Gophers Hockey Takes on Boston University: A Promising Start
The No. 3-ranked Minnesota Women’s Hockey team is about to embark on its first road trip of the season. This weekend, they’ll face off against the No. 13 Boston University Terriers at Walter Brown Arena. The games are set for 5:00 p.m. CT on Friday and 3:00 p.m. CT on Saturday, and fans can catch the action on ESPN+.
Boston University’s Lineup
Boston University kicks off its season after a successful run last year, where they secured their sixth Hockey East championship. Their triumphant 3-2 overtime victory against Northeastern was made possible by the returning standout, Sydney Healy, who scored the winning goal. This year, BU is aiming high, ranked second in Hockey East and looking to build on their NCAA tournament experience.
Head coach Tara Watchorn is in her fourth season. Under her leadership, the Terriers have seen impressive growth, earning the team’s seventh NCAA Tournament appearance last year. They hope to defend their conference title and challenge for a deeper NCAA run.
Gophers Shine Bright
Minnesota’s players are racking up achievements. Abbey Murphy recently crossed the 200-point mark in her career, putting her ninth on the Gophers’ all-time scoring list. Josefin Bouveng reached her own milestone with her 100th career point last weekend. These accomplishments highlight the offensive strength of the team.
Several players recorded notable firsts this season. Freshman Bella Fanale scored the team’s opening goal and later celebrated her first multi-goal game. Junior transfer Molly Jordan tallied her first Gopher goal against her old team, and freshman Tereza Plosová also celebrated her first career goal.
Season Highlights
The Gophers impressively scored 11 goals in Friday’s match, marking the first time they’ve hit double digits since 2022. Their total of 18 goals over the series matches their best output since December 2023. Scoring prowess like this sets a positive tone for the season.
Tough Competition Ahead
This weekend’s games against Boston University are just the beginning. The Gophers have a grueling schedule ahead, with ten games lined up against top-15 teams. After the Terriers, they will meet No. 11 St. Cloud State, No. 2 Ohio State, and No. 5 Minnesota Duluth, followed by a clash with the top-ranked Wisconsin.
Team Dynamics and Leadership
The Gophers are returning 14 players from last season, including star forward Abbey Murphy, who ranked second nationally in goals last year. The team also adds significant talent, with ten new faces, including three key transfers. Sarah Paul, from Princeton, led the nation in scoring per game last season and promises to be a valuable asset.
Coaching for this strong group is veteran Brad Frost, now in his 19th season with an impressive career record. His experience and leadership will be crucial as the Gophers chase yet another national championship, aiming for their eighth title.
Looking Forward
As Minnesota gears up to face Boston University, fans are excited. Their early-season achievements set a hopeful tone. With a blend of seasoned athletes and fresh talent, this Gophers team is ready to take on the challenges ahead.
For more updates on the season and game streaming, visit the official Minnesota Gophers website.
