Badgers picked first in WCHA preseason poll

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin women’s hockey team was selected for the top spot in the WCHA Preseason Coaches’ Poll while junior Kirsten Simms was named the WCHA Preseason Player of the Year, as announced by the WCHA on Monday. 

The Badgers collected 46 points, while 2023-24 NCAA champion Ohio State garnered 43 points to be picked in second place. The Badgers collected a whopping five first-place votes, three more than the Buckeyes’ two. The Minnesota Golden Gophers were selected to finish third with 40 points and one first place vote.

Minnesota Duluth was picked fourth with 31 points, while St. Cloud State ranked fifth with 26 points. St. Thomas placed sixth with 17 points and Minnesota State ranked seventh with 15 votes. Bemidji State was picked to finish eighth with seven points. 

Simms finished last year strong and earned multiple awards after a career best 75-point season, which was enough to lead the team and country in points and tied for the NCAA-best in goals. For her efforts, she was named the WCHA Player of the Year and WCHA Forward of the Year. The junior was a Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award top-three finalist alongside teammate Casey O’Brien. 

Simms is the eighth Badger to be named WCHA Preseason Player of the Year and is the second straight Badger to receive the award after Caroline Harvey earned the honor last year. Harvey, 2023-24 WCHA Defender of the Year, received recognition in the preseason release as well, earning a spot on the Preseason All-WCHA Team alongside Minnesota defender Nelli Laitinen. 

Simms also placed on the Preseason All-WCHA Team alongside Minnesota’s Abbey Murphy and Ohio State’s Joy Dunne.

The Badgers kick off their season Sept. 27 and 28 against Lindenwood in Madison. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. (CT) at LaBahn Arena on Friday and at 2 p.m. to close out the series Saturday. Tickets for the series are now available on UWBadgers.Com. 

 

2024-25 WCHA Coaches Poll

Pl. Team (1st Place Votes) Points 

1.    Wisconsin (5)      46 points

2.    Ohio State (2)       43

3.    Minnesota (1)       40

4.    Minnesota Duluth 31

5.    St. Cloud State     25

6     Minnesota State  …