Laney Potter has emerged as one of the most dynamic forces in Wisconsin women’s hockey, logging 38 appearances in the 2025‑26 campaign and compiling 10 goals and 16 assists for a total of 26 points. Her impact extends beyond scoring, as she contributed a team‑leading plus/minus of +42 and recorded 52 defensive blocks, underscoring a well‑rounded skill set that coaches praise.
A Season of Milestones
The Badgers opened the year with a two‑point weekend against Bemidji State, where Potter’s two assists sparked a 5‑2 victory, and later delivered a two‑point effort against Vermont on Oct. 17, contributing a goal and two helpers. A standout performance came in a Feb. 21‑22 series versus St. Cloud State, where she notched three points — one goal and five assists — while maintaining a +45 rating over the season.
In the postseason, Potter’s contributions kept Wisconsin alive deep into March. She logged an assist in the NCAA Regional Final against Quinnipiac on March 14 and capped the tournament with a goal in the national championship game versus Ohio State on March 22, moments that highlighted her ability to rise when the stakes were highest.
Beyond the Ice
Her breakout season mirrors a career trajectory that began with a rookie year in 2023‑24, when she appeared in all 41 games and posted 16 points on four goals and 12 assists. That foundation set the stage for a 2024‑25 campaign that saw her reach a career‑high 26 points across 37 games, including a four‑point weekend against Minnesota Duluth in October.
Representing the United States at the 2022 IIHF Under‑18 Women’s World Championship, Potter recorded an assist in the gold‑medal game and has since been a regular presence at USA Hockey’s elite development camps. Off the rink, she balances athletics with academic excellence, a factor that helped her choose Wisconsin for its blend of scholarly rigor and hockey tradition.
Family ties run deep in Potter’s story; her parents, Mark and Alicia, have been steadfast supporters, while older brother Joey, a NAHL player, serves as a daily role model. The decision to join the Badgers was driven by a desire to combine top‑tier competition with a campus atmosphere she describes as “unbelievable.”