Women's Hockey

The Ohio State women’s hockey team, fresh off their 2024 National Championship win, faced a tough start to the 2024-25 season, dropping back-to-back games to No. 7 Minnesota Duluth at home. Despite the losses, the Buckeyes showed glimpses of their championship potential, especially in their ability to create scoring chances.

Game 1 Recap: Minnesota Duluth 2, Ohio State 1

Ohio State wasted no time getting on the board in the season opener, with freshman Jordan Petrie scoring just 1:39 into the game. The Buckeyes dominated much of the first two periods, outshooting the Bulldogs 22-9 and keeping them without a shot for the first 13 minutes. However, Minnesota Duluth’s Olivia Wallin tied the game late in the second period, and with just 23 seconds left in regulation, Ida Karlsson scored the game-winning goal for the Bulldogs. Despite a last-ditch effort that included pulling goaltender Amanda Thiele and going on a power play, Ohio State couldn’t find the equalizer.

Game Notes

  • Jordan Petrie became the first Buckeye freshman to score in a season opener since 2017.
  • Ohio State outshot Minnesota Duluth 40-14, but the Bulldogs’ goaltender Gascon made 39 saves.
  • The Buckeyes went 0-3 on the power play, while Minnesota Duluth was 0-4.

Game 2 Recap: Minnesota Duluth 4, Ohio State 3

Sunday’s rematch was another tightly contested battle. The Buckeyes took an early lead when Jocelyn Amos scored at 6:04 of the first period. After a back-and-forth first two periods, Ohio State found themselves trailing 2-1 early in the second following a power-play goal by Minnesota Duluth’s Jenna Lawry. Though Kiara Zanon’s goal was overturned for goaltender interference, the Buckeyes bounced back with two goals late in the period. Emma Peschel tied the game with a shot from the slot, and Zanon followed with a go-ahead goal just 11 seconds later.

However, Minnesota Duluth fought back in the third period with two goals from Caitlin Kraemer, completing the 4-3 comeback and securing the sweep.

Game Notes

  • Freshmen Amos, Joy Dunne, and Sara Swiderski recorded their first points as Buckeyes.
  • Hailey MacLeod earned her first start in goal for Ohio State, stopping 26 shots.
  • The Buckeyes went 1-3 on the power play while the Bulldogs were 1-4.

Looking Ahead

The Buckeyes (0-2-0, 0-2-0 WCHA) will look to rebound on the road next weekend against Bemidji State. Both games will be streamed on B1G+. As the season progresses, Ohio State’s offense, led by players like Petrie, Zanon, and Buglioni, will need to find consistency to defend their national title.