History Made: Mark Johnson's 600th Win Caps Sensational Night for Wisconsin Women's Hockey
The Wisconsin women's hockey team added its 2023 national championship banner to its collection on Friday Oct. 6, 2023 at LaBahn Arena in Madison, Wis.
© Mark Stewart / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK
In a historic night at LaBahn Arena, the Wisconsin Women's Hockey team (6-0-0, 2-0-0 WCHA) delivered an emphatic 9-0 victory over Minnesota State, and in the process, they celebrated Head Coach Mark Johnson's remarkable achievement of securing his 600th career win.
Badgers dominant on a historic night
This memorable game featured a flurry of goals from various Badgers. Kirsten Simms and Marianne Picard stood out with two goals each, setting the tone for the Badgers' dominant performance. Additional goals came from Caroline Harvey, Lacey Eden, Britta Curl, Casey O'Brien, and Katie Kotlowski, contributing to a comprehensive victory.
Simms wasted no time, netting two goals within three minutes of the first period, giving the Badgers an early lead. Harvey further extended the advantage to 3-0 with a shorthanded goal, displaying the team's prowess on the ice.
Picard, a force to be reckoned with, initiated the second period with her first score of the series. Eden, not to be outdone, continued the scoring spree with her 11th goal of the season. Picard later added another goal, and Curl found the net, capping a remarkable second period.
O'Brien and Kotlowski added two more goals, bringing the total to eight and nine, respectively, to complete the scoring for the Badgers. It was a night of collective brilliance on the ice.
Ava McNaughton's Shutout Debut:
Ava McNaughton had an outstanding performance, stopping all 12 of the shots she faced, and earning her first career shutout. Her strong presence in goal was a crucial component of the Badgers' comprehensive victory.
Historical Milestone for Mark Johnson:
Head Coach Mark Johnson achieved a remarkable milestone, becoming the first NCAA Division I women's hockey coach to reach 600 wins. This achievement also places him among the elite, as only the ninth NCAA Division I men's or women's hockey coach to achieve this milestone. Coach Johnson humbly acknowledged the support from his team, assistant coaches, and the hockey community.
Takeaways from the Game:
- Every Wisconsin forward has contributed to scoring this season, reflecting the team's depth and versatility.
- The victory marked the Badgers' fourteenth-straight win against Minnesota State, underscoring their consistent dominance in the rivalry.
- Wisconsin women's hockey triumphs with a 9-0 victory, marking a historic moment for Coach Mark Johnson with his 600th career win.
- The game featured a multitude of goal scorers, showcasing the team's depth and versatility.
- Coach Johnson's humility and the team's collective efforts have been instrumental in achieving this milestone.
The Wisconsin women's hockey team gathers in front of its goal before the start of its game with Boston College on Friday Oct. 6, 2023 at LaBahn Arena in Madison, Wis.
© Mark Stewart / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK
What they're saying
Insights from Coach Mark Johnson:
Coach Johnson emphasized that this milestone was not about himself but about the collective efforts of his support staff, assistant coaches, and players, and the strong connection with the fans and community. He expressed his satisfaction with the team's ability to share the puck effectively, leading to the multitude of scoring opportunities.
Marianne Picard's Perspective:
Picard highlighted the importance of staying grounded despite their early success and the need to remain focused and humble. She also expressed her joy at being able to prove herself, especially after returning from an injury, and cherished the support of the fans.
Looking Ahead:
The Badgers' journey continues as they prepare for their upcoming series against Bemidji State at LaBahn Arena. The next game will take place next Friday at 7 p.m., with Saturday's game scheduled for a 2 p.m. start. It's worth noting that both games are already sold out, highlighting the enthusiasm surrounding the team.
In summary, the Wisconsin women's hockey team's resounding victory not only underscores their dominance but also celebrates Mark Johnson's historic 600th career win, marking a significant moment in collegiate hockey history.
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