Wisconsin’s celebration had barely begun before Ohio State fans took to social media to protest the women’s hockey team’s loss in the NCAA championship game. Well, protest is an understatement. They screamed like banshees that the referees had cheated the Buckeyes and cost them a second straight national title. I’m sorry Buckeye fans, but that simply did not happen, because the Ohio State women’s hockey team did not get cheated.
While clinging to a 3-2 lead late in the third period, Ohio State put the Badgers on a power play when they were called for having too many players on the ice-an inexcusable penalty to take in that situation. With just under a minute left, a Wisconsin shot managed to get through sprawling Buckeye goalie Amanda Thiele.
In the chaos that ensued, Maddi Wheeler dove into the crease to stop the trickling puck before it could cross the Ohio State goal line. There was only one problem. A defensive player can’t cover the puck in their own crease. That’s a big no-no.
Wheeler not only put her hand over the puck, she pulled it into her body. It was clear cut and when the officials reviewed the play, had an easy call to make. Wisconsin chose to be awarded a penalty shot and tied the game with just 18.9 seconds in regulation.
Another point of contention is the penalty shot by Kirsten Simms. Many Buckeye fans claimed she either stopped and/or moved the puck backwards-both are things you can’t do on a penalty shot. Simms did neither. She made a move to her left and got Thiele to bite, planted her skate, pulled the puck back to her right, and actually stepped forward with her right skate before putting the puck into the open net. Simms, who had two goals and an assist, simply made a great play.
It is a gut-wrenching, heartbreaking, and crushing way to lose, but the Ohio State women’s hockey team was not cheated. Whether it is liked or not, the referees made the correct calls on these plays.