The Wisconsin Badgers women’s hockey team is poised to continue its legacy of success following a stellar 38-1-2 season and their eighth NCAA championship. As they prepare for the upcoming 2025 season, the team welcomes six new freshmen while maintaining a strong core of experienced players.
In goal, Rhyah Stewart from Antigonish, Nova Scotia, joins the Badgers. Stewart made her mark last season with the West Kent Steamers, boasting a .903 save percentage and 3.17 goals against average from 10 games, and becoming one of the first women to play in the Maritime Junior Hockey League. However, she will likely be competing for ice time behind junior Ava McNaughton and senior Chloe Baker.
On defense, Mackenzie Jones from Andover, Minnesota, brings her impressive record of 10 goals and 39 points in 31 games for Andover High School. Joining her is Rachel Gorbatenko, who follows her sister Kelly to Wisconsin. Rachel has been a standout, scoring 104 goals and 298 points in 199 games with the Chicago Mission.
The forward lineup is also bolstered by the addition of Nicole Gorbatenko, another Chicago Mission alum with an impressive record of 158 goals and 146 assists. Charlotte Pieckenhagen, formerly of the U-22 Mississauga Hurricanes, adds her dynamic scoring ability with 39 goals and 61 points in 37 games. Also, arriving from Sweden, Adéla Šapovalivová brings consistency and promise, having increased her goals to 15 and points to 36 in her recent 34-game season with MoDo Hockey Team.
Returning to guide the new recruits are veteran players like forwards Laila Edwards and Kirsten Simms, along with defenders Caroline Harvey and Vivian Jungels. This blend of newcomers and seasoned players aims to build on the team’s phenomenal record as they start the season this Friday in Bemidji, Minnesota, eager to defend their title and set the tone for another winning year. Fans can look forward to an exciting season as the Badgers pursue back-to-back national championships.