Eleven Buckeyes from four nations set to compete for Olympic hockey medals in Milan

Current and former Ohio State women's hockey players will represent four different countries in the Olympic semifinals

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Eleven current and former Ohio State women's hockey players have advanced to the Olympic semifinals at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Games, guaranteed a chance to play for medals later this week. The group, consisting of four active Buckeyes and seven alumnae, will represent four different nations when the semifinal round begins Monday at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena in Milan, Italy.

Why it matters

Ohio State's women's hockey program has a strong international presence, with players representing their home countries on the biggest stage. This is a testament to the program's ability to develop top-tier talent and its reputation on the global level of the sport.

The details

In the quarterfinals, the Buckeye contingent played a decisive role in several upsets and shutouts. Freshman Hilda Svensson led Sweden to its first Olympic semifinal since 2014, while goaltender Andrea Braendli ('22) recorded a 40-save shutout to propel Switzerland past Finland. On the American side, Hannah Bilka ('24) continued her hot streak, scoring her third goal in two games during a 6-0 win over host Italy, and current junior Joy Dunne added an assist. The Canadian roster features a program-high four Buckeyes, including Sophie Jaques ('23) and Emma Maltais ('23), who both recorded points in a 5-1 win over Germany.

  • The semifinals are set for Monday, Feb. 16.
  • The United States and Sweden will face off at 10:40 a.m. ET, followed by Canada and Switzerland at 3:10 p.m. ET.
  • The winners will advance to the gold medal game on Thursday, Feb. 19, at 1:10 p.m. ET.
  • The bronze medal game is scheduled for the same day at 8:40 a.m. ET.

The players

Hilda Svensson

A freshman at Ohio State who led Sweden to its first Olympic semifinal since 2014, assisting on the game-winning goal and adding an empty-netter in a 2-0 upset of Czechia.

Mira Jungåker

An Ohio State teammate of Hilda Svensson, representing Sweden in the Olympics.

Jenna Raunio

An Ohio State teammate of Hilda Svensson and Mira Jungåker, representing Sweden in the Olympics.

Andrea Braendli

A 2022 Ohio State graduate who recorded a 40-save shutout to propel Switzerland past Finland, 1-0, in the quarterfinals.

Hannah Bilka

A 2024 Ohio State graduate who continued her hot streak, scoring her third goal in two games during a 6-0 win over host Italy for the United States.

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What they’re saying

“Eleven Buckeyes from four nations to compete for Olympic medals in Milan”

— Ohio State

What’s next

The semifinals are set for Monday, Feb. 16, with the United States and Sweden facing off at 10:40 a.m. ET, followed by Canada and Switzerland at 3:10 p.m. ET. The winners will advance to the gold medal game on Thursday, Feb. 19, at 1:10 p.m. ET.

The takeaway

Ohio State's women's hockey program has established itself as a pipeline to the Olympics, with 11 current and former players representing four different nations in the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Games. This showcases the program's ability to develop top-tier talent and its growing international reputation.