Big Ten Rivals Ohio State and Minnesota Face Off in Minneapolis Weekend Clash

Buckeyes Face Top-Three Clash Against Gophers in Minneapolis

Minneapolis, MN – October 16, 2025 – The No. 2 ranked Ohio State Women’s Hockey team is set to travel this weekend for a pivotal Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) game against the No. 3 Minnesota Gophers. The highly anticipated series will take place on saturday, October 18th, and Sunday, October 19th, with both games beginning at 3:00 PM Eastern Time from Ridder Arena.

Weekend Matchup Details

The Buckeyes,currently boasting a perfect 4-0-0 record and a 2-0-0 mark within the WCHA,are eager to maintain their winning streak. Minnesota enters the contest equally remarkable with a 6-0-0 overall record and a 2-0-0 conference record. Saturday’s game will be available via B1G+ streaming, while Sunday’s contest will also be broadcast on FOX9+ in the Twin Cities area.

Buckeyes’ Early Season Success

Ohio State has begun the season with commanding sweeps over then-No. 7 Colgate and Bemidji State, signaling their intent to contend for the national championship. This weekend marks the Buckeyes’ first true road test within the competitive WCHA conference.

Key Players to Watch

Freshman forward Hilda Svensson currently leads Ohio State in points, already making an immediate impact. Both Svensson and junior captain jocelyn Amos are tied for the team lead in goals with three apiece. jenna Raunio, another freshman forward, has distributed a team-best five assists.

Goaltending and Defensive Strength

Goaltender Hailey macleod has been stellar between the pipes for the Buckeyes, posting a 4-0-0 record with a 1.92 goals-against average and an impressive 85.7% save percentage. Genny klein provided solid relief in a recent game, further demonstrating the team’s depth in net. Defensively, brooke Disher, Sara Swiderski, and Leah Wicks each have two blocked shots, anchoring the team’s commitment to preventing scoring opportunities.

Offensive powerhouses Collide

This series pits two of the nation’s most potent offenses against each other. Ohio State is currently second in the country, averaging 5.50 goals per game, while Minnesota leads the way with an impressive 6.17 goals per game. The Buckeyes also boast a strong scoring margin of 3.50 goals, ranking fourth nationally.

Did you know that the average number of goals scored per game in NCAA Division I women’s hockey has increased by roughly 15% over the last five years? This trend highlights the growing offensive skill across the league.

Faceoff Dominance

Ohio State’s faceoff prowess is exceptional, currently holding the nation’s best win percentage at .674. Jocelyn Amos leads the team, winning 62 faceoffs at a remarkable .747 clip.

Conference and Regional Implications

While women’s hockey is not officially a Big Ten sport, the Ohio State team uniquely faces all Big Ten schools this season, adding an extra layer of competitiveness to their schedule.Along with the WCHA matchups against Minnesota and Wisconsin, the Buckeyes are scheduled to play Penn State in January.

Series History

Historically, Minnesota holds the advantage in the all-time series with a record of 84-30-7. though, Ohio State has proven competitive in recent years, going 15-8-2 against the Gophers over the last five seasons. Under Head Coach Nadine Muzerall, who took the helm in 2016, the Buckeyes have a strong 14-7-2 record against minnesota in Minneapolis. Last season, the two teams split the series, with Ohio State earning more points in the conference standings.

Team	Overall Record	WCHA Record	Goals Per Game
Ohio State	4-0-0	2-0-0	5.50
Minnesota	6-0-0	2-0-0	6.17

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on special teams play this weekend! Power play and penalty kill success can ofen be a deciding factor in close, high-stakes games like these.

Looking Ahead

Following this weekend’s series, Ohio State will return home to host No. 10 St. Cloud State on October 24th and 25th at the OSU Ice Rink. Both games will be streamed on B1G+.

Women’s Hockey Growth and Trends (2024-2025)

Women’s hockey continues to experience meaningful growth in popularity and participation across the United States. NCAA Division I programs are attracting higher levels of talent and investment, leading to increased skill and competitiveness. According to USA Hockey, female hockey participation reached an all-time high in 2023, with over 85,000 registered players. The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), which launched in early 2024, is also contributing to the sport’s momentum by providing a high-level professional platform for female athletes.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the significance of the Ohio State vs. Minnesota matchup? This series features two of the top teams in the nation and has major implications for WCHA standings and potential NCAA tournament seeding.
• Where can I watch the Ohio State vs. Minnesota games? Saturday’s game will be streamed on B1G+, and Sunday’s game will be available on both B1G+ and FOX9+ in the Twin Cities area.
• Who are the key players for Ohio state in this series? Hilda Svensson and Jocelyn Amos lead the Buckeyes in scoring, while Hailey MacLeod anchors the team defensively in goal.
• What is Ohio State’s record against Minnesota in Minneapolis under Coach Muzerall? The Buckeyes have a 14-7-2 record against the Gophers in Minneapolis as Nadine Muzerall became head coach in 2016.
• How does Ohio state’s faceoff percentage compare to other teams? Ohio State currently has the best faceoff win percentage in the nation at .674.
• Is women’s hockey a Big Ten sport? While not officially a Big Ten sport, Ohio state is the only team that will play all of the other Big Ten teams this season.

What are your predictions for the Buckeyes’ performance this weekend? share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments below!

What statistical advantage does Minnesota’s defense possess that could impact the game?

Game Details & Broadcast Information

The highly anticipated matchup between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Minnesota Golden Gophers is set to take place this weekend in minneapolis. Kickoff is scheduled for Saturday, October 18th, 2025, at 3:30 PM EST at Huntington Bank Stadium.

* Teams: ohio State Buckeyes vs.Minnesota Golden Gophers

* Date: October 18th, 2025

* Time: 3:30 PM EST

* Location: Huntington Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

* TV Broadcast: FOX

* Streaming Options: FOX Sports App, FuboTV

Fans eager to catch the Big Ten football action can also listen live on various radio networks affiliated with both universities. Check local listings for specific broadcast details. This Ohio State vs Minnesota game is a crucial contest for both teams as they navigate the competitive Big Ten Conference schedule.

Ohio State Buckeyes: Season Overview & Key Players

Ohio State enters the game with a record of 7-1, currently ranked #3 in the nation. Their high-powered offense, led by quarterback Dylan Raiola, has been a consistent force, averaging 42 points per game.

* Key Offensive Players:

* Dylan Raiola (QB): 2,450 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, 4 interceptions.

* Jordan Marshall (RB): 850 rushing yards, 10 touchdowns.

* Evan Brooks (WR): 750 receiving yards, 8 touchdowns.

* Defensive Strengths: The Buckeyes boast a formidable defense, particularly against the run, allowing only 85 yards per game.Linebacker James Pearce Jr. is a key player to watch, leading the team in tackles.

* Recent Performance: Ohio State suffered their first loss of the season last week against Penn State in a hard-fought battle, making this game even more critical for their College Football Playoff aspirations.

Minnesota Golden Gophers: Season Overview & Key Players

Minnesota currently holds a 5-3 record, showcasing a strong running game and a resilient defense. they are looking to make a statement against a top-ranked opponent.

* Key Offensive Players:

* Ky Thomas (RB): 900 rushing yards, 7 touchdowns.

* Daniel Jackson (WR): 600 receiving yards, 5 touchdowns.

* max Shulze (QB): 1,600 passing yards, 12 touchdowns, 6 interceptions.

* Defensive Strengths: The gophers’ defense excels at creating turnovers, forcing an average of two per game. Safety Bodie White is a standout performer,known for his aggressive playmaking.

* Recent Performance: Minnesota is coming off a convincing win against Illinois, building momentum heading into this challenging Big Ten matchup.

Head-to-Head History: Buckeyes vs.Gophers

The series between Ohio State and Minnesota dates back to 1900,with Ohio State holding a significant advantage in the overall record (78-14-1). However, Minnesota has had moments of success, including a memorable upset victory in 2021. Recent games have been competitive, ofen decided by a narrow margin. This historical context adds another layer of intensity to this rivalry game.

Key Matchups to Watch

Several key matchups will likely determine the outcome of the game:

1. Ohio State’s Offensive Line vs. Minnesota’s Defensive Line: The Buckeyes’ ability to establish a consistent running game and protect Raiola will be crucial.
2. Minnesota’s Running Game vs. Ohio State’s Run Defense: The Gophers will aim to control the clock and wear down the buckeyes’ defense with their ground attack.
3. Dylan Raiola vs. Minnesota’s Secondary: Raiola’s accuracy and decision-making will be tested against a Gophers’ secondary known for its ball-hawking abilities.

Weather Forecast & Potential Impact

the weather forecast for Minneapolis on saturday calls for temperatures in the low 40s with a chance