[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 45 (Friday, April 2, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E532]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CONGRATULATING THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA-DULUTH MEN'S HOCKEY TEAM

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                         HON. JAMES L. OBERSTAR

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 2, 2004

  Mr. OBERSTAR. Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate the University of 
Minnesota-Duluth men's hockey team on reaching the 2004 NCAA Men's 
Frozen Four Hockey Tournament. This moment has been 19 years in the 
making, since the last UMD men's hockey team reached the Frozen Four in 
1985. This is the second time the UMD men's hockey team has reached the 
Frozen Four, and the third NCAA trip for the men's hockey team.
  I want to acknowledge, in particular, the accomplishments of Head 
Coach and Hibbing, Minnesota native Scott Sandelin. Scott has been 
awarded the 2004 Western Collegiate College Association's Coach of the 
Year award. He is one of the most promising young coaches in college 
hockey and has only 4 years behind the bench as head coach. He is not 
only a great coach, but also a superb instructor who has taught his 
players a great understanding of the game. The team has demonstrated 
that understanding of the game with their impressive 28-12-4 record. It 
is clear that the lessons learned on the ice will serve these student-
athletes well after graduation, which is the hallmark of college 
athletics.
  I also want to congratulate University of Minnesota Duluth Senior, 
Junior Lessard, who became the seventh Bulldog to be named a Hobey 
Baker finalist. Mr. Lessard was selected as 2004 Western Collegiate 
Hockey Association Player of the Year and helped the Bulldogs advance 
to the Frozen Four for the first time in 19 years. He leads the nation 
in scoring with 61 points and 20 assists in league play.
  I want to commend Coach Sandelin, Junior Lessard and the entire UMD 
hockey team for their outstanding season and to wish them success in 
the NCAA Frozen Four tournament.

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