Wisconsin women's hockey Olympians return for postseason

Five Badgers players who competed in the 2026 Olympics made key contributions in Wisconsin's 7-0 win over Bemidji State in the WCHA Tournament.

Feb. 28, 2026 at 2:56am

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The Wisconsin Badgers began postseason play with a dominant 7-0 victory over the Bemidji State Beavers in the first round of the WCHA Tournament. Five Wisconsin players who recently competed in the 2026 Olympic Games made their return to college hockey and all recorded points in the win, including goaltender Ava McNaughton's first shutout since November 2026.

Why it matters

The return of Wisconsin's Olympic athletes provides a major boost to the Badgers as they pursue their third consecutive WCHA tournament championship. Their experience and talent will be crucial in the team's quest for another conference title and potential NCAA Tournament berth.

The details

In the 7-0 win, Ava McNaughton recorded 20 saves and an assist, Caroline Harvey had three assists to move up Wisconsin's all-time assists leaderboard, and freshman Adéla Šapovalivová scored two goals in her collegiate postseason debut. The Badgers are now one win away from advancing to the WCHA Final Faceoff.

  • The Wisconsin Badgers began postseason play on Friday, February 28, 2026.
  • Ava McNaughton recorded her first shutout since November 20, 2026.
  • Caroline Harvey's three assists moved her into second place on Wisconsin's all-time assists leaderboard.
  • Adéla Šapovalivová scored the first multi-goal game of her career in her collegiate postseason debut.

The players

Ava McNaughton

A goaltender for the Wisconsin Badgers and Olympic gold medalist who recorded a shutout and an assist in Wisconsin's 7-0 win over Bemidji State.

Caroline Harvey

A senior defender for the Wisconsin Badgers and the leader in points by a defender in program history, who recorded three assists to move up Wisconsin's all-time assists leaderboard.

Adéla Šapovalivová

A freshman forward for the Wisconsin Badgers who scored two goals in her collegiate postseason debut after returning from the 2026 Olympics.

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What they’re saying

“They played good tonight. But you know, there's still another step in both of them.”

— Mark Johnson, Wisconsin Badgers head coach

“I was ready for playoffs. So excited to play playoffs here.”

— Adéla Šapovalivová

What’s next

With a win on Saturday, Wisconsin will advance to the WCHA Final Faceoff as they seek their third consecutive conference tournament championship.

The takeaway

The return of Wisconsin's Olympic athletes has provided a major boost to the Badgers as they begin their postseason run. Their experience and talent will be crucial in the team's quest for another WCHA title and potential NCAA Tournament berth.