Ohio State Returns Veteran Core Chasing Another NCAA Title

Ohio State has lost the past two NCAA women's hockey championship games to Wisconsin. Coach Nadine Muzerall believes the experience gained from those runs has changed the makeup of this season's team.

Seniors Joy Dunne and Jocelyn Amos lead a returning core that also includes Hilda Svensson, the reigning national rookie of the year, and Olympians Sanni Vanhanen, Mira Jungåker and Jenna Raunio. Muzerall said the Buckeyes now have veterans in prominent roles alongside a talented group of sophomores and freshmen.

The incoming class includes Hayley MacDonald, Alide Korte, Ema Tothova and Kate Veil. Transfers Rylee Bartz and Ellah Hause also join a roster whose stated goal is to return to the championship game and finish the job.

WCHA coaches picked Ohio State first in the conference preseason poll. The Buckeyes received six first-place votes and 48 points, ahead of defending national champion Wisconsin with 44 points.

Ohio State opens the season at Penn State on Sept. 24 and 25, then hosts Wisconsin on Oct. 9 and 10. The rivals are also scheduled to meet outdoors at Lambeau Field in February.