The Wisconsin Badgers' women’s hockey team has named its leaders for the 2026-27 season, with senior forward Kelly Gorbatenko taking over as captain.
Gorbatenko served as an alternate captain for Wisconsin’s 2026 national championship team and will now lead the Badgers as they look to defend their title. The Barrington, Illinois, native has appeared in all 134 games of her Wisconsin career and is coming off an impressive junior season.
Gorbatenko recorded seven multi-goal games last season, including a four-goal performance against St. Cloud State in February. She also scored a goal and added an assist in Wisconsin’s 3-2 national championship victory over Ohio State.
Senior goaltender Ava McNaughton and senior defender Laney Potter will serve as
alternate captains alongside junior forward Maggie Scannell. All three bring significant leadership experience to a Wisconsin team coming off its ninth national championship.
The Badgers enter the 2026-27 season ranked No. 1 in both the USCHO and USA Hockey preseason polls. Wisconsin opens its season Sept. 25 against St. Lawrence.
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This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Wisconsin Women’s Hockey Names Kelly Gorbatenko 2026-27 Captain
