The No. 1 Ohio State women’s hockey team returns to the OSU Ice Rink this weekend to host the No. 11 Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs in a two-game WCHA series.
The Buckeyes enter the matchup with an 11-1-0 record and a 7-1-0 mark in conference play, according to Ohio State.
This series marks a significant test for the Buckeyes, who hold the unanimous No. 1 ranking in both national polls and sit atop the WCHA standings with 21 points. The weekend’s action begins with a 6 p.m. puck drop on Friday, November 13, followed by a 2 p.m. game on Saturday, November 14.
The Buckeyes are coming off a series sweep of Bemidji State before their recent bye week. In those contests, Ohio State secured a 4-1 victory in the first game and a 5-1 win in the second.
Statistical dominance on the ice
The Buckeyes are currently averaging more than four goals per game while allowing fewer than two. A notable trend in their scoring efficiency is the second period, where the team has recorded 24 goals—double the 12 goals scored in the first and third periods combined.
The roster features deep scoring threats, with four players having reached double-digit point totals this season. Mira Jungåker leads the team and ranks among the top defenders nationally with 19 points. Her 1.70 assists per game currently rank first in the country.
| Player | Season Points |
|---|---|
| Mira Jungåker | 19 |
| Joy Dunne | 16 |
| Hilda Svensson | 15 |
| Kaia Malachino | 13 |
Hilda Svensson has been a clinical finisher, leading the team with nine goals and a nation-leading five game-winning goals. On the defensive end, the Buckeyes’ special teams have become a primary weapon. The team leads the nation in power play goals with 13 and holds a .342 power-play percentage.
Defensively, the Buckeyes have been stout, holding opponents scoreless on the power play in eight of their 12 games this year. The goaltending rotation has also provided much for the team, with Rowan Houweling leading in games played at six, while Taylor Kressin holds a 4-0-0 record and has recorded both of the team's shutouts.
International presence and roster shifts
The Buckeyes are currently serving international duty, as six active players are competing at the 2026 IIHF Women's World Championship in Denmark. This tournament, running from November 6 through November 16, has featured 12 Ohio State players or graduates representing their respective countries.
Mira Jungåker is among those competing on the world stage, serving as an alternate captain for Sweden in her fifth World Championship appearance. She is currently tied for second in the tournament with eight points through the preliminary round, including seven assists.
With players like Dunne, Jungåker, Svensson, Jenna Raunio, Hayley McDonald, and Sanni Vanhanen in Denmark, Jordan Baxter has moved to the blue line. In the last series, Baxter contributed three assists and blocked three shots.
Logistics for fans in Columbus
This weekend serves as Military and Hometown Heroes Weekend at the OSU Ice Rink. For those attending the Saturday game, the first 300 fans will receive an Our Honor Defend pint glass.
Fans should plan for specific parking arrangements due to the overlap with Saturday’s football game against Northwestern at noon. While Friday’s parking is free in the surface lots surrounding the rink, Saturday attendees will be directed to the football day-of-game lots and must pay the posted football rates.
Both games will be available for streaming on B1G+, though a subscription is required to view the broadcasts. Live statistics can be tracked through the official Ohio State Buckeyes website.
The Buckeyes face Minnesota Duluth with a historical edge in the series under head coach Nadine Muzerall. While the Bulldogs hold the overall series advantage of 76-41-8, Muzerall has led Ohio State to a 28-16-1 record against Minnesota Duluth during her tenure. The Buckeyes swept the season series against the Bulldogs last year, winning 6-2 and 3-1 in their previous Columbus meetings.
Following this weekend, the Buckeyes will travel to St. Cloud, Minn., to meet the Huskies on November 20 and 21.
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