STOUGHTON, Wis. — American hockey is the talk of the country following both the men’s and women’s gold medal victories at the 2026 Olympic Games.

The women’s success in particular is being felt in Wisconsin, and carrying energy forward as young athletes competed over the weekend.

What You Need To Know

Women’s participation in hockey has increased by 65% over the last 15 years, according to USA Hockey

Many of the U.S. Women’s Hockey team for the Olympics were former and current Badgers players

This has inspired many women in the state to pick up and continue the sport

Stoughton was the site of the Girls 12U Silver Tournament. The sport has seen tremendous growth recently — participation has increased by 65% over the last 15 years, according to USA Hockey.

Stoughton player Mackenzie Miller said the team has come a long way from when she first picked up skates.

“I think it’s really good because now there’s like an actual girls’ division and we all get a chance to play girls instead of having to play with a bunch of boys,” said Miller. “We get more of an opportunity.”

The success of the U.S. National Teams has played a big role in growing the game. That’s especially true in Wisconsin, with many of the U.S. Women’s players for the Olympics having been current and former players for the University of Wisconsin. They’ve become role models for many junior team members.

“Laila Edwards. She was the first black woman to play on the Olympic team and she’s on the Badgers,” said Stoughton player Harper Schmalseldt.

“I just think it’s incredible how many more teams have been added,” said teammate Libby Brabier. “It’s just growing so quick. There’s so many — you have so many more new girls playing now.”

Janel Miller is the tournament director. She said she’s seen both the interest and skill level of girls hockey grow significantly over the last few years.

“The energy of the tournament has been great,” Miller said. “The girls have been wonderful. They’ve been playing very hard, and it’s great to watch them play. The growth has been amazing from beginning to end with all the girls.”

The Stoughton players all agreed that their sport will continue to grow.

“Yeah I think it just keeps getting more and more people every year,” said Brabier.