Gophers Forward Sarah Paul Earns WCHA Weekly Honors
The graduate transfer secured the conference award following a standout performance against Ohio State.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Hockey
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Minnesota Gophers forward Sarah Paul earned WCHA forward of the week honors after recording two goals and two assists against Ohio State. Her performance helped the Minnesota Gophers move into second place in the national polls.
Why it matters
The recognition highlights a successful return to form for the 23-year-old athlete, who spent her first two collegiate seasons limited by back injuries. Paul transferred to the University of Minnesota in 2025 specifically to prioritize her hockey development.
Sarah Paul recorded two goals and two assists in a series split against Ohio State, contributing to a 6-2 win and a 6-5 loss. This follows a 2025-2026 season where Paul played eight games for the Gophers.
The players
Sarah Paul
She is a 23-year-old forward for the Minnesota Gophers who previously played four seasons at Princeton University.
Minnesota Gophers
This is the University of Minnesota women's hockey team which recently moved into second place in the national polls.
Ohio State
This is a collegiate ice hockey program that split a weekend series against the Minnesota Gophers.
The details
Paul played for Princeton University for four years before transferring to Minnesota to pursue a master's degree in education and sports management. After being limited to just seven games during her first two collegiate seasons, she has regained full physical and mental health.
Timeline
Sarah Paul transferred to the University of Minnesota in 2025.
Paul played eight games for the Gophers during the 2025-2026 season.
The Gophers played Ohio State from October 17-19, 2026.
The Gophers host Lindenwood on October 22-23, 2026.
Sarah Paul expects to complete her master's degree in spring 2027.
Season Trajectory
This accolade signals a shift in the Gophers' offensive depth as the team climbs to second in the national polls. Paul's emergence as a consistent scorer provides the program with a critical boost as they navigate the remainder of the conference schedule.
Paul's high-point output against Ohio State provides a blueprint for how the Gophers will structure their top-line rotations moving forward. With the team now holding second place, her ability to maintain this production is essential for maintaining their current standing in the national polls.
The takeaway
Paul's transition from injury-plagued collegiate starter to award-winning graduate student demonstrates the value of patience in athletic development. Fans should watch for her continued integration into the team as she eyes a transition to the PWHL after completing her degree.
What happens next
The Minnesota Gophers are scheduled to host Lindenwood on October 22-23, 2026.
Further reading
Stay updated on the latest developments in collegiate play on the Hockey page.
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