DULUTH, Minn. — A national championship trophy usually belongs to the players for the first few days after it's won.
Mark Johnson is going to need to check out the hardware for a few hours Monday.
The University of Wisconsin women's hockey coach won a seventh NCAA championship Sunday with the Badgers' 1-0 victory against Ohio State at Amsoil Arena.
"I'm going to grab the trophy (Monday) and then I'm taking it over to sit down with my mom and get a picture with my mom," Johnson said. "Because she's not doing real well. So it's something that I'll be able to have with me for a long period of time."
Martha Johnson was front and center for the success her husband, Bob, had as Badgers men's hockey coach from 1966 to 1982 and she added to the Dane County Coliseum atmosphere by ringing a cowbell.
"In the back of my mind, I said if we win this thing, I'm going to grab that trophy and go sit down with her," Mark Johnson said Sunday. "She'll have a big smile on her face."
Badgers coach Mark Johnson holds the NCAA championship trophy after Sunday's 1-0 victory against Ohio State. It was his seventh national title as a coach.
Clint Austin, Duluth News Tribune
There was some symbolism for Johnson in the Badgers winning what might qualify as their most unlikely of the seven championships in Duluth.
Bob Johnson coached the Badgers men's team to their third championship in Duluth in 1981. The "Back Door Badgers" barely made the NCAA Tournament, but it ended up with the coach celebrating with fans on top of a car outside the team hotel.
Mark Johnson wasn't rushing to jump on a vehicle, however. He also wasn't rushing to compare this championship to others; he said he doesn't do that because "every one's unique. Every one's different. Every one's special."
But he said the seventh was the most challenging to win. It was the first time that a team lower than No. 3 in the overall seedings won the title; UW was the sixth seed and had to beat Nos. 3, 2 and 1 over the last three games.
Wisconsin goalie Cami Kronish, forward Kirsten Simms and coach Mark Johnson speak about winning the NCAA championship with a 1-0 victory against Ohio State on Sunday in Duluth, Minnesota.
Todd D. Milewski | Wisconsin State Journal
Johnson also said it was difficult because of the changing environment of college sports that makes it harder to keep a group together for years.
"With the rules that we're navigating through right now, team chemistry, getting everyone on the same page, trying to keep everybody happy, it just becomes more challenging," Johnson said. "It's this new space we're in and we're trying to work through it."
Photos: Wisconsin women's hockey secures NCAA championship with shutout
Ohio State forward Sloane Matthews skates against Wisconsin forward Britta Curl during the NCAA women’s Frozen Four championship game at Amsoil Arena on Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Duluth.
Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune
Wisconsin forward Sarah Wozniewicz skates with the puck against Ohio State during the NCAA women’s Frozen Four championship game at Amsoil Arena on Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Duluth.
Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune
UW forward Kirsten Simms, left, scores the game's lone goal against Ohio State goaltender Amanda Thiele during Sunday's NCAA women’s Frozen Four championship game at Amsoil Arena in Duluth, Minnesota.
Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune
Wisconsin forward Britta Curl skates against Ohio State's Sophie Jaques during the NCAA somen’s Frozen Four championship game at Amsoil Arena on Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Duluth.
Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune
Ohio State defenseman Madison Bizal (9) looks to control the puck during the NCAA women’s Frozen Four championship game at Amsoil Arena on Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Duluth.
Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune
Ohio State goaltender Amanda Thiele makes a diving save against Wisconsin during the NCAA women’s Frozen Four championship game at Amsoil Arena on Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Duluth.
Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune
Ohio State's Sophie Jaques skates with the puck against Wisconsin during the NCAA women’s Frozen Four championship game at Amsoil Arena on Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Duluth.
Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune
Wisconsin forward Lacey Eden celebrates a goal against Ohio State during the NCAA women’s Frozen Four championship game at Amsoil Arena on Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Duluth. The first-period goal by teammate Kirsten Simms was the lone score as the Badgers defeated the Buckeyes 1-0 to win the national title.
Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune
19MAR23 — Clint Austin —031923.S.DNT.NCAACHAMP.C — Wisconsin head coach Mark Johnson looks at the trophy after being drenched by his team after winning the NCAA Women’s Frozen Four Championship game the at Amsoil Arena on Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Duluth.
Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune
19MAR23 — Clint Austin —031923.S.DNT.NCAACHAMP.C —Wisconsin players celebrate with the trophy after winning the NCAA Women’s Frozen Four Championship game the at Amsoil Arena on Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Duluth.
Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune
19MAR23 — Clint Austin —031923.S.DNT.NCAACHAMP.C —Wisconsin forward Sophie Shirley (9) celebrates winning the NCAA Women’s Frozen Four Championship game the at Amsoil Arena on Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Duluth.
Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune
19MAR23 — Clint Austin —031923.S.DNT.NCAACHAMP.C —A young Wisconsin fan celebrates after Wisconsin won the NCAA Women’s Frozen Four Championship game the at Amsoil Arena on Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Duluth.
Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune
19MAR23 — Clint Austin —031923.S.DNT.NCAACHAMP.C —Wisconsin goaltender Cami Kronish (30) celebrates after winning the NCAA Women’s Frozen Four Championship game the at Amsoil Arena on Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Duluth.
Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune
19MAR23 — Clint Austin —031923.S.DNT.NCAACHAMP.C —Wisconsin defensemen Mayson Toft (14) and Nicole LaMantia (21) hug \ Wisconsin goaltender Cami Kronish (30) after winning the NCAA Women’s Frozen Four Championship game the at Amsoil Arena on Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Duluth.
Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune
UW goaltender Cami Kronish celebrates as the clock runs out against Ohio State during Sunday's NCAA Women’s Frozen Four Championship game at Amsoil Arena in Duluth, Minnesota.
Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune
19MAR23 — Clint Austin —031923.S.DNT.NCAACHAMP.C —Ohio State forward Makenna Webster (20) skates with the puck against Wisconsin during the NCAA Women’s Frozen Four Championship game the at Amsoil Arena on Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Duluth.
Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune
Wisconsin celebrates after defeating Ohio State 1-0 during the NCAA Women’s Frozen Four Championship game Sunday at Amsoil Arena in Duluth, Minnesota.
Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune
UW goaltender Cami Kronish deflects a shot on goal against Ohio State forward Gabby Rosenthal (15) during Sunday's NCAA Women’s Frozen Four Championship game at Amsoil Arena in Duluth, Minnesota.
Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune
19MAR23 — Clint Austin —031923.S.DNT.NCAACHAMP.C —Wisconsin forward Sarah Wozniewicz (23) skates with the puck against Ohio State during the NCAA Women’s Frozen Four Championship game the at Amsoil Arena on Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Duluth.
Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune
19MAR23 — Clint Austin —031923.S.DNT.NCAACHAMP.C —Ohio State defenseman Sophie Jaques (18) skates with the puck against Wisconsin during the NCAA Women’s Frozen Four Championship game the at Amsoil Arena on Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Duluth.
Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune
19MAR23 — Clint Austin —031923.S.DNT.NCAACHAMP.C —Ohio State goaltender Amanda Thiele (30) makes a diving save against Wisconsin during the NCAA Women’s Frozen Four Championship game the at Amsoil Arena on Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Duluth.
Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune
19MAR23 — Clint Austin —031923.S.DNT.NCAACHAMP.C —Ohio State defenseman Madison Bizal (9) looks to control the puck during the NCAA Women’s Frozen Four Championship game the at Amsoil Arena on Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Duluth.
Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune
UW forward Britta Curl (17) skates against Ohio State defenseman Sophie Jaques (18) during Sunday's NCAA Women’s Frozen Four Championship game at Amsoil Arena in Duluth, Minnesota.
Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune
19MAR23 — Clint Austin —031923.S.DNT.NCAACHAMP.C —Wisconsin forward Lacey Eden (6) celebrates a goal against Ohio State during the NCAA Women’s Frozen Four Championship game the at Amsoil Arena on Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Duluth.
Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune
19MAR23 — Clint Austin —031923.S.DNT.NCAACHAMP.C —Wisconsin forward Kirsten Simms (27) scores a goal against Ohio State goaltender Amanda Thiele (30) during the NCAA Women’s Frozen Four Championship game the at Amsoil Arena on Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Duluth.
Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune
19MAR23 — Clint Austin —031923.S.DNT.NCAACHAMP.C —Ohio State forward Sloane Matthews (22) skates against Wisconsin forward Britta Curl (17) during the NCAA Women’s Frozen Four Championship game the at Amsoil Arena on Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Duluth.
Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune
Badgers coach Mark Johnson holds the NCAA championship trophy after Sunday's 1-0 victory against Ohio State. It was his seventh national title as a coach.
Clint Austin, Duluth News Tribune
19MAR23 — Clint Austin —031923.S.DNT.NCAACHAMP.C —Ohio State players are greeted by the marching band during the red carpet entrance at the NCAA Women’s Frozen Four Championship game the at Amsoil Arena on Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Duluth. NCAA Women’s Frozen Four Championship game the at Amsoil Arena on Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Duluth.
Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune
19MAR23 — Clint Austin —031923.S.DNT.NCAACHAMP.C —Ohio State players are greeted by fans during the red carpet entrance at the NCAA Women’s Frozen Four Championship game the at Amsoil Arena on Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Duluth.
Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune
19MAR23 — Clint Austin —031923.S.DNT.NCAACHAMP.C —Ohio State players are greeted by fans during the red carpet entrance at the NCAA Women’s Frozen Four Championship game the at Amsoil Arena on Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Duluth.
Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune
19MAR23 — Clint Austin —031923.S.DNT.NCAACHAMP.C —Wisconsin marching band members play during the red carpet entrance at the NCAA Women’s Frozen Four Championship game the at Amsoil Arena on Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Duluth.
Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune
19MAR23 — Clint Austin —031923.S.DNT.NCAACHAMP.C —Wisconsin players are greeted by fans during the red carpet entrance at the NCAA Women’s Frozen Four Championship game the at Amsoil Arena on Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Duluth.
Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune
19MAR23 — Clint Austin —031923.S.DNT.NCAACHAMP.C —Wisconsin players are greeted by fans during the red carpet entrance at the NCAA Women’s Frozen Four Championship game the at Amsoil Arena on Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Duluth.
Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune
19MAR23 — Clint Austin —031923.S.DNT.NCAACHAMP.C —Wisconsin goaltender Cami Kronish reacts to a question during a press conference at the NCAA Women’s Frozen Four Championship game the at Amsoil Arena on Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Duluth.
Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune
19MAR23 — Clint Austin —031923.S.DNT.NCAACHAMP.C —Wisconsin head coach Mark Johnson speaks during a press conference at the NCAA Women’s Frozen Four Championship game the at Amsoil Arena on Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Duluth.
Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune
19MAR23 — Clint Austin —031923.S.DNT.NCAACHAMP.C —Ohio State forward Paetyn Levis speaks during a press conference at the NCAA Women’s Frozen Four Championship game the at Amsoil Arena on Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Duluth.
Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune
19MAR23 — Clint Austin —031923.S.DNT.NCAACHAMP.C —Ohio State forward Emma Maltais speaks during a press conference at the NCAA Women’s Frozen Four Championship game the at Amsoil Arena on Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Duluth.
Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune
19MAR23 — Clint Austin —031923.S.DNT.NCAACHAMP.C —Ohio State head coach Nadine Muzerall speaks during a press conference at the NCAA Women’s Frozen Four Championship game the at Amsoil Arena on Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Duluth.
Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune
19MAR23 — Clint Austin —031923.S.DNT.NCAACHAMP.C —Ohio State players huddle around the goal before the NCAA Women’s Frozen Four Championship game the at Amsoil Arena on Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Duluth.
Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune
19MAR23 — Clint Austin —031923.S.DNT.NCAACHAMP.C —Ohio State goaltender Amanda Thiele (30) is introduced during the NCAA Women’s Frozen Four Championship game the at Amsoil Arena on Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Duluth.
Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune
UW forward Sophie Shirley cuts the net after winning the NCAA Women’s Frozen Four Championship game Sunday at Amsoil Arena in Duluth, Minnesota.
Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune
19MAR23 — Clint Austin —031923.S.DNT.NCAACHAMP.C —Wisconsin goaltender Cami Kronish (30) finishes the bracket after winning the NCAA Women’s Frozen Four Championship game the at Amsoil Arena on Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Duluth.
Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune
19MAR23 — Clint Austin —031923.S.DNT.NCAACHAMP.C —Wisconsin players celebrate after winning the NCAA Women’s Frozen Four Championship game the at Amsoil Arena on Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Duluth.
Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune
19MAR23 — Clint Austin —031923.S.DNT.NCAACHAMP.C —Wisconsin players celebrate after winning the NCAA Women’s Frozen Four Championship game the at Amsoil Arena on Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Duluth.
Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune
UW goaltender Cami Kronish gives the sign for No. 1 after winning the NCAA Women’s Frozen Four Championship game Sunday at Amsoil Arena in Duluth, Minnesota.
Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune
UW players mob Wisconsin goaltender Cami Kronish, was named the NCAA Women's Frozen Four's Most Outstanding Player, after the Badgers beat Ohio State in Sunday's championship game at Amsoil Arena in Duluth, Minnesota.
Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune
19MAR23 — Clint Austin —031923.S.DNT.NCAACHAMP.C —Wisconsin defenseman Chayla Edwards (25) celebrates with the trophy after winning the NCAA Women’s Frozen Four Championship game the at Amsoil Arena on Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Duluth.
Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune
UW forward Britta Curl celebrates after winning the NCAA Women’s Frozen Four Championship game against Ohio State Sunday at Amsoil Arena in Duluth, Minnesota.
Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune
19MAR23 — Clint Austin —031923.S.DNT.NCAACHAMP.C —Wisconsin and Ohio State line up for the National Anthem during the NCAA Women’s Frozen Four Championship game the at Amsoil Arena on Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Duluth.
Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune
19MAR23 — Clint Austin —031923.S.DNT.NCAACHAMP.C —Wisconsin forward Kirsten Simms speaks during a press conference at the NCAA Women’s Frozen Four Championship game the at Amsoil Arena on Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Duluth.
Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune
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