Technically, they went back-to-back: after winning it all in 2019 and having the 2020 tournament cancelled, the Badgers women's hockey program is once again hoisting the trophy.
"This was the most difficult one," head coach Mark Johnson said. "And the most exhausting one."
Team leaders say winning their sixth program title was worth the stress of testing protocols and a condensed tournament schedule.
"Especially as a senior and one of the leaders on this team, it means a lot," forward Brette Pettet said. "I think it was a tough year just to navigate through and hope that you're doing your best job throughout the year to make sure the younger players are enjoying their experience."
"This is an unbelievable feeling," forward Darryl Watts said. "I'm so happy for my teammates. I'm just so happy to share this moment with them, with my coaches, with my family."
Watts, the former Boston College Eagle, transferred to Wisconsin in 2019 with her eyes on the ultimate prize. She now caps a decorated collegiate career with last night's overtime game winner from behind the net - her third game-winning goal in four of Wisconsin's overtime wins this season.
"I had it behind the net and I just took a moment, no one was pressuring me, to see my options," Watts said. She noticed that the goalie was down and thought her shot deflected on Northeastern goalie Aerin Frankel, but instead it was off the back of Husky defender Megan Carter.
"It was just sort of a script that if I could write it, it would be her, because one of the reasons she wanted to come to Wisconsin as she was picking out schools was the opportunity to win a national championship," Johnson said.
