Martin Sabo: “Mr. Speaker, on March 28, 2004, the State of Hockey made history once again. The University of Minnesota Golden Gopher…”

“Mr. Speaker, on March 28, 2004, the State of Hockey made history once again. The University of Minnesota Golden Gopher women's ice hockey team defeated Harvard 6-2 to win the NCAA women's ice hockey championship. This marks the first NCAA championship for any women's sport at the University of Minnesota and was a true Minnesota effort as 12 of the 20 women on the roster are Minnesotans. Winning the national championship was the crown jewel on an already spectacular season. The Golden Gophers defeated Dartmouth in the national semifinal 5-1 and former national champions the University of Minnesota-Duluth for the Western Collegiate Hockey Association championship. The Golden Gophers' final record for 2003-2004 was a stunning 30 wins, 4 losses and 2 ties. The Gophers' championship season also yielded a number of individual honors. Coach Laura Halldorson was named the American Hockey Coaches Association's Division I Women's Coach of the Year. Sophomore Krissy Wendell was named tournament MVP. Five Golden Gophers were named to the NCAA all-tournament team: Krissy Wendell, Natalie Darwitz, Allie Sanchez, Jody Horak, and Kelly Stephens. This represents the most national all-tournament honors awarded to any Golden Gophers team in history. Mr. Speaker, Minnesota is, and will always remain, the State of Hockey. I congratulate the players, coaches, staff, and fans for this wonderful achievement.”