[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 50 (Monday, April 19, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S4094]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    UNIVERSITY OF DENVER HOCKEY TEAM

 Mr. ALLARD. Madam President, today I wish to recognize the 
recent achievement of the University of Denver Hockey Team. On April 
10, 2004, on the frigid ice of a Boston arena, two champion caliber 
teams faced one another in what will go down in history as one of the 
most exciting nights in college sports history. On this particular 
evening the University of Denver Pioneers came out on top, defeating 
the Black Bears of Maine and winning the Men's NCAA Division One 
Championship.
  The University of Denver has a distinguished history of athletic 
excellence. While this is the university's sixth national title for 
hockey, it is the first since 1969.
  The title game itself was decided by the narrowest of margins, a one-
goal-to-none victory for DU. Pioneer forward Gabe Gauthier scored the 
games only goal on an assist from forward Connor James. Among its many 
outstanding scholar athletes the University of Denver can boast of 
senior goalie Adam Berkhoel, MVP of the Frozen Four championship round 
and one of college hockey's brightest stars. These outstanding 
individual efforts can not eclipse the most distinct aspect of the 
title game, the perfect team play exhibited by the Pioneers. Denver 
spent most of the last 2 minutes of the game down two players and 
fighting off an attack by six Maine players with only three defenders 
between the Black Bears and the Pioneer goalie. Never have 2 minutes of 
hockey seemed longer; never have 2 minutes of hockey ended more 
sweetly.
  At the helm of the University of Denver hockey team is coach George 
Gwozdecky. Coach Gwozdecky came to DU in 1994 and has compiled an 
impressive record of 196-140-26 with the Pioneers. This year Coach 
Gwozdecky was named runner-up Division One Coach of the Year, an honor 
I know he shares with his dedicated staff.
  Today I share my congratulations with the entire University of Denver 
community. Such an outstanding and rare achievement as a national title 
reflects the hard work and dedication of many people. Congratulations 
to all the DU Pioneers. Congratulations to Chancellor Daniel Ritchie, 
Provost Bob Coombe, President Mark Holtzman, Director of Athletics 
Dianne Murphy, Coach Gwozdecky and his staff, and especially the 
Pioneer players, students and fans. You have made us all very 
proud.

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