“She’s a world class goal scorer,” head Gophers Women’s Ice Hockey coach Brad Frost said, describing fifth-year forward Abbey Murphy.

He means it literally. 

The Gophers hockey phenomenon already has a decorated international resume including an Olympic silver medal and four IIHF World Championship medals, two of them gold. 

Now, through four weeks of her fifth NCAA season, Murphy’s Gopher career numbers sit at 115 goals in 148 games. A strong start to the season has her climbing further toward the top of the record books. 

Last weekend, her 115th goal tied her with Hannah Brant for second most goals in program history. At her current pace, 12 goals in 8 games, even Nadine Muzerall’s program record of 139 goals could be within reach. Yet, that’s not what Murphy’s chasing this season.

In fact, her milestone 115th goal came and went without notice until Frost sent her a text after the game. 

“It’s cool, but I’m never focused on breaking records,” Murphy said. “I just love scoring goals.”

For Murphy, the focus is on making her second Olympic team and a gold medal to go with it. On the NCAA side of things, the missing piece of her standout collegiate career is a national championship. 

Murphy’s decision to return to Minnesota gives the Gophers one of the nation’s most dominant scorers. For her, it’s a chance to have one more run at a title. 

“It was an easy decision,” Murphy said. “The pro women’s hockey league will be around for a while, so I’m happy to be back here.”

Murphy’s offensive instincts have been on display for the last five years, but this year she’s managed to elevate her game to another level. Frost attributes some of that to her quickness.

“She’s had great years but a couple things jump off the page this year,” Frost said. “She’s playing with great speed.” 

Murphy said she did put in some offseason work with her trainers regarding her skating, but she also credits her linemates junior Ava Lindsay and freshman Bella Fanale with helping her out offensively. 

“They’re extraordinary,” Murphy said. “They know how to move and they’re great playmakers. It’s not just me teaching them. As a fifth-year, they still teach me a lot of things.”

If there is any league that allows for growth, it is the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, a conference that Murphy and many others consider the best in women’s hockey. Right now, Minnesota is in the midst of a tough conference schedule. 

They split their series with No. 2 Ohio State University, winning 6-3 in the second game. Next, they’ll face the No. 4 University of Minnesota-Duluth and the No. 1 University of Wisconsin on the road. 

It is a three week stretch against the best of the best in women’s college hockey. To Murphy, that toughness is what makes the conference so exciting.

“The WCHA is like no other. You’ll hear people talk about how competitive it is, and it’s just fun,” Murphy said. “You go into every single weekend not knowing how it could go.”

Murphy said the intensity is exactly what has allowed her to grow as a player. Playing top teams every weekend forces her to find new ways to score and develop plays. It is also an opportunity to see where they stand as a team and shape their identity.

Murphy said she believes the key component of their identity so far, and what sets them apart from other contenders, is their grit. She said she feels that willingness to fight for the puck and engage in board battles is what makes them stand out.

 That same determination shows up for Murphy personally as she balances the demands of college hockey with national team commitments. 

Balancing everything isn’t easy, but Murphy said she is grateful for the opportunity to do it all. She added switching gears between the two teams can be tricky at times, and that it is important to stay present in the moment.

Being a graduate student adds another layer to the mix, though Murphy is quick to joke about where academics fall on her list of priorities.

“I’m not really a school person, I can admit that,” Murphy added with a laugh. “I got my degree last year, so I feel like it’s okay. My main focus is hockey this year.”

The key for her is discipline and staying focused, whether that’s with Team USA, the Gophers and, yes, even her homework.

“It’s easy to do something when you put your mind to it,” Murphy said. “It’s just staying locked in every single day and knowing what’s important.”