Abbey Murphy sparks Team USA's gold-medal dreams

The 23-year-old has driven Olympic opponents crazy with her unprecedented blend of mind-blowing skill, relentless motor and prolific trash talking.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Abbey Murphy, a 23-year-old forward for the U.S. women's hockey team, has been a dominant force at the 2026 Olympics, drawing penalties, scoring goals, and getting under the skin of opposing players with her aggressive and physical play. Despite some controversy around her tactics, Murphy's teammates praise her as an emotional spark plug who will do whatever it takes to help the U.S. win the gold medal.

Why it matters

Murphy's performance at the Olympics has brought increased attention and excitement to women's hockey, showcasing the sport's high level of skill and competitiveness. Her ability to get opponents off their game while also contributing offensively has been a key factor in the U.S. team's dominant run to the gold-medal game.

The details

In the U.S.'s semifinal win over Sweden, Murphy drew a minor penalty for goalie interference and then drew a roughing penalty on a Swedish defender after theatrically falling to the ice following a shove. Swedish players later criticized Murphy's physical play and accused her of embellishment. Murphy has also drawn multiple penalties against rival Canada and stood up for a teammate after a hit from an Italian player. Despite the controversy, Murphy's teammates praise her relentless motor and willingness to do whatever it takes to help the team win.

  • On Monday night, Murphy drew a minor penalty for goalie interference against Sweden.
  • In the U.S.'s group-stage game against Canada, Murphy drew four penalties.
  • Earlier this season, Murphy produced a highlight-reel bounce pass that was called 'the greatest assist of all time.'

The players

Abbey Murphy

A 23-year-old forward for the U.S. women's hockey team who has been a dominant force at the 2026 Olympics, drawing penalties, scoring goals, and getting under the skin of opposing players with her aggressive and physical play.

Emma Soderberg

The Swedish goaltender who was involved in the incident with Murphy in the semifinal game, accusing Murphy of hitting her 'right in the head.'

Jessica Adolfsson

A Swedish defender who shoved Murphy in the chest after the goalie interference incident, drawing a roughing penalty.

Haley Winn

An American defender who praised Murphy, saying 'Whether it's a goal, an assist or a big hit, she'll do whatever it takes for our team to win.'

Kirsten Simms

An American forward who plays for the University of Wisconsin and has faced Murphy in college, saying 'When she's on your team, it's a lot more fun.'

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What they’re saying

“If you want to lie down and cry on the ice after a little push, you can do that. I can't do anything about that.”

— Jessica Adolfsson, Swedish defender (Swedish media outlets)

“Obviously you love to have her on your team. Whether it's a goal, an assist or a big hit, she'll do whatever it takes for our team to win.”

— Haley Winn, American defender (Yahoo Sports)

“When she's on your team, it's a lot more fun.”

— Kirsten Simms, American forward (Yahoo Sports)

What’s next

The U.S. women's hockey team will face Canada in the gold-medal match on Thursday.

The takeaway

Abbey Murphy's aggressive and physical play has been a key factor in the U.S. team's dominant run to the gold-medal game, drawing praise from her teammates but also controversy from opponents. Her performance has helped bring increased attention and excitement to women's hockey, showcasing the sport's high level of skill and competitiveness.