University of Minnesota Athletics
Players Mentioned
Murphy Repeats as Forward of the Week; Fanale Earns Second WCHA Rookie Honor
1/12/2026 2:02:00 PM | Women's Hockey
MINNEAPOLIS – Graduate forward Abbey Murphy and freshman forward Bella Fanale of the No. 3-ranked University of Minnesota women's hockey team collected WCHA weekly honors, the conference announced Monday. Murphy was named WCHA Forward of the Week for the second consecutive week, while Fanale earned Rookie of the Week recognition for the second time this season.
Murphy secured her fourth weekly honor of the 2025-26 campaign after piling up seven points (4g, 3a) in Minnesota's two-game sweep of No. 12 Minnesota State. The Evergreen Park, Ill., native recorded her fourth career hat trick, and second in as many games, while adding an assist in Friday's 11-3 road victory. She followed that performance with a goal and two primary assists on Saturday, highlighted by a dazzling individual effort that set up Fanale for a score. With her weekend output, Murphy reached the 50-point mark on the season (28g, 22a) in just 22 games.
Fanale earned her second WCHA weekly honor after previously being named Rookie of the Week on Sept. 29. The freshman totaled five points (3g, 2a) against the Mavericks, including the game-winning goal in the Gophers' 4-3 victory on Saturday night. She also posted a goal and two assists in Friday's 11-3 win in Mankato, marking her fourth multi-goal game of her collegiate career. The Webster, N.Y., native is tied for second among Division I freshmen with 12 goals and ranks tied for fifth in rookie scoring with 23 points.
Minnesota continues WCHA play this weekend with another in-state battle against Bemidji State on Jan. 16-17. The Gophers travel to Bemidji, Minn., for a two-game series at the Sanford Center, beginning Friday at 7:00 p.m. CT. The series concludes Saturday with a 3:30 p.m. CT puck drop. Both games will stream live on B1G+.
WCHA Players of the Week
Forward of the Week: Abbey Murphy, Gr. F, Minnesota
Defender of the Week: Joy Dunne, Jr., Ohio State
Goaltender of the Week: Ava McNaughton, Jr. G, Wisconsin
Rookie of the Week: Bella Fanale, Fr. F, Minnesota