[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 44 (Wednesday, March 30, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E568]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON WOMEN'S HOCKEY TEAM FOR 
           WINNING THE NCAA DIVISION I NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. TAMMY BALDWIN

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 30, 2011

  Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the University of 
Wisconsin-Madison women's hockey team for completing an outstanding 
season and winning the NCAA Division I National Championship. The 
victory marks the Badgers' fourth national title in six years.
  Under the tutelage of Coach Mark Johnson, UW-Madison achieved 
tremendous success this season with an overall record of 37 wins, 2 
ties, and 2 losses. Their mark of 37 wins is a new NCAA women's hockey 
record, besting the mark of 36 wins previously set by the Badgers in 
2006. and 2007, and their last win capped an unbelievable 27 game win 
streak. The Badgers secured both the WCHA regular season and tournament 
titles, and on March 20, 2011, they iced the National Championship with 
a 4-1 victory over Boston University in the 2011 NCAA Women's Frozen 
Four National Championship game at Tullio Arena in Erie, Pennsylvania.
  The merit of this team is reflected in the many accolades earned by 
its members. Coach Johnson, a former gold medal Olympian, was awarded 
the 2011 American Hockey Coaches Association Division I Coach of the 
Year, making him a four-time recipient of the award. Additionally, 
senior forward Meghan Duggan was awarded the Patty Kazmaier Award, 
which recognizes the Division I female hockey player who displays the 
highest standards of personal and team excellence during the season. 
Meghan's three point performance in the semifinal game against Boston 
College, which included an assist on Brianna Decker's goal with just 48 
seconds left, helped the Badgers skate into the finals.
  The puck does not stop with athletic achievement. UW-Madison 
Chancellor Biddy Martin, Athletic Director Barry Alvarez, and Coach 
Mark Johnson are dedicated to creating an environment of academic 
excellence. Every year, the Elite 88 award is presented to the student-
athlete with the highest cumulative grade point average participating 
in the finals for each of the NCAA's 88 championships. This year, 
sophomore goalie Rebecca Ruegsegger, who also was named to the All-WCHA 
Academic team and is a WCHA Scholar Athlete, was the women's hockey 
recipient for this prestigious award for her 4.0 grade point average.
  The loyal support of Badger fans clad in cardinal and white across 
the state helped raise the women's hockey team to the apex of their 
sport. I join others in south central Wisconsin in proudly recognizing 
the achievements of the players, coaches, students, alumni, and 
staffers who were vital in helping the UW-Madison women's hockey team 
win yet another NCAA title.

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