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Gophers, Olympics Star Abbey Murphy Aims for Frozen Four
The forward, who helped Team USA beat Canada in the Olympics, is excited to face Northeastern in the NCAA quarterfinals.
Mar. 13, 2026 at 2:00pm
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Abbey Murphy, a sixth-year senior forward for the University of Minnesota Gophers women's hockey team, is having a standout season. She recently became the Gophers' all-time leading goal scorer with 141 goals and was named the WCHA Forward of the Year. Murphy, who helped Team USA win gold at the 2026 Olympics by defeating Canada, is now focused on leading the Gophers to the Frozen Four NCAA championship tournament.
Why it matters
Murphy's success this season highlights the growing prominence of women's college hockey, especially with the added exposure of her Olympic gold medal. Her performance could inspire more young athletes to pursue hockey at the collegiate level.
The details
In addition to becoming the Gophers' all-time leading goal scorer, Murphy was also named one of three finalists for the prestigious Patty Kazmaier Award, given annually to the top player in women's college hockey. She will face off against Northeastern University in the NCAA quarterfinals on Saturday, March 16th, with a chance to advance to the Frozen Four tournament.
- Murphy became the Gophers' all-time leading goal scorer during the team's first-round WCHA playoff series against St. Cloud State.
- Within the past week, Murphy was named the WCHA Forward of the Year and one of three finalists for the Patty Kazmaier Award.
- The Patty Kazmaier Award will be handed out on March 21st during Frozen Four weekend at State College, Pennsylvania.
The players
Abbey Murphy
A sixth-year senior forward for the University of Minnesota Gophers women's hockey team, who recently became the program's all-time leading goal scorer and was named a finalist for the Patty Kazmaier Award.
Caroline Harvey
A Wisconsin defender and one of the three finalists for the Patty Kazmaier Award, given annually to the top player in women's college hockey.
Tessa Janecke
A Penn State forward and one of the three finalists for the Patty Kazmaier Award, given annually to the top player in women's college hockey.
What they’re saying
“Along with the gold medal, Murphy has started hauling in hardware from the college hockey season.”
— Randy Johnson, Author (startribune.com)
What’s next
The Gophers will face off against Northeastern University in the NCAA quarterfinals on Saturday, March 16th, with a chance to advance to the Frozen Four tournament.
The takeaway
Abbey Murphy's standout season, which includes becoming the Gophers' all-time leading goal scorer and being named a finalist for the prestigious Patty Kazmaier Award, showcases the growing prominence of women's college hockey. Her success could inspire more young athletes to pursue the sport at the collegiate level.
