Eric Boggs
In a dramatic and unforgettable outdoor showdown, the No. 2 Ohio State women’s hockey team emerged victorious in a seven-round shootout against No. 1 Wisconsin at Wrigley Field during the Frozen Confines: Big Ten Hockey Series. With the 3-3 tie through regulation and overtime, the Buckeyes claimed two critical conference points thanks to a clutch performance from graduate goaltender Amanda Thiele and captain Jenna Buglioni.
After being held scoreless in a tough 6-0 loss to the Badgers earlier in the week, the Buckeyes rebounded in spectacular fashion under the iconic lights of the Friendly Confines. Ohio State wasted no time setting the tone as Jordyn Petrie scored just 49 seconds into the game, threading a shot past Wisconsin goaltender Ava McNaughton for the early lead. However, the Badgers responded with two quick goals in the first period, leaving the Buckeyes trailing 2-1 at intermission.
The second period was a defensive battle until Makenna Webster leveled the score with just 1:40 left, netting a brilliant equalizer that set the stage for a tense final frame. In the third period, Joy Dunne gave Ohio State a brief lead with a goal at 2:38, but Wisconsin tied the game again at 14:17, sending the teams into overtime. The Buckeyes dominated the extra session, outshooting the Badgers 5-2, but Thiele’s saves proved crucial in preserving the tie and forcing the shootout.
Thiele, who recorded a season-high 31 saves in regulation and overtime, was a fortress in the shootout. She stopped all seven attempts from the Badgers, showcasing nerves of steel and earning her second shootout victory of the season. The spotlight then shifted to Buglioni, who delivered the decisive goal in the seventh round, sealing a historic win for Ohio State in just their second-ever outdoor game.
Statistically, Ohio State fired 39 shots on goal to Wisconsin’s 34, highlighting their offensive resilience. The team’s defensive effort, bolstered by Thiele’s standout performance, stifled Wisconsin’s power play opportunities, with the Badgers going 0-for-2 with the man advantage.
Though the series began with a disappointing shutout loss in Madison, the Buckeyes proved their mettle in Chicago, finishing the regular-season series against Wisconsin with a 1-2-1 record. Their ability to adapt and perform under pressure bodes well as they head back to the OSU Ice Rink to host Bemidji State next weekend.
