Image Source: Brett Ludwiczak
Key Takeaways:
- Ohio State’s women’s hockey team has won their first four games in 2026, outscoring their opponents 18-3.
- The Buckeyes are currently ranked second in the country, behind only Wisconsin.
- Several Ohio State players will be participating in the Olympics next month, including Joy Dunne, Hilda Svensson, Mira Jungåker, and Sanni Vanhanen.
- The team will face Minnesota State in their next series, having already swept them in two games earlier in the season.
- The Buckeyes are seeking to win a NCAA title, and some players may also have the opportunity to win a gold medal at the Olympics.
Introduction to the Buckeyes’ Hot Streak
The Ohio State women’s hockey team has returned to the ice with a vengeance after a disappointing end to 2025, which saw them lose two games to Wisconsin. As the team’s coach noted, "We knew we had to come out strong after the break, and the team has really responded." The Buckeyes have won their first four games in 2026, outscoring their opponents 18-3, and are currently ranked second in the country. The only team ranked ahead of them is Wisconsin, which took two games from them in Columbus last month. According to the team’s captain, "We’re feeling confident and focused, and we’re excited to see where this season takes us."
Recent Games and Success
The Buckeyes started off 2026 with a bang, winning two games at home against Penn State and then taking on St. Cloud State on the road. In the first game against St. Cloud State, Hilda Svensson opened up the scoring with an unassisted goal, and the team went on to win 4-0. As Svensson noted, "It was a great team effort, and we’re happy to get the win." The next day, St. Cloud State got on the scoreboard first, but the Buckeyes came back to win 5-1. As the team’s coach said, "We showed a lot of character and resilience in that game, and it was a great win for us."
Upcoming Road Trip to Minnesota State
This weekend, the Buckeyes will hit the road for a second straight weekend, traveling to Minnesota to take on the Minnesota State Vikings. The two teams already met in Columbus for two games this season, with the Buckeyes winning both games. In the first matchup, Ohio State scored just 13 seconds into the game, and went on to win 5-2. The next day, the Buckeyes won again, with Joy Dunne scoring 2:26 into the game. As Dunne noted, "We’re looking forward to playing Minnesota State again, and we’re confident that we can come out on top."
Olympic Bound Buckeyes
Several Ohio State players will be participating in the Olympics next month, including Joy Dunne, Hilda Svensson, Mira Jungåker, and Sanni Vanhanen. Dunne was recently named the WCHA Defender of the Week after moving from forward to defense for the series against St. Cloud State. As Dunne said, "It’s an honor to be named to the Olympic team, and I’m excited to represent my country." Svensson, who is Ohio State’s current leading scorer, will be playing for Sweden, along with teammates Mira Jungåker and Jenna Rauino. Sanni Vanhanen will be suiting up for Finland, and former Buckeyes Sophie Jaques, Jenn Gardiner, Emma Maltais, and Natalie Spooner will be playing for Team Canada.
Conclusion and Future Prospects
The Ohio State women’s hockey team is on a roll, and with several players heading to the Olympics next month, it will be interesting to see if they can continue their success. As the team’s coach noted, "We’re proud of our players for being selected to the Olympic teams, and we’re excited to see how they do." The Buckeyes will face Minnesota State in their next series, and will be looking to continue their winning streak. With their sights set on a NCAA title, and some players also seeking to win a gold medal at the Olympics, the team is poised for a exciting and successful season. As the team’s captain said, "We’re focused on taking it one game at a time, and we’re excited to see where this season takes us."
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