University of Minnesota Athletics
University of Minnesota
St. Cloud State
Players Mentioned
Gophers Host Huskies to Open WCHA Playoffs
2/26/2026 4:00:00 PM | Women's Hockey
MINNEAPOLIS – The No. 4-ranked University of Minnesota women's hockey team will host the St. Cloud State Huskies at Ridder Arena in the first round of the 2026 WCHA Postseason this weekend. Puck drops in the best-of-three series are set for Friday, Feb. 27 at 6:00 p.m. CT, then Saturday, Feb. 28 at 2:00 p.m. CT, and if needed March 1 at 3:00 p.m. CT. All the action will air live on FOX9+ and be streamed on B1G+.
Game One
#4 Minnesota Gophers (24-9-1, 18-9-1 WCHA) vs. RV SCSU Huskies (11-21-2, 7-19-2 WCHA)
Date: Feb. 27, 2026
Time: 6:00 p.m. CT
Stream: FOX9+
Location: Ridder Arena
Game Two
#4 Minnesota Gophers (24-9-1, 18-9-1 WCHA) vs. RV SCSU Huskies (11-21-2, 7-19-2 WCHA)
Date: Feb. 28, 2026
Time: 2:00 p.m. CT
Stream: FOX9+
Location: Ridder Arena
Game Three (IF NECESSARY)
#4 Minnesota Gophers (24-9-1, 18-9-1 WCHA) vs. RV SCSU Huskies (11-21-2, 7-19-2 WCHA)
Date: March 1, 2026
Time: 3:00 p.m. CT
Stream: FOX9+
Location: Ridder Arena
Last Time Out
The Maroon and Gold faltered to finish the 2025-26 regular season, as they fell twice in overtime to No. 9 Minnesota Duluth by scores of 3-2 and 2-1. While the Gophers outshot the Bulldogs in both games, UMD capitalized on their limited opportunities to earn the series sweep of the 'U'.
Scouting the Huskies
First year head coach Mira Jalosuo and the St. Cloud State Huskies also finished out the regular season falling twice, dropping 9-2 and 4-2 decisions to No. 1 Wisconsin in Madison, Wis. The sixth-seeded Huskies will take on the third-seeded Gophers in the third series between the two this season. Minnesota is currently on a five-game winning streak against SCSU, having won four matchups against the Huskies this season. In the four matchups this season, the 'U' has out-scored St. Cloud 22-6. Junior forwards Alice Sauriol leads the Huskies in scoring this season with 29 points (8 g, 21 a), while Sofianna Sundelin leads the squad with 16 goals. Between the pipes, Jojo Chobak and Emilia Kyrkko have split time. Kyrkko leads all Huskies with a 2.35 goals against average and a .932 save percentage.
Inside the Series
Minnesota is 113-6-4 all-time against St. Cloud State and boasts an impressive 64-1-2 record at home versus the Huskies. In their last ten matchups, the Gophers are 8-2 including an active five-game winning streak. Minnesota has averaged an impressive five goals per game against the Huskies including a 5.50 average this season.
WCHA Playoff History
Minnesota owns a 65-24 all-time record in WCHA playoff games, including a 3-2 mark last season that carried the program to the championship game, where the Gophers dropped a 4-3 decision to the Wisconsin Badgers. Current skaters Allie Franco and Josefin Bouveng each scored in the title matchup. The 'U' is seeking its ninth WCHA Tournament crown, most recently winning the title in 2023 with a 4-0 run that included a 4-2 semifinal victory over Wisconsin and a 3-1 championship win against the Ohio State Buckeyes.
All-WCHA Gophers
Minnesota placed four student-athletes on the 2025-26 All-WCHA Teams, led by graduate forward Abbey Murphy's First Team selection. Senior defenders Nelli Laitinen and Sydney Morrow earned Second Team honors, while freshman Bella Fanale was named to the All-Rookie Team. Murphy leads the nation in goals per game (1.38) and points per game (2.35), totaling 36 goals and 61 points in 26 games. Laitinen ranks second among WCHA defenders in points (29) and goals (10), while Morrow sits second among league blueliners with 31 points and 23 assists. Fanale has recorded 18 goals and 34 points to rank among the top WCHA freshmen, adding a league-best 390 faceoff wins among conference rookies.
Gopher Regular Season Leaders
Graduate forward Abbey Murphy leads Minnesota with 36 goals and 61 points, adding a team-best four game-winning goals and 190 shots. Ava Lindsay ranks second with 42 points (15g, 27a), while Josefin Bouveng and Jamie Nelson have 39 points apiece. On the back end, Sydney Morrow (31 points) and Nelli Laitinen (29 points) pace the defense. In net, Hannah Clark is 17-6-1 with a 2.04 GAA and .924 save percentage, while Layla Hemp is 7-3-0 with a 2.19 GAA.
Murphy Milestones
Graduate forward Abbey Murphy continues her climb up the Minnesota record books. Murphy is tied for first all-time in program history with 139 career goals and ranks second in career points (256). She now also holds the program record for game-winning goals (24) and tied the single-game program record with seven points earlier this season.
Behind the Bench
Frost, in his 19th season leading the Gophers, holds a career record of 552-130-43, four national championships, and seven conference titles. Associate head coach Greg May, assistant coach Mitch Baker, and assistant coach/general manager Jessica Scott also return to the staff.
Quest for Eight
Minnesota continues its pursuit of an eighth national championship, having already claimed seven titles (2000, 2004, 2005, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016).