Commending University of Minnesota Golden Gophers for Winning 2003-2004 NCAA Division I National Collegiate Women's Ice Hockey Championship
COMMENDING UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA GOLDEN GOPHERS FOR WINNING 2003-2004 NCAA DIVISION I NATIONAL COLLEGIATE WOMEN'S ICE HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIP -- (House of Representatives - June 22, 2004)
Mr. KLINE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 630) commending the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers for winning the 2003-2004 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I National Collegiate Women's Ice Hockey Championship.
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Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the University of Minnesota women's hockey team, which has added new and indisputable evidence to boost Minnesota's reputation as the State of Hockey.
The Golden Gophers women's hockey team won the NCAA championship in March, beating Harvard 6-2 in the NCAA Frozen Four in Providence, RI.
Mr. Speaker, Minnesota is truly the State of Hockey, and the members of the University of Minnesota women's hockey team are true national champions.
This was the Gophers' first NCAA championship but its second national title in 5 years, as the Gophers won the AWCHA title in 2000 before the NCAA started holding a tournament.
Mr. Speaker, I salute Coach Laura Halldorson, her staff and her great team-including all-tournament players Krissy Wendell, Natalie Darwitz, Jody Horak, Allie Sanchez, and Kelly Stephens-on their national championship and the impressive way the Golden Gophers handled themselves on and off the ice.
Krissy Wendell, of Brooklyn Park in the Third Congressional District, led the Gophers to a 30-4-2 record in this remarkable championship season. She had a goal and 3 assists in the championship game and 8 points during the Frozen Four. Krissy Wendell was named the Most Outstanding Player of the Tournament, and the people of our area are very proud of her and her teammates.
The greatness of the University of Minnesota's 2003-2004 Golden Gopher women's hockey team is now a part of NCAA women's athletics history.
Mr. Speaker, that greatness was recognized at the White House on May 19 when the Golden Gophers women's hockey team was honored by President Bush. As the President said that day: "I was pleased to know the University of Minnesota women's hockey team's slogan this year was 'Get it done, and meet George.' It's my pleasure to meet you."
Mr. Speaker, It is my pleasure to extend heartfelt congratulations to our national champions, the University of Minnesota women's hockey team. Congratulations on your great accomplishment, and many thanks for making the State of Hockey proud.