5 SHOCKING SCORES: Inside The Minnesota Gopher Women's Hockey Rollercoaster Season (2025-2026)

The Minnesota Gopher Women's Hockey team has delivered one of the most unpredictable first halves in recent memory, with the latest scores from the 2025-2026 season painting a picture of both dominance and vulnerability.

As of December 16, 2025, the Gophers have closed out the 2025 portion of their schedule, leaving fans to dissect a series of high-scoring wins and a couple of truly shocking upsets that have significantly impacted their national ranking and their standing in the fiercely competitive Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA).

The Latest Gopher Women's Hockey Scores and Season Trajectory (2025-2026)

The Gophers, under the leadership of veteran Head Coach Brad Frost, entered the season as a perennial powerhouse, initially securing the No. 3 spot in the USCHO.com Preseason Poll and later climbing to No. 2 nationally.

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However, the team’s mid-season performance has been a true rollercoaster, highlighted by significant wins but marred by two pivotal losses that have tightened the race for the WCHA regular-season title.

The team finished the first half of the season with a crucial series sweep over the St. Thomas Tommies, securing a 4-1 victory in the final game before the holiday break.

This win was essential for momentum, coming after a stretch that challenged the team's depth and defense.

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WCHA Standings Snapshot (As of December 2025)

The WCHA remains the toughest conference in college hockey. The Gophers currently sit third in the WCHA standings with 30 points and an impressive 10-4-0 conference record.

They trail the No. 1 Wisconsin Badgers (37 points) and the Ohio State Buckeyes (32 points), setting the stage for a critical second half of the season where every point will matter for postseason seeding and the WCHA Final Faceoff.

5 Shocking & Defining Scores of the 2025-2026 Season

The Gophers' season has been defined by a handful of scores that have either reaffirmed their elite status or exposed areas for improvement. These games are the ones fans and analysts will be talking about as the team prepares for the NCAA Frozen Four push.

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1. The Historic Upset: Minnesota State 4, Gophers 1

In what was arguably the biggest shock of the season, the Minnesota State Mavericks delivered a historic series sweep over the Gophers, capped by a decisive 4-1 victory.

This loss was a massive wake-up call, demonstrating that no game in the WCHA can be taken for granted. The Mavericks' dominant performance, fueled by a hat trick from their own star player, highlighted defensive struggles for Minnesota.

2. The Rivalry Blowout: Wisconsin 7, Gophers 2

The Border Battle against the No. 1 Wisconsin Badgers always carries high stakes, but the 7-2 final score in one of the series games was a painful reminder of the gap between the two top-ranked rivals.

The Badgers' offense exploded for seven goals, with six different players scoring, leaving the Gophers with a tough loss to rebound from.

3. The Statement Win: Gophers 6, Bemidji State 2

Following a rough patch, the Gophers reminded the conference of their offensive firepower with a commanding 6-2 win over the Bemidji State Beavers.

This victory was part of a crucial sweep and showcased the team’s ability to pull away from opponents, specifically with a four-goal third period surge that sealed the win.

4. Closing Strong: Gophers 4, St. Thomas 1

The final game of the 2025 calendar year, a 4-1 win over St. Thomas, was vital for the team's mental state.

While a sweep over the Tommies is expected, securing the win with a comfortable margin ensures the Gophers head into the break on a positive note, ready to prepare for the crucial second-half matchups at 3M Arena at Mariucci and on the road.

5. The Offensive Explosion: Gophers 7, Opponent 1 (Early Season)

Early in the 2025-2026 schedule, the Gophers showed their immense scoring potential with a 7-1 blowout win, followed by an 11-0 shutout the next day.

These scores set the tone for the season, highlighting a roster loaded with talent capable of overwhelming nearly any team in the nation.

Key Players Driving the Gophers' Scores: The Offensive Engine

The success of the Gopher Women's Hockey team hinges on the elite production of their top forwards, who are among the national scoring leaders.

The team's offense is a dynamic unit, but three players in particular have been central to every major score and victory this season.

Abbey Murphy: The Goal-Scoring Centerpiece

Senior forward Abbey Murphy has cemented her status as the team's undisputed centerpiece and one of the best goal-scorers in program history, a fact Head Coach Brad Frost has repeatedly emphasized.

As of the break, Murphy leads the team and is among the national leaders with a staggering 20 goals and 14 assists for 34 points in just 18 games.

Her consistent production is the engine that drives the Gophers' high-powered offense, and she is a constant threat on the ice.

Josefin Bouveng and Ava Lindsay: The Supporting Stars

The offense is bolstered by the contributions of Josefin Bouveng and Ava Lindsay, who provide exceptional secondary scoring.

Bouveng, a senior forward, has put up 24 points, while junior Ava Lindsay has added 23 points, showcasing the depth that allows the Gophers to compete with the top teams in the WCHA.

Additionally, the defensive corps, featuring international talents like Nelli Laitinen and Canadian national team member Chloe Primerano, along with Sydney Morrow and Gracie Graham, provides crucial support and puck movement from the back end.

Looking Ahead: The Road to the Frozen Four

With the first half of the 2025-2026 season complete, the Gopher Women's Hockey team faces a pivotal stretch in the new year. Their current WCHA standing (3rd) means they will need strong performances against rivals like Wisconsin and Ohio State to secure a better seed for the WCHA Tournament and an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

The team has shown they can dominate, as evidenced by their sweeps and high-scoring affairs, but they must address the defensive lapses seen in the historic losses to Minnesota State and Wisconsin.

The focus remains on the ultimate prize: another trip to the Frozen Four, a tournament they have advanced to multiple times under Coach Frost, and a chance to claim the national title.