Wisconsin Coach Wins 9th Women's Hockey Championship

Mark Johnson has built something extraordinary at Wisconsin, and last weekend he proved the dynasty is still going strong.

The Badgers women's hockey coach just captured his ninth national championship, defeating Ohio State 3-2 in a nail-biter that added another trophy to an already overflowing cabinet. Twenty years ago, on March 26, 2006, Johnson won his very first title with the program.

That inaugural championship was special. The Badgers entered the game riding a 12-game winning streak and faced their biggest rivals, the Minnesota Golden Gophers. Wisconsin jumped ahead with two quick goals in the first period and never let Minnesota back in the game, adding a third goal in the second period for a commanding 3-0 victory.

Johnson has turned that first win into a legacy. Since 2006, he's added eight more championships, making Wisconsin women's hockey one of the most successful programs in college sports.

The latest title shows that Johnson's magic hasn't faded. Unlike the comfortable 3-0 win two decades ago, this year's championship game went down to the wire. Wisconsin held off Ohio State in a tense 3-2 battle that had fans on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer.

The Ripple Effect

Johnson's impact reaches far beyond trophy cases. He's created a culture of excellence that inspires young women across Wisconsin and beyond to lace up their skates and dream big. Nine championships over two decades means countless players have learned what it takes to be the best, lessons they'll carry throughout their lives.

His consistency also elevates women's sports visibility. Every championship reminds the world that women's athletics deserves the same spotlight, resources, and celebration as any other sport.

Twenty years and nine titles later, Johnson continues proving that success built on solid foundations can last generations.