in women’s college hockey. Mark Johnson’s coaching and the program’s consistency have been key to their success, and they continue to set the standard for excellence in the sport. With talented players like Sima and Blair leading the way, Wisconsin’s legacy in women’s hockey will continue to grow.

A Classic Frozen Four Final

The 2025 NCAA Women’s Ice Hockey Championship final between Wisconsin and Ohio State will go down as one of the most memorable games in the sport’s history. Wisconsin’s overtime victory capped off a thrilling contest that showcased the very best of women’s hockey—passion, skill, and determination. For the Badgers, it was yet another national title in a dynasty that continues to dominate the sport. For Ohio State, it was a heartbreaking defeat, but one that sets the stage for future greatness.

In the end, Wisconsin’s experience and poise were the difference, as they secured their eighth NCAA Women’s Ice Hockey Championship in dramatic fashion.