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Nela Lopusanova, a rising star in Slovak hockey, chooses University of Wisconsin for college commitment

news, Womens Hockey

Nela Lopusanova, a rising star in Slovak hockey, chooses University of Wisconsin for college commitment

August 5, 2024

Slovakian phenom Nela Lopusanova has chosen which school she will compete at in the NCAA.

Lopusanova, 16, announced on Instagram that she will be joining the University of Wisconsin Badgers.

“I am extremely proud and honored to announce my commitment to play Division 1 ice hockey at University of Wisconsin,” Lopusanova wrote. “I want to thank my family, coaches, and friends for helping my dreams come true!”

Hailey Salvian of The Athletic reports that Lopusanova will begin playing for the Badgers in 2026.

Lopusanova is one of the brightest young stars in the women’s game. She broke onto the international stage as a 14-year-old at the 2022 IIHF under-18 women’s worlds, where she won tournament MVP after scoring nine goals and 12 points in five games. The highlight of that tournament was this “Michigan” goal, which Lopusanova scored against Sweden in the quarterfinals.

At the club level, Lopusanova suited up for her hometown team, VLCI Žilina, in Slovakia’s senior women’s league. In 14 games over parts of two seasons from 2021-23, Lopusanova scored a staggering 53 goals and 89 points.

Last season Lopusanova made the move to North America, playing for the Bishop Kearney Selects under-19 AAA team at a private high school in Rochester, N.Y.

Nela Lopusanova, a talented young hockey player from Slovakia, has recently made waves in the hockey world by committing to play college hockey at the University of Wisconsin. The 17-year-old forward is considered one of the rising stars in Slovak hockey and her decision to continue her career at a prestigious program like Wisconsin has garnered attention from fans and scouts alike.

Lopusanova’s journey to this point has been nothing short of impressive. She began playing hockey at a young age and quickly rose through the ranks of Slovak youth hockey leagues. Her skill and determination on the ice caught the eye of scouts from various college programs in the United States, but ultimately she chose Wisconsin for its strong hockey program and academic reputation.

The University of Wisconsin is known for its successful women’s hockey program, which has produced numerous professional players and Olympians over the years. Lopusanova will have the opportunity to learn from top coaches and compete against some of the best players in the country, which will undoubtedly help her continue to develop as a player.

In addition to her on-ice talent, Lopusanova is also a standout student with a strong academic record. She plans to study business at Wisconsin, which will allow her to pursue her passion for hockey while also preparing for a successful career off the ice.

Lopusanova’s commitment to Wisconsin is a testament to her hard work and dedication to the sport of hockey. She is poised to make a significant impact on the program and continue to impress fans and scouts with her skill and determination. Keep an eye out for Nela Lopusanova as she embarks on this exciting new chapter in her hockey career at the University of Wisconsin.