University of Minnesota Athletics
Players Mentioned
Five Gophers Named to Team USA's 2025 Rivalry Series Roster
10/20/2025 3:08:00 PM | Women's Hockey
MINNEAPOLIS – USA Hockey announced its 30-player roster for the 2025 Rivalry Series on Wednesday, with five Gophers earning selections to represent Team USA. Current Maroon and Gold captain Abbey Murphy and Gopher alumnae Kelly Pannek, Grace Zumwinkle, Lee Stecklein, and Taylor Heise were all named to the U.S. roster for the four-game series against Canada.
Murphy, who currently leads the NCAA in goals this season, earns another call-up to the national team after competing in the 2022 Winter Olympics, where she helped Team USA capture silver. The senior forward has been a consistent offensive force and leader for Minnesota while continuing to build on her international experience.
Pannek, Zumwinkle, Stecklein, and Heise, all Olympians and former captains at Minnesota, bring a wealth of international experience to the U.S. roster. The quartet, now teammates with the two-time PWHL champions Minnesota Frost, continue to be key contributors for Team USA. The four combined for more than 700 points during their Gopher careers.
The 2025 Rivalry Series, a showcase of the best women's hockey players from the United States and Canada, will open with two games in the U.S. before shifting north for the final two matchups. The series begins Nov. 6 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio, followed by a Nov. 8 rematch at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, N.Y. The final two games will take place Dec. 10 and 13 at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta.
Gophers on Team USA Roster
- Abbey Murphy – Current Gopher, Grad.
- Kelly Pannek – Gopher Alumna (2014–19)
- Grace Zumwinkle – Gopher Alumna (2017–23)
- Lee Stecklein – Gopher Alumna (2012–17)
- Taylor Heise – Gopher Alumna (2018–23)