[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 4]
[Senate]
[Page 4955]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




    CONGRATULATING THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH DAKOTA MEN'S HOCKEY TEAM

 Ms. HEITKAMP. Mr. President, I am proud to recognize and 
congratulate the University of North Dakota, UND, men's hockey team for 
winning the 2016 National Collegiate Athletic Association, NCAA, Frozen 
Four Division I Men's Hockey National Championship. I was proud to join 
my colleague from North Dakota, Senator John Hoeven, in sponsoring an 
adopted resolution honoring the hard work of the men's hockey team and 
commending UND students, fans, and alumni for their tremendous support 
throughout the 2015-16 season.
  On April 9, 2016, the UND men's hockey team won the men's hockey 
national championship game held in Tampa, FL, defeating the Quinnipiac 
University Bobcats of Connecticut by a score of 5-to-1. The hockey 
team, under the leadership of athletic director Brian Faison and Coach 
Brad Berry, had an incredible season with a record of 34-6-4, which 
culminated in UND winning its eighth Division I men's hockey national 
championship.
  Coach Berry also became the first head coach to win a Division I 
men's hockey national championship in a head coach's inaugural season. 
Coach Berry and his staff have instilled character and perseverance in 
the UND players and have done an outstanding job with the UND hockey 
program. Under the university's leadership, UND has worked to support 
and further both academic and athletic excellence, so students have the 
opportunity to excel in the classroom as well as in sports.
  I am excited that thousands of UND fans attended the championship 
game to support the Fighting Hawks, reflecting the tremendous fan base 
of the University of North Dakota and highlighting the spirit and 
dedication of UND hockey fans. The enthusiasm and steadfast support of 
the fans has helped propel the team's success. Year after year, the UND 
men's hockey team has provided the Nation a glimpse of North Dakota 
values: playing honestly with heart, determination, and sportsmanship. 
This year, Coach Berry and his team of hard-working young men 
strengthened UND's proud legacy of dedication and respect for the game.
  The 2016 NCAA Frozen Four Division I Men's Hockey National 
Championship was a victory not only for the UND men's hockey team, but 
for the entire State of North Dakota. As UND looks to the future, I 
look forward to seeing the Fighting Hawks hockey program build on this 
moment of excellence to strengthen the school's already proud legacy. 
Congratulations again to all involved who made this national 
championship possible, and thank you for your hard work and service to 
the University of North Dakota and our great State.

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