As anticipation builds for the commencement of the 2026 Frozen Four semifinals on Friday, the spotlight intensifies on the foremost contenders in NCAA women’s ice hockey. Among the elite, Ohio State and Wisconsin emerge as the preeminent favorites, poised to contest for the coveted national championship scheduled for Sunday.
The tournament narrative took a compelling turn last Saturday when the No. 5-seeded Northeastern Huskies, defying expectations, toppled the formidable fourth-seeded Minnesota—a team boasting six national titles. This victory propelled Northeastern into the Frozen Four, where they face the daunting task of challenging the top-seeded Ohio State Buckeyes.
Championship Aspirations and Team Trajectories
The Ohio State Buckeyes, having already secured national titles in 2022 and 2024, are in pursuit of a third championship to augment their growing legacy. Their consistent performance underscores their dominance in collegiate women’s hockey and renders them a formidable opponent in this year’s tournament.
In contrast, the Northeastern Huskies, whose deepest run prior was as runners-up in 2021, are navigating uncharted waters. With their recent upset over a storied opponent, the Huskies aspire to seize their inaugural national trophy, marking a historic milestone for the program.
Meanwhile, the reigning national champions, Wisconsin, enter the semifinals with the weight of defending their title, adding another layer of intensity to an already fiercely competitive Frozen Four.