[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 5]
[Senate]
[Page 6472]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




       CONGRATULATING THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA-DULUTH BULLDOGS

 Mr. COLEMAN. Mr. President, I wish to recognize and 
congratulate head coach Scott Sandelin and the University of Minnesota-
Duluth Men's ice hockey team for their appearance in the NCAA Frozen 
Four. The Bulldogs will be making their third NCAA Frozen Four 
appearance, having appeared in 1984 and 1985.
  Since the Bulldogs will be leaving Minnesota early Tuesday morning, I 
take note of their remarkable accomplishments prior to their departure.
  In convincing fashion, the Bulldogs defeated Michigan State 5 to 0 
and the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities 3 to 1 to earn their first 
Frozen Four bid since 1985. Against archrival Minnesota-Twin Cities, 
the Bulldogs stuck to a solid game plan, scored timely goals, and 
received phenomenal goaltending from Isaac Reichmuth, who also should 
be recognized for his stellar shut-out of Michigan State.
  While absent 19 years from the Frozen Four, the Bulldogs appearance 
in this year's Frozen Four is no surprise. After finishing the season 
28-12-4, and placing second in the Western Collegiate Hockey 
Association, the Bulldogs earned the 2nd seed in the Midwest Regional 
of the NCAA tournament. They are led by Coach Scott Sandelin, who was 
just today announced as a finalist for the Spencer Penrose Award, the 
award for NCAA Division 1 coach of the year. Coach Sandelin has 
achieved tremendous praise in just four years at Minnesota-Duluth and 
is recognized in the hockey community as one of the most promising 
young coaches in college hockey.
  On the ice, the Bulldogs have been led all year by Hobey Baker 
finalist Junior Lessard, who currently leads the nation in goals and 
scoring. On the blue line, the Bulldogs are led by first team WCHA all-
conference selection Beau Geisler, and as I mentioned before, Isaac 
Rechmuch, himself a second team all conference selection, has been 
unbeatable in the pipes.
  The Bulldog ice-hockey tradition runs deep. The program has placed 
over 34 of its student-athletes into the National Hockey League over 
the past 35 years. Thanks to Bulldog legends such as Curt Giles, Pat 
Boutette, Brett Hull, Chris Marinucci, Derek Plante, and Shjon Podein, 
Minnesota-Duluth is one of the premier hockey schools in the nation and 
a source of deep pride for Duluth and all of Minnesota.
  These young men, 15 of whom are native Minnesotans, are continuing 
this tradition of excellence and deserve the recognition and excitement 
that is accompanying their trip to the Frozen Four next Thursday in 
Boston. Charter buses of Minnesotans have already been filled to make 
the long trek to Beantown. Congratulations to the University of 
Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs for what has been a stellar season and their 
ongoing quest for the national championship.

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