University of Minnesota Athletics
Players Mentioned
Minnesota Trio Earn Monthly Honors
10/1/2025 2:05:00 PM | Women's Hockey
MINNEAPOLIS – The Gophers' dominant opening weekend did more than set the tone for the 2025-26 season, it also led to Minnesota capturing three of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association's (WCHA) four monthly honors. The league announced Wednesday that Abbey Murphy earned Forward of the Month, Sydney Morrow was tabbed Defender of the Month, and freshman Bella Fanale claimed Rookie of the Month.
Murphy, a senior from Evergreen Park, Ill., powered Minnesota's attack with nine points (4g-5a) in the sweep of Boston College. Her performance included a hat trick and five-point outing in Friday's 8-2 victory, helping her surge to the top of the conference in both goals and total points.
Fanale made an instant impression in her collegiate debut, striking first for the Gophers with the team's opening goal of the season. The Webster, N.Y., product closed her first weekend with six points (3g-3a), highlighted by a two-goal showing in game one and a three-assist effort in game two.
From the blue line, Morrow brought steady production and defensive presence. The Darien, Conn., native chipped in five points (2g-3a), blocked five shots, and posted a plus-seven rating across the two games. Her two-goal performance on Friday provided additional punch to Minnesota's scoring depth.
The trio becomes the first Gophers this season to earn monthly recognition from the league, marking a strong early-season statement for the Maroon & Gold.
Minnesota, ranked No. 3 nationally, now heads east for its first road test of the season at No. 13 Boston University. The series at Walter Brown Arena begins Friday, Oct. 3 at 5:00 p.m. CT, with game two scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 4 at 3:00 p.m. CT. Both games stream live on ESPN+.
WCHA Players of the Month
Forward of the Month: Abbey Murphy, Minnesota
Defender of the Month: Sydney Morrow, Minnesota
Goaltender of the Month: Hailey Hansen, Minnesota State
Rookie of the Month: Bella Fanale, Minnesota