[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 4]
[Senate]
[Page 5729]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



      A TRIBUTE TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA WOMEN'S HOCKEY TEAM

 Mr. GRAMS. Mr. President, I proudly rise today to pay tribute 
to the University of Minnesota women's hockey team on their recent 
national championship victory. This is truly an accomplishment of which 
all Minnesotans can be proud.
  In only its third season, the Golden Gopher program has become a 
national powerhouse. In 1998, the Gopher's inaugural year, the team 
finished fourth in the nation. Last year, they crept closer to the 
national title with a third-place finish. This season's 32-6-1 record 
was the best in the nation.
  Under the leadership of coach Laura Halldorson, the Gopher women 
defeated instate rival University of Minnesota-Duluth in the 
semifinals, 3-2, after being down 2-0. This come-from-behind victory 
gave the Golden Gophers a berth in the American Women's College Hockey 
Alliance National Championship game versus top-seeded Brown University.
  The March 25 championship game at Boston's Matthews Arena proved to 
be a tough-fought contest. The Gopher women fell behind by a score of 
1-0 in the first period, but once again made a strong comeback. Led by 
goalie Erica Killewald's 34 stopped shots, in the Gophers held off 
Brown for a 4-2 victory.
  While this incredible season was clearly the result of phenomenal 
teamwork, there are individual efforts that should be recognized. 
Gopher goalie Erica Killewald's spectacular performance earned her the 
tournament MVP honors. Also awarded all-tournament honors were Nadine 
Muzerall, Winny Brodt and Courtney Kennedy.
  As the popularity of women's hockey spreads throughout the nation, 
Minnesotans have embraced the sport--and their Golden Gophers. Now the 
program is poised to lead the charge towards greater advancements in 
women's athletics. I commend the women's dedication and relentless hard 
work. With only one graduating senior on this year's Gopher squad, I am 
hopeful for many more national championships.

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