2 0 0 9 - 0 w c h a w o m e n ’ s y e a r b o o k wcha hockey · 2 0 0 9 - 0 w c h a w o m e n...

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2 0 0 9 - � 0 w c h a w o m e n ’ s y e a r b o o k

wcha hockey20�0 women’s yearbook

Contents 2 PublicRelations,MediaInformation 5 ThisistheWCHA 8 2010WCHAFINALFACE-OFF 9 TheConferenceOffice 11 CampusProfiles 13 The2009-10Season 16 WCHAMemberTeams 40 2008-09SeasonInReview 47 WCHAHistory 54 WCHARecords 56 2009-10WCHASchedule

SpecialthankstoWCHAmember-teamwomen’spublic relations directors Ross LaDue (BSU),Michelle Traen (UM), Kelly Grgas-Wheeler(UMD),KyleBradt(MSU),DerekKoenen(UND),CourtneyMarsh(OSU),CelestStang(SCSU)andJacquelineBoscacci(UW).

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InformatIon servIcesThe WCHA Public Relations Office serves those wishing to access information on the conference, its member teams and personnel, and student-athletes. Media members and the public have access to many different services under the conference umbrella. The league office strives to assist those interested in obtaining information and focuses its efforts on showcasing the accomplishments of its teams and players. In addition to it’s weekly press release and statistics, the confer-ence provides several other avenues to assist the public and the media in following the WCHA.

InformatIon DIssemInatIonInformation is released on a frequent basis. The conference’s comprehensive weekly news release, issued on Tuesdays during the playing season, features news on the upcoming week’s games, conference standings, schedules and results, game summaries, member team notebooks, team and individual statistics (conference and overall), and Division 1 national team and individual statistical leaders. The weekly press release is issued to accredited media in a PDF format and is also available via the league’s official web site at: wcha.com. WCHA Players of the Week – offense, defense and rookie – are released by the public relations office on Wednesdays during the regular season.

wcha.comThe Western Collegiate Hockey Association’s official website address is: wcha.com. The conference web site is produced through the joint efforts of the league’s public relations office and CBS College Sports Network. Visitors to wcha.com will find information on all facets of the league, including press releases, league and member-team playing schedules, game-by-game results and summaries, complete team and individual statistics, feature stories, team-by-team data, rosters, ticket information for league championships, league archives and a comprehensive on-line store – the WCHA Shop – that features official WCHA and member team merchandise. The league’s web site features automated standings, scoreboards, results, box scores, and team and individual statistics that are updated as games are completed. CBS College Sports Network, the host for the WCHA’s official web site (wcha.com), consists of some 160 official athletic sites for top colleges, universities, and athletic conferences and associations. CBS College Sports Network designs, builds, hosts, maintains and markets the official athletic sites for schools such as Notre Dame, Ohio State, Maryland, Stanford, North Carolina and Miami (Fla.). CBS College Sports Network’s “College Sports Pass” subscription service provides audio and video of games, coaches’ shows, press conferences and other exclusive broadband programming; its exclusive “GameTracker” application provides live statistics, scores and play-by-play for football, basketball, baseball and softball. CBS Collge Sports Networks offers network partners a complete Web site solution, including online brand management, content delivery, consumer marketing, and business/commerce solutions. It is the only provider that can design, develop, implement and oversee an official online store for an athletic department.

wcha statIstIcs • www.collegehockeystats.netThe Western Collegiate Hockey Association is part of a comprehensive internet-based collegiate hockey statistical service that can be acessed on the web at: collegehockeystats.net. Visitors to this user-friendly service will find complete and up-to-date team-by-team and individual statistics, league standings, team-by-team rosters, team-by-team schedules and results, complete box scores, national team and individual leaders, and historical archives. Complete, updated statistics for WCHA-member teams – both team and player – are typically available within 15 minutes following the conclusion of each game.

conference PublIcatIonsThe WCHA produces numerous publications each season, including a conference yearbook, schedule & direc-tory booklet, post-season tournament championship program, and year-in-review statistical summary. The 2009-10 WCHA Women’s Yearbook, a comprehensive guide to the league and its teams, is available on-line and in a downloadable format (PDF) via the conference web site at wcha.com.

conference honorsEach week during the regular season, the conference office honors offensive, defensive and rookie players of the week from nominations made by the league’s head coaches. WCHA Players of the Week are released on Wednesdays throughout the regular season and are available on the league’s official web site at: wcha.com. In addition, the conference office administers annual post-season individual honors, with balloting done near the end of the regular season and voting by league-member coaches, players, sports information directors and media who cover league-member teams. Post-season awards are then announced in conjunction with the WCHA FINAL FACE-OFF, the league’s annual post-season championship tournament.

wcha Playoffs, wcha fInal face-offInformation for media interested in covering the first round of the 2010 WCHA Playoffs and the 2010 WCHA FINAL FACE-OFF will be published by the league public relations office in early February and will also be avail-able via the league web site at: wcha.com. An information packet will include details on securing credentials, radio and television broadcast information and rights fees structure.

Media arrangements for covering the first round of WCHA Playoffs are to be made through the four host team Sports Information Directors while 2010 WCHA FINAL FACE-OFF media arrangements will be made through the league’s public relations department.

wcha raDIo anD televIsIon PolIcIes 1. GeneralPoliciesThe radio broadcast and telecast facilities and resources of the Association members shall be utilized to advance the highest standards of intercollegiate athletics and serve the fullest extent and the best interests and needs of the Association schools. In all broadcasting and telecasting, the highest standards of good taste shall prevail and the reputation of the schools shall be upheld and defended from misuse or misrepresentation in any form. Schools shall provide the Association office with a complete list of radio and television stations (originating and feed stations), sports announcers, analysts and producers involved in the broadcast or telecast of hockey games. Two games will be selected from each member institution for national television exposure. The Commis-sioner will have exclusive priority on one of those games. The selection of games will be based on institutional contractual availability. As current institution contracts expire, the two game Association component needs to be included in future contract agreements. 2. RadioPolicies a. Each Association school shall assess radio rights charges for both home and away games to their regular station and/or stations. b. No rights fee shall be assessed by a host school to a visiting Association school’s regular stations (a maximum of two). c. Radio broadcasts by visiting school’s non-regular stations must be approved by both athletic directors. The host school will determine the fee for those non-regular stations. d. Working media credentials shall be granted for use by that station’s working personnel only. e. Home teams will provide two analog phone lines to the visiting team’s regular broadcast station. 3. TelevisionPolicies Definitions Exhibition: To transmit, distribute, license, sublicense, telecast, display, exhibit, reproduce, exploit, or otherwise use. Broadcast: Method of transmitting television signals over-the-air, which are receivable in final usable form by standard, analog or digital television receiving sets, owned by the general public. Non-Standard Television: Method of distribution other than Broadcast a. Cable b. Satellite c. Internet d. Developing technology in the field 4. InternetBroadcastsInternet broadcasts will be allowed to be telecast live, under the following conditions. a. When the system (service) can protect (blackout) the home institutions DMA by Zip Code. If the system cannot provide this service, the broadcast will be allowed only on a delayed basis. (Internet Broadcast not to begin until conclusion of the game.) b. If the game is not being telecast, there are no Internet restrictions. 5. StartTime,Intermission,andTime-OutPoliciesThe following policies are effective for all Association regular season home games. a. All games shall start seven (:07) or thirty-seven (:37) minutes after the designated hour. Game Time: 7:00 pm – drop puck at 7:07 pm Game Time: 7:30 pm – drop puck at 7:37 pm b. Between period intermissions will be 15:00 minutes in length. New periods are not to begin until the entire 15:00 minute intermission has concluded. c. In the case of a televised game, there will be a total of four,: 30 second Official Time-Outs per period. Time-outs may not exceed: 30 seconds and there should be no more than four per period. It is recommended by the Association that the four Official Time-Outs be taken at the first stoppage of play after the 16:00, 12:00, 8:00, and 4:00 marks of each period. (A PENALTY AT 15:55 EFFECTIVELY CANCELS THE 16:00 TIME OUT IF THE BREAK CANNOT BE TAKEN FIVE (5) SECONDS EARLY). Time-Outs may not be taken during power-plays, and time-outs are discouraged (but not prohibited) during even-strength shorthanded play. d. When a game is telecast, the producer(s) of the telecast(s) or the producer’s Representative will meet with the Official prior to the game to establish the need and mechanism for signaling media Time-Outs. When more that one telecast is involved, the home telecast has the right (which may be waived to the visitors or third party) to initiate the signal for media Time-Outs. All telecasts must have a communications link for Time-Out coordination. e. When a game is telecast, the minor official in charge of timekeeping will coordinate the time of day to which the scoreboard is set with the producer or director of each telecast at least 90 minutes prior to the start of the game.

wcha regulatIons 1. TelecastRightsMember institutions have the rights to telecast all home and away games in their home DMA/or through the normal regional coverage of their designated broadcaster despite any overlap of these areas. 2. AccessandFacilities a. Visiting and third party partners will pay an Access Fee of no more than $600.00 per series. b. The receipt of the Access Fee will obligate the home institutions to mediate the needs of home, visiting and third party broadcast partners. The payment of fees to the home institution is unrelated to financial considerations among the broadcast partners relating to sharing of program content. All broadcast partners are encouraged to share camera, audio, replay and program feeds to the extent practical. c. The home institution will make available to all telecasts feeds from WCHA cameras installed at the venue. The home institution will further endeavor to make available a data feed from the arena scoreboard for the use of all telecasts. d. Visiting and third party telecasts will, at the request of the home institution, make available without charge, a feed of all or part of its program video for the use of the arena scoreboard or the home coaching staff. e. Electrical power, telephone service, additional lines and high-speed Internet access provided to visiting and third party telecasts may be billed by the home institution at fair market value. f. The home institution must make a reasonable effort to provide visiting television with access to camera, booth and transmission positions comparable to those available at other WCHA venues, subject to constraints imposed by the physical limitations of the home arena. g. Priority of Camera and Booth positions, are subject to good faith discussion and compromise among the broadcast partners: 1. home 2. visitor 3. third party (i.e. CSTV/ESPN, etc)

wcha PublIc relatIons & meDIa InformatIon

Press row at rIDDer arena for the wcha fInal face-off

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wcha PublIc relatIons, meDIa InformatIon h. credentials – TV production crew and staff credentials shall be granted as deemed necessary by the telecast producer in consultation with the home institution. 3.WCHAPlayoffTelevisionRightsAn institution’s designated television outlet will be given a first right of refusal when that institution is involved in WCHA Playoff games. This includes all WCHA first round playoff games and WCHA FINAL FACE-OFF games.

Looking for the latest Western Collegiate Hockey Association game scores, statistics, standings, results, team schedules, team rosters, television schedules, etc? Then visit www.WCHA.com, the league’s official web site. WCHA.com, in conjuction with collegehockeystats.net, features all the latest team and individual statistics (both overall and conference), game results and complete box scores (in three printable formats), standings, league and team schedules, team rosters, and more. Complete and updated team and player statistics, scores, standings and more are available typically within 10-15 minutes of games being completed and inputted into the system. The WCHA wishes to acknowledge both Tim Danehy (collegehockeystats.net) and Dan Parkhurst (SportDesigns.com) for their assistance. For all the latest, visit the following links:

WCHAStandingshttp://www.wcha.com/genrel/stats.html?0910/wcstand/wchawWCHASchedules,GameResults&BoxScoreshttp://www.wcha.com/genrel/stats.html?0910/wccompos/wchawWCHALiveScoreboardhttp://www.wcha.com/genrel/stats2.html?files/wchaw_live.phpWCHAMemberTeamRostershttp://wcha.cstv.com/genrel/wcha-stand-stat.htmlWCHATeamStatisticsoverall: http://www.wcha.com/genrel/stats.html?0910/ioteam/wchawleague: http://www.wcha.com/genrel/stats.html?0910/icteam/wchawWCHAScoringLeadersoverall: http://www.wcha.com/genrel/stats.html?0910/ioplay/wchawleague: http://www.wcha.com/genrel/stats.html?0910/icplay/wchawWCHAGoaltendingLeadersoverall: http://www.wcha.com/genrel/stats.html?0910/iogoal/wchawLeague: http://www.wcha.com/genrel/stats.html?0910/icgoal/wchaw

wcha women’s member team InformatIonBemidjiStateBeaversRoster: http://www.wcha.com/genrel/stats.html?0910/iros/bmjmStatistics: http://www.wcha.com/genrel/stats.html?0910/itstat/bmjmSchedule, Results, Box Scores: http://www.wcha.com/genrel/stats.html?0910/wctsched/bmjmMinnesotaGoldenGophersRoster: http://www.wcha.com/genrel/stats.html?0910/iros/minwStatistics: http://www.wcha.com/genrel/stats.html?0910/itstat/minwSchedule, Results, Box Scores: http://www.wcha.com/genrel/stats.html?0910/wctsched/minwMinnesotaDuluthBulldogsRoster: http://www.wcha.com/genrel/stats.html?0910/iros/mndwStatistics: http://www.wcha.com/genrel/stats.html?0910/itstat/mndwSchedule, Results, Box Scores: http://www.wcha.com/genrel/stats.html?0910/wctsched/mndwMinnesotaStateMavericksRoster: http://www.wcha.com/genrel/stats.html?0910/iros/mnswStats: http://www.wcha.com/genrel/stats.html?0910/itstat/mnswSchedule, Results, Box Scores: http://www.wcha.com/genrel/stats.html?0910/wctsched/mnswNorthDakotaFightingSiouxRoster: http://www.wcha.com/genrel/stats.html?0910/iros/ndkwStatistics: http://www.wcha.com/genrel/stats.html?0910/itstat/ndkwSchedule, Results, Box Scores: http://www.wcha.com/genrel/stats.html?0910/wctsched/ndkwOhioStateBuckeyesRoster: http://www.wcha.com/genrel/stats.html?0910/iros/osuwStatistics: http://www.wcha.com/genrel/stats.html?0910/itstat/osuwSchedule, Results, Box Scores: http://www.wcha.com/genrel/stats.html?0910/wctsched/osuwSt.CloudStateHuskiesRoster: http://www.wcha.com/genrel/stats.html?0910/iros/stcwStatistics: http://www.wcha.com/genrel/stats.html?0910/itstat/stcwSchedule, Results, Box Scores: http://www.wcha.com/genrel/stats.html?0910/wctsched/stcwWisconsinBadgersRoster: http://www.wcha.com/genrel/stats.html?0910/iros/wiswStatistics: http://www.wcha.com/genrel/stats.html?0910/itstat/wiswSchedule, Results, Box Scores: http://www.wcha.com/genrel/stats.html?0910/wctsched/wisw

get all the Info you neeD at wcha.com

lIve web scoreboarD anD mobIle scoreboarD now avaIlable at wcha.comThe Western Collegiate Hockey Association, in conjuction with Tim Danehy (collegehockeystats.net) and Dan Parkhurst (SportDesigns.com), is pleased to now offer live game scoreboards for both its women’s and men’s leagues. These new scoreboards will be available on the league’s official website, wcha.com, and also accessible from your web-enabled mobile phone. The live website stats platform can be accessed on game days from the home page at WCHA.com. The live box scores come directly from feeds at game sites. With multiple leagues using the same live stats platform, even many non-conference road games will be included in the new live scoreboard. At WCHA.com, located just above the WCHA standings, visitors will find a graphic for “Live Scoreboard’. Just click on the link for either “Women” or “Men” and you’ll be taken to a page featuring live scores each day there is a scheduled game with links to Live In-Game Box Scores. Visitors to WCHA.com can also access the live scoreboards by using the drop-down menu under ‘Scores/Stats’ at the top of the front page. The new WCHA mobile scoreboard can be accessed on your web-enabled phone by visiting the following urls: Women’s Mobile Scoreboard: www.sportdesigns.com/wchamobile/indexw.php Men’s Mobile Scoreboard: www.sportdesigns.com/wchamobile/indexm.php.

The mobile scoreboard also features links to live in-game box scores, allowing fans to track their favorite teams and players from any location they have mobile web access. “The WCHA is tremendously pleased to offer these exciting new mobile services to our fans,” said Commissioner Bruce M. McLeod. “This is another positive step forward for us and we owe a great deal of thanks to both Tim Danehy (collegehockeystats.net) and Dan Parkhurst (SportDesigns.com) for all of their assistance in this endeavor.”

vIsIt the wcha shoP at wcha.comleague’s on-lIne store features full-lIne of offIcIal wcha, member team merchanDIse

For all the latest apparel you’ll need to show off your favorite Western Collegiate Hockey As-sociation-member team – including jerseys, t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, jackets and more – visit The WCHA Shop, at WCHA.com. The WCHA Shop is a joint venture between the WCHA and SportDesigns.com. http://wcha.sportdesigns.com/index.mhtml The WCHA Shop also includes a great line of NCAA Frozen Four, National Hockey League, International and USA Hockey merchandise. as well as collectibles and historical DVDs.

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bemIDjI stateAC: 218. Print: Bemidji Pioneer (Eric Stromgren, 751-3740, [email protected]); Northern Student (BSU) (Sports Editor, 755-2987, email ???). Radio: ListenToTheBeavers.com (BSU Hockey) (Kelly Shultz, [email protected]); KKBJ 1360 Talk Radio (Brian Schultz, 751-7777, [email protected]); KBUN 1450 AM (Scott Williams, 444-1500), [email protected]); KBSB FM90 Radio (BSU campus) (755-4119); KBUN Radio (1450 AM) (Kevin Jackson, 751-4120 or 4121, [email protected]). Television: KAWE/KAWB-TV Lakeland News (Ch. 9/22) (Aaron McElherne, 751-0085, [email protected]).

mInnesotaAC: 612/651/952. Print: Minneapolis Star Tribune (Roman Augustoviz, 612 673-4451, [email protected]; Rachel Blount, 612 673-4389, [email protected]); St. Paul Pioneer Press (Brian Murphy, 651 398-6169, [email protected]; Charley Walters, [email protected]); Associated Press (Dave Campbell, 612 332-2727, [email protected]); Minnesota Daily (UM) (612 435-5678); Let’s Play Hockey (Kevin Kurtt, 612 729-0023, [email protected]). Radio: gophersports.com (UM web audiocast) (http://www.gophersports.com (Dan Hamann, [email protected]); WCCO (952 432-8939); KSTP/1500 AM (651 647-1500); KUOM (UM) (612 625-3500); Minnesota News Network (612 321-7211). Tele-vision: Fox Sports Net (Max Michalak, Producer, 612 486-9544, [email protected]; Frank Mazzocco, 651 633-1122, [email protected]); KARE/NBC (Randy Shaver, 763 797-7242, [email protected], Eric Perkins, 763-797-7240, [email protected]); KMSP/Fox (Seth Kaplan, 952 946-5795, [email protected]); KSTP/ABC (Ryan Kibbe, 651 642-4463, [email protected]); WCCO/CBS (Carry Clancy, 612 330-2591, [email protected]).

mInnesota DuluthAC: 218. Print: Duluth News Tribune (Kevin Pates, 723-5303, fax 723-5314, [email protected]); Superior Evening Telegram (Ken Olson, 394-4411, fax 394-9404, [email protected]); Duluth Budgeteer-News (Mat Suoja, 723-1207, fax 727-7348,[email protected]); UMD Statesman (UMD) (Ali Draves, 726-7113, fax 726-8246, [email protected]). Radio: KDAL/610 AM (UMD hockey broadcast) (Bruce Ciskie, 722-4321, 722-5423,[email protected]); WEBC/560 AM (Mark Marette, 727-4500, fax 727-9356, [email protected] ); KUMD (Sports Director, UMD) (726-7181); KQDS (Sports Director, 728-9500, fax 723-1499). Television: WDIO/ABC-10 (Josh Zenner, 727-6865, fax 727-4415, [email protected]); KBJR-TV/NBC-6,(Tom Hansen, 720-9625, fax 720-9660, [email protected]) KDLH-TV/CBS 3 (Joe Dufek, 720-9625, fax 720-9660, [email protected]); KQDS-TV/Fox (Chris Nettleton, 728-9500, [email protected]).

mInnesota stateAC: 507. Print: Mankato Free Press (Shane Frederick, 344-6373, [email protected]); Minne-apolis Star Tribune (college sports, 800 827-8742); St. Paul Pioneer Press (college sports, 651 228-5518); MSU Reporter (MSU) (TBA, 389-1776). Radio:KDOG/96.7 FM (Mike Sullivan, 625-1420, [email protected]); KYSM/1230 AM (Mike Sullivan, 625-1420, [email protected]); KTOE/1420 AM (Barry Wortel, 345-1420, [email protected]); KEEZ/99.1 FM (Greg Travis, 345-3636, [email protected]); KMSU/89.7 FM (TBA, 389-2625). Television: KEYC/CBS-12 (Perry Dyke, 625-7905, [email protected]).

north DakotaAC: 701. Print:Grand Forks Herald (Brad Elliott Schlossman, 780-1157, [email protected]); Dakota Student (UND) (Sports Editor, 777-2677, [email protected]); Associated Press (800 472-2186); Fargo Forum (235-7311, [email protected]); Bismarck Tribune (223-2500); Minot Daily News (857-1900); Dakota News/Sports Network (237-4500); Associated Press (800 472-2186, fax 224-0158); Dakota Wire UPI (237-4887, fax 237-9885).Radio:Clear Channel Radio (UND hockey broadcast) (Darrin Looker, play-by-play, 218 686-8089, [email protected]); KQHT ŒThe Fox1, 96.1 FM (Tim Hennessy, 746-1417, [email protected]); KCNN/104.3 FM & 1590 AM (772-2204); KNOX/1310 AM (775-4611); KFGO/790 AM (237-5346); Dakota News Network (Steve Carlson, 237-5000).Television:WDAZ/8 (ABC) (Pat Sweeney, 775-2511, [email protected]); KXJB/4 (CBS) (Eric Hanson, 282-0444, x 183, [email protected]; KVLY/11 (NBC) (237-5211) (Scott Peters, [email protected]; KVRR/10 (FOX) (277-1515) (Greg Enkers, [email protected]).

ohIo stateAC: 614.Print: Columbus Dispatch (Ray Stein, 461-5234, [email protected]); Associated Press (Rusty Miller, 885-2727, [email protected]); Buckeye Sports Bulletin (486-2202, [email protected]); Ohio State Lantern (OSU) (292-5721, [email protected]). Radio: WBNS Radio/1460/The Fan (Skip Mosic, 460-3971, [email protected]). Television: WBNS-TV/CBS (Paul Spohn, 460-3962, [email protected]); WCMH-TV/NBC (Jerod Smalley, 263-5555, ([email protected]); WSYX-TV/ABC (Clay Hall, 481-6641, [email protected]); Ohio News Network/ONN (Anthony Moretti, 460-2882, [email protected]).

st. clouD stateAC: 320. Print: St. Cloud Times (Kevin Allenspach, 255-8770, [email protected]); University Chronicle (SCSU) (Tyler Ohmann, Sports Editor, 308-4086); St. Paul Pioneer Press (Brian Murphy, 651 398-6169, [email protected]); Minneapolis Star Tribune (Roman Augustoviz, 612 673-4451, [email protected]). Radio:KNSI 1450 AM/KCML 99.9 (Don Lyons, 251-1450, [email protected]); WJON AM 1240/The FAN 1390 AM, Jay Caldwell (251-4422, [email protected]; KVSC FM 88.1 (SCSU) Sports Directors (Peter Tomala & Matt Bishop, 308-4747, [email protected]); WVAL/WHMH/WBHR Radio, Mark Lewandowski (252-6200). Television: Husky Productions/UTVS (SCSU hockey telecast) Derrick Silvestri ([email protected]) & Justin Maas, 308-6601.

wIsconsInAC:608. Print: Wisconsin State Journal ([email protected]) (Andy Baggot, 252-6165); The Capital Times ([email protected]) (Adam Mertz, 252-6474); Milwaukee Journal Sentinal (258-2271, [email protected]); Badger Herald (UW) (257-4712, [email protected]); Daily Cardinal (UW) (262-5857, [email protected]); Wisconsin Sports Weekly (848-9005); Associated Press (Madison 255-3679, Milwaukee 414 225-3580, [email protected]); Journal Sentinal On Line (414-225-5012); Badger Nation (Benjamin Worgull, [email protected]). Radio: WIBA/1310 AM (UW Broadcast) (Brian Posick, 274-5450, [email protected]). Television: WHA/PBS 21(UW delayed telecast) (Deb Piper, 263-2121); WISC/CBS-3 (Jay Wilson, [email protected], 276-7400,[email protected]); WMTV/NBC-15 (Robb Vogel, 274-1520, [email protected]); WKOW/ABC-27 (Jake Zimmermann, 274-6118, [email protected]).

ross laDue, bsu mIchelle traen, um kelly grgas-wheeler, umD kyle braDt, msu

Derek koenen, unD courtney marsh, osu celest stang, scsu jacquelIne boscaccI, uw

wcha team PublIc relatIons DIrectors meDIa coverIng the wcha

atlantIc hockey assocIatIon (aha)Office: 7 Parkridge Road, Haverhill, MA 01835. Phone: 978-373-9640. Fax: 978-373-9642. Commissioner: Robert DeGregorio. DirectorofMediaRelations: David Rourke (978 373-9640, [email protected]). SupervisorofOfficials: Eugene Binda. AHAWebSite: atlantichockeyonline.com. AHAMemberPressBoxNumbers: Air Force (719 333-0832); American International (413 205-3930); Army (845 938-5116); Bentley (646 387-2427); Canisius (585-615-5316); Connecticut (860 486-3886); Holy Cross (508 793-3978); Mercyhurst (814 824-2167); Rochester Institute of Technology (585 475-5537); Sacred Heart (203 918-4898).

central collegIate hockey assocIatIon (ccha)Office: 23995 Freeway Park Drive, Farmington Hills, MI 48335. Phone: 248 888-0600. Fax: 248 888-0664. Commissioner: Tom Anastos ([email protected]). AssociateCommissioner: Fred Pletsch ([email protected]). CommunicationsManager: Ted Newton ([email protected]). DirectorofOfficials: Steve Piotrowski ([email protected]). DirectorofSales&Marketing: Rob Murphy ([email protected]). CCHAWebSite:ccha.com. CCHAMemberTeamPressBoxNumbers: Alaska Fairbanks (907 451-1957); Bowling Green (419 372-1236); Ferris State (231 591-2397); Lake Superior State (906 635-7501); Miami (513 529-1427); Michigan (734 647-7916); Michigan State (517 353-6359); Nebraska-Omaha (402 599-6620); Northern Michigan (906 227-1720); Notre Dame (574 631-4899); Ohio State (614 688-5330); Western Michigan (616 387-3065).

college hockey amerIca (cha)OfficeAddress: P.O. Box 2009, Niagara University, N.Y. 14109. Commissioner: Ed McLaughlin (phone 716 286-8600, [email protected]). AssistantCommissionerforPublicRelations: Chris Smith (716 286-8724, [email protected].). SupervisorofOfficials: Greg Shepherd. CHAWebSite: CHAhockey.com. CHAMemberTeamPressBoxNumbers: Alabama-Huntsville (256 518-6167); Bemidji State (218 755-3700); Robert Morris (412 865-4907); Niagara (716 286-8794).

ecac hockeyOffice: 51 S. Pearl Street, Albany, NY 12207. Phone: 518 487-2288. Fax: 518 487-2290. Commissioner: Steve Hagwell ([email protected]). AssistantCommissioner: Ed Krajewski ([email protected]). DirectorofOfficials: Paul Stewart ([email protected]). ECACHockeyWebsite: ecachockey.com. ECACHockeyMemberTeamPressBoxNumbers: Brown (401 863-3507, 3518); Clarkson (315 268-6688); Colgate (315 228-6820); Cornell (607 255-3533); Dartmouth (603 646-1131); Harvard (617 495-3775); Princeton (609 258-1813); Quinnipiac (203 484-7592); Rensselaer (518 276-2661); St. Lawrence (315 229-7312); Union (518 388-8726); Yale (203 432-0778).

hockey east assocIatIon (hea)Office:591 North Avenue, #2, Wakefield, MA 01880. Phone: 781 245-2122. Fax: 781 245-2492. Commissioner: Joe Bertagna ([email protected]). Associate Commissioner: Kathy Wynters ([email protected]). DirectorofPublicRelations: Pete Souris ([email protected]). Supervi-sorofOfficials: Richard DeCaprio ([email protected]). HEAWebSite: HockeyEastOnline.com. HEAMemberTeamPressBoxNumbers: Boston College (617 552-4747); Boston University (617 358-7300); Maine (207 581-1049); Massachusetts (413 545-6139); Massachusetts-Lowell (978 848-6948); Merrimack (978 837-5397); New Hampshire (603 862-0735); Northeastern (617 373-5561); Providence (401 865-1414); Vermont (802 656-4193).

natIonal collegIate athletIc assocIatIon (ncaa)OfficeAddress: P.O. Box 6222, Indianapolis, IN 46206-6222. Phone: 317 917-6222. Fax: 317 917-6888. Associ-ate Director of Championships: Kristin Fasbender ([email protected]). Hockey Media Coordinator: Mark Bedics (317 917-6541, [email protected]). RulesCoordinator: Ty Halpin ([email protected]). StatisticsCoordinator: Bonnie Senappe ([email protected]). WebSite: ncaa.org.

DIvIsIon � college hockey DIrectory

wcha PublIc relatIons, meDIa InformatIon

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Spanning six decades and marking its 58th season of men’s competition and 11th season of women’s competition

in 2009-10, the Western Collegiate Hockey Association continues to be defined by its history, its tradition and its continuing success. From it’s founding days in 1951 as the Mid-west Collegiate Hockey League (MCHL), on to the Western Intercollegiate Hockey League (WIHL) in 1958, and finally to the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) in 1959, this prestigious athletic conference has developed and maintained a tradition of excellence that truly is second to none. In fact, no Division 1 collegiate conference – in any sport – can top the impressive list of national scale accomplishments of the WCHA

and its member teams. Since it’s founding in 1999-2000, teams representing the women’s WCHA have now captured 10 consecutive national championships beginning the first year of 2000 and on through the most recent campaign of 2008-09 when Wisconsin earned its third NCAA Frozen Four title in the past four years! And since 1951, teams representing the men’s WCHA have earned a record 36 NCAA (national) championships, finished as the national runner-up another 27 times, and qualified for a berth in collegiate hockey’s national championship round – the NCAA Men’s Frozen Four – in 53 of 57 seasons overall. In addition to its unmatched team suc-cesses in national championship tournament play over the years, the Western Collegiate

Hockey Association also owns an enviable reputation for producing outstanding coaches and student-athletes, with hundreds of its alumni tracking successes in both inter-national and professional competition. On top of the more than 230 women’s and men’s league alumni who have Olympic experience playing for the likes of the USA, Canada, Italy, Norway, Austria, Germany, Sweden, Finland and France, conference-member teams and players have also received additional inter-national exposure on a regular basis since 1951. The women’s WCHA has regularly put together all-star teams, including another one for the 2009-10 season which will take on the U.S. National Team at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minn., on Sept. 25. Serving

as head coach of the U.S. Women’s National and Olympic Teams this year is Wisconsin’s Mark Johnson while St. Cloud State’s Jeff Giesen will coach the WCHA All-Star Team. In 2009, the women’s WCHA had more than two dozen current and former WCHA players compete in the IIHF Women’s World Champi-onship in Finland, including 12 for Team USA and others for Canada, Sweden and Finland. And in 2008, the women’s WCHA had six of its players help lead Team USA and coach Jackie Barto (Ohio State) to the gold medal in Harbin, China. The men’s WCHA has also hosted tour-ing teams from the USSR, Canada, Sweden, Czechoslovakia, Latvia, Germany, Italy, Finland, Norway, Switzerland, England and France and has also sent WCHA All-Star Teams to Europe in both 1998 (Switzerland) and 2000 (Norway). Just a few of the more than 400 past and present National Hockey Leaguer’s who have roots in the men’s WCHA include the likes of legendary goaltenders Tony Esposito, Eddie Mio Glenn ‘Chico’ Resch and Mike Richter, defensemen Keith Magnuson, Lou Nanne and Curt Giles, and forwards Lou Angotti, Bill Masterton, Bill ‘Red’ Hay, Red Berenson, Glenn Anderson, Mark Johnson and Brett Hull. The current crop of WCHA stars playing in the NHL include the likes of Zach Parise, Dany Heatley, Jordan Leopold, Jason Blake, Tyler Arnason, Mark Stuart, Thomas Vanek, Andy Sutton, Matt Carle, Joe Pavelski, Jonathan Toews and Tom Gilbert. In the most recent season of 2008-09 alone, a total of 96 WCHA alums earned playing time in the NHL. In terms of national attendance, both the women’s and men’s WCHA continue to set the pace among all Division 1 leagues. On the women’s side in 2008-09, Wisconsin (1,654 average per game) and Minnesota (1,332 average per game) ranked No. 1 and No. 2 respectively in women’s average home attendance while Minnesota Duluth (4th), North Dakota (7th), Ohio State (11th), St. Cloud State (14th and Minnesota State (19th) were also among the top 20. In the men’s WCHA, Wisconsin (13,785 average per game), North Dakota (11,719 average per game) and

thIs Is the western collegIate hockey assocIatIon

PromotIng the game for gooD causes

comPetIng for chamPIonshIPs anD the PrIDe that comes wIth success

celebratIng bIg vIctorIes wIth teammates

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Minnesota (10,022 average per game) ranked 1-2-3 in the nation in men’s average home attendance, while Colorado College (5th), St. Cloud State (7th), Denver (10th), Minnesota State (15th) and Minnesota Duluth (16th) also ranked among the leaders. A year ago, the 2009 Red Baron WCHA Final Five (men’s playoff championship) drew a total of 82,065 to the Xcel Energy Center, outdrawing the Big 10 Men’s Basketball Tournament by nearly 14,000 fans. In the final women’s college hockey poll for 2008-09, WCHA-member teams Wisconsin (1st), Minnesota (3rd) and Minnesota Duluth (4th) led the way. And in the final USCHO.com/CBS College Sports Div. 1 Men’s Poll for 2008-09 (March 23) there were five WCHA-member teams ranked among the top 20 in Denver (4th), North Dakota (7th), Minnesota Duluth (8th), Wisconsin (17th) and Minnesota (19th) while both Colorado College and St. Cloud State also received votes. In terms of individual honors, the 2008-09 season saw the women’s WCHA honor its Top 10 Players from the First 10 Years in forwards Sara Bauer (UW), Natalie Darwitz (UM), Caroline Ouellette (UMD), Jenny Schmidgall Potter (UMD/UM), Maria Rooth

the western collegIate hockey assocIatIon

(UMD) and Krissy Wendell (UM), defensemen Tessa Bonhomme (OSU), Ronda Curtin (UM) and Molly Engstrom (UW) and goaltender Jessie Vetter (UW), who also earned the 2009 Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award as college hockey’s top player. Three women’s players – Jessie Vetter (G, UW), Hilary Knight (F, UW) and Jocelyne Larocque (D, UMD) earned All-American First Team honors in 2008-09 while Second Team honorees included Melanie Gagnon (D, UM) and Monique Lamoureux (F, UM). In the WCHA, Hilary Knight (F, UW) was the Player of the Year, Gigi Marvin (F, UM) was the Outstanding Student-Athlete of the Year, Melanie Gagnon (D, UM) was the Defensive Player of the Year, Monique Lamoureux (F, UM) was the Rookie of the Year and the league scoring champion, Alyssa Grogan (G, UM) was the league goaltending champion,

and Brad Frost (UM) and Mark Johnson (UW) were league co-coaches of the year. Johnson was also honored as the Women’s Div. 1 National Coach of the Year. On the men’s side, UW defenseman Jamie McBain was a Top 10 Finalist for the 2009 Hobey Baker Memorial Award and was an All-American. Other men’s players earning All-American honors were First Teamers Alex Stalock (G, UMD) and Ryan Stoa (F, UM) while Second Team members were Chay Genoway (D, UND) and Chad Rau (F, CC). In the WCHA, Jamie McBain was tabbed the WCHA Player of the Year, J.P. Testwuide (D, DU) was the Outstanding Student-Athlete of the Year, Chay Genoway (D, UND) was the league’s De-fensive Player of the Year, Jordan Schroeder (F, UM) was the Rookie of the Year, Ryan Stoa (F, UM) was the league scoring champion, Alex

Stalock (G, UMD) was the league goaltending champion, and Dave Hakstol (UND) was the men’s Coach of the Year. The women’s and men’s leagues had a combined 71 players named as prestigious WCHA Scholar-Athletes for 2008-09, with 35 of those being repeat honorees. The women’s WCHA had a total of 76 student-athletes representing all eight-member teams earn recognition as WCHA All-Academic Team honorees last winter while the men’s WCHA had a record total of 107 student-athletes named to the 2008-09 All-WCHA Men’s Aca-demic Team. In terms of exposure, more than 200 WCHA mens’ games were televised in 2008-09, including all five games live from the 2009 Red Baron™ WCHA Final Five by Fox Sports North. All four NCAA regionals, and all three games at the 2009 NCAA Men’s Frozen Four in Denver were also televised live. In addition the league also webcast all three games live via wcha.com and wcha.tv from the women’s 2009 WCHA FINAL FACE-OFF Championship in Minneapolis. The semifinals and cham-pionship of the FINAL FACE-OFF were also televised by FS North. This Week in the WCHA, the league’s weekly men’s radio show, marked it’s 13th season in 2008-09. A quick look at the 2009-10 campaign will see both the women’s and men’s leagues involved in several showcase events. The women’s WCHA All-Star Team kicked things off when they took on the U.S. National Team on Sept. 25 at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minn. Also along the way, the conference season will launch the weekend of Oct. 2-3, Wisconsin will host Bemidji State in a Hall of Fame game outdoor contest – The Camp Randall Hockey Classic – at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison on Feb. 6, and Minnesota’s Ridder Arena will serve as the host site for both the 2010 WCHA FINAL FACE-OFF (playoff championship) on March 6-7 and the 2010 NCAA Women’s Frozen Four from March 19-21. Under the leadership and guidance of Commissioner Bruce M. McLeod and Associ-ate Commissioner Sara R. Martin, prospects for another highly successful campaign for both the women’s and men’s WCHA in 2009-10 appear very bright. Defending WCHA regular season champions are Minnesota on the women’s side and North Dakota on the men’s side while defending WCHA playoff

havIng fans of all ages exPerIencIng great comraDerIe anD PlayIng wIth PrIDe as a team

gIvIng all you have to gIve … anD more … to achIeve success

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champions are Wisconsin on the women’s side and Minnesota Duluth on the men’s side.

2008-09 another season for the recorD books

The Western Collegiate Hockey Associa-tion made it a perfect 10 women’s national championships in 10 seasons of the league’s existence in March of 1009 when the Wiscon-sin Badgers rode the goaltending of senior Jessie Vetter to the Frozen Four crown with a 5-1 win over UMD in their semi-final and a 5-0 win over Mercyhurst in the title game. Vetter, who was named the WCHA’s third winner of the Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award during the Frozen Four, played in her fourth straight national title game. Wisconsin, which finished the season with a 34-2-5 record, marked their third NCAA crown in the past four years. Minnesota, under coach Brad Frost, won the WCHA regular season championship with a 23-2-3 record and 51 points. The Golden Gophers have now won five of the first 10 league titles. Wisconsin was the runner-up with a 21-2-5 record and 50 points and Min-nesota Duluth finished third with 41 points and an 18-6-4 league record. For the first time, the women’s league instituted a shootout to determine a winner for all regular season league games tied after regulation and a five-minute overtime. Wisconsin won the 2009 WCHA FINAL FACE-OFF, held at UM’s Ridder Arena, by defeating Minnesota in the title game before 1,730. Minnesota Duluth and Minnesota State also earned trips to the FINAL FACE-OFF after winning their first round playoff series. Minnesota, Wisconsin and Minnesota Duluth all earned berths in the 2009 NCAA Women’s Division 1 Championship tourna-ment, with the Golden Gophers and Badgers hosting regional games and the Bulldogs playing out east. Minnesota defeated Boston College, the Badgers downed Dartmouth, and UMD won on the road at New Hamp-shire. Those results set up a NCAA Women’s Frozen Four in Boston that featured three WCHA teams in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Minnesota Duluth along with Mercyhurst. The Badgers rode the goaltending of senior Jessie Vetter to the national championship with a 5-1 win over UMD in their semi-final and a 5-0 win over Mercyhurst in the title game. Vetter, who was named the WCHA’s third winner of the Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award during the Frozen Four, played in her fourth straight national title game. Wisconsin, which finished the season with a 34-2-5 re-cord, marked their third NCAA crown in the past four years and a WCHA-member team has now won the national championship 10 straight seasons. For his efforts, Mark Johnson was named the national coach of the year, his third such honor in four seasons. In the final women’s national poll for 2008-09, Wisconsin was ranked No. 1, Minnesota was ranked No. 3 and Minnesota Duluth was No. 5. The WCHA led women’s hockey in national attendance again in 2008-09, with the league having four of the top seven schools in aver-age home attendance. Wisconsin was No. 1 with an average of 1,654 fans per home game, Minnesota was second at 1,332, UMD was fourth and UND was seventh.


The WCHA had five players named to the 2008-09 American Hockey Coaches Associa-tion All-America team. First team honorees were Wisconsin goaltender Jessie Vetter and forward Hilary Knight along with Minnesota Duluth defenseman Jocelyne Larocque. On the second team were Minnesota freshman forward Monique Lamoureux and Golden Gopher defenseman Melanie Gagnon. As the Patty Kazmaier Award winner, Vet-ter won an NCAA record 91 games during her four-year career and posted a NCAA-record 39 career shutouts. In the WCHA’s post-season awards, Wis-consin forward Hilary Knight was the player of the year, Minnesota senior Gigi Marvin ws the Outstanding Student-Athlete of the Year, Minnesota defenseman Melanie Gagnon ws the Defensive Player of the Year, Minnesota forward Monique Lamoureux was both the WCHA Rookie of the Year and the WCHA Scoring Champion, the Golden Gophers’ Alyssa Grogan was the WCHA Goaltending Champion and Brad Frost and Mark Johnson were named co-coaches of the year. A total of 76 student-athletes were hon-ored as mmebers of the 2008-09 All-WCHA Academic Team and 32, representing all eight women’s teams, were named WCHA Scholar-Athletes. To earn recognition as a WCHA Scholar-Athlete, student-athletes

must have completed at least one year of residency at their present institution prior to the current academic year and must also have a grade-point average of at least 3.50 on a 4.0 scale for the previous two semesters or three quarters, or may qualify if his or her overall GPA is at least 3.50 for all terms at his or her present institution. Minnesota senior Dagney Willey was named one of 10 finalists for the 2009 Hockey Humanitarian Award and was a nominee for the second straight season. The WCHA was well represented at the 2009 IIHF Women’s World Championship, held April 4-12 in Finland. Team USA, coached by Mark Johnson, won the Gold Medal with a team that included 12 current and former WCHA players, including four from this year’s Wisconsin team and three from this season’s Minnesota team. UMD had seven current players and five former players competing in the World Championship for the USA, Canada, Swedenand Finland while Ohio State had three alums represent their nations of Finland, Canada and the USA. And during the 2008-09 season, the WCHA honored its Top 10 Players from the First Decade, with nominations coming from a list of All-Americans, Olympians and post-season awards winners over the first 10 years that were reviewed by league coaches

the journey rewarDeD … achIevIng your ultImate goals

and officials and then submitted to a selec-tion committee that was appointed by the Commissioner’s office. The group of 10 were Wisconsin forward Sara Bauer, Ohio State defenseman Tessa Bonhomme, Minnesota defenseman Ronda Curtin, Minnesota for-ward Natalie Darwitz, Wisconsin defenseman Molly Engstrom, Minnesota Duluth forward Caroline Ouellette, UMD and UM forward Jenny Potter, UMD forward Maria Rooth, Wisconsin goaltender Jessie Vetter and Min-nesota forward Krissy Wendell. Looking forward to the 2009-10 season, there are a number of noteworthy items: the WCHA All-Star Team, coached by SCSU’s Jeff Giesen, faced-off against the U.S. Women’s National Team, coached by the UW’s Mark Johnson on Sept. 25 at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul to start the season; Wisconsin will host Bemidji State in the Camp Randall Hockey Classic/U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Game outdoors at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison on February 6; and Minnesota will host both the 2010 WCHA FINAL FACE-OFF playoff championship (March 6-7) and the NCAA Women’s Frozen Four (March 19-21) at Ridder Arena.

wcha all-stars vs u.s. women’s natIonal team • sePtember, 2009

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league Playoff chamPIonshIP march �-�at rIDDer arena In mInneaPolIs

tIcket InformatIon20�0 wcha fInal face-offmarch �-� • rIDDer arena • mInneaPolIsTickets for the 2010 WCHA FINAL FACE-OFF championship, set for March 6-7 at Ridder Arena in Minneapolis, Minn., are available and on sale now through the University of Minnesota Athletic Ticket Office. Three-game session tickets for the women’s playoff championship are available at three prices: $20 for a reserved seat, $18 for general admission, and $15 for seniors and youth (age 18 and under). Tickets may be purchased by calling the Gopher Ticket Office at 612-624-8080, or 1-800-U-Gopher, or online at Gophersports.com. Single session tickets, priced at $15, $12 and $8, will be available on the days of the semifinals and championship game. Two FINAL FACE-OFF semifinal games will be played on Saturday, March 6 at 1:00 pm CT and 4:00 pm CT. The WCHA FINAL FACE-OFF Championship game is Sunday, March 7, with game time TBA.

20�0 wcha fInal face-off

A berth in the annual WCHA FINAL FACE-OFF, the Western Collegiate Hockey Association’s

post-season playoff championship, is always a season-long goal of the eight member teams. The WCHA FINAL FACE-OFF features the four teams who win their first round, best-of-three playoff series.

9


commIssIonerbruce m. mcleoDOver 16 successful and memorable seasons at the helm of the now 58-year-old Western Collegiate Hockey Association, Bruce M. McLeod has made a truly significant mark as the conference’s com-missioner. Chosen by the membership to succeed retiring commissioner Otto Breitenbach, McLeod has led college hockey’s most historic and successful league to ever greater heights since 1994. He has presided over some of the most successful seasons in the conference’s long and noteworthy history, including national championship campaigns by WCHA men’s member teams in 1997, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006 and by WCHA women’s member teams for 10 consecutive seasons in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009.Recognized as one of the true leaders in all of ice hockey, McLeod has a wealth of experience that covers more than five decades in the sport. From a player and student-athlete in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association in the 1960s, to a member-school administrator in the 1970s, ‘80s and ‘90s, and then on to commissioner of the WCHA since the mid-1990s. He is also, pure and simple, one of the game’s biggest fans.McLeod is among a select group of leaders who have had continual impact on the college hockey scene - whether the topic concerns expansion, playing rules, the national tournament, corporate sponsor-ships, professional issues, television or promotions. His on-going efforts to continue the growth of the college game saw him play a key role in the formation of a new Division 1 league - College Hockey America - which announced in 2001 that they would name their championship trophy in his honor. He is also a key contributor to the sport of ice hockey on national, international and professional levels and plays a lead role in the Hockey Commissioners’ Association. The HCA serves as a springboard of ideas for the six Div. 1 conference’s, having recently introduced a national rookie of the year award, the Derek Hines’ Unsung Hero Award, a national player of the month award, a national rookie of the month award, a new XM Satellite radio show, and a new web site to promote college hockey - www.playcollegehockey.com.In recent years, McLeod’s tireless efforts on behalf of amateur ice hockey have seen him twice honored nationally - first with the United States Hockey Hall of Fame’s first-ever President’s Award in 2003 and sec-ond with the American Hockey Coaches’ Association Jim Fullerton Award in April of 2004. The President’s Award is presented to an individual who has made a significant and long-term commitment to the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame while the Jim Fullerton Award recognizes an individual who loves the purity of the sport of ice hockey - whether a coach, administrator, trainer, official, journalist or simply a fan - and who exemplifies Jim Fullerton, who gave as much as he received and never stopped caring about the direc-tion in which our game was heading.Since assuming the reigns as Commissioner of the WCHA from the retiring Otto Breitenbach - who had pushed the league to ever-new heights over a highly-successful 10-year span from 1984-1994 - McLeod has continued to move the league forward and add to its continuing evolution via new avenues of prosperity and development. That prosperity has included a lucrative, long-term contract for the men’s annual Red BaronTM WCHA Final Five at the 18,000+ seat Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul, Minn., one of the premier sports facilities in the country and home to the NHL’s highly-successful Minnesota Wild. Entering the 2009-10 season, the 58th overall for the men’s league and the 11th for the still rela-tively young women’s league, commitment to the sport by the league and its member institutions has never been stronger. Conference attendance for both men’s and women’s games continues to grow and interest in the sport of college hockey itself continues to grow both across the league and across the country. Attendance in the men’s league has exceeded the 1,000,000 mark for 16 consecutive seasons now and has now topped the 1,500,000 mark the past seven straight campaigns, including a record 1,606,686 in 2006-07. The 2007 Red BaronTM WCHA

Final Five at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul attracted a record 88,900 fans while the 2008 Red BaronTM WCHA Final Five drew the third highest total ever at 86,855. Attendance in the women’s WCHA also continues to hold the lead on a national basis, with WCHA-member teams Minnesota, Wisconsin and Minnesota Duluth ranking first, second and third respectively in both average home attendance and total home attendance.McLeod’s productive tenure at the helm of the WCHA has most recently included an on-going video history of the men’s WCHA, being chronicled decade-by-decade with the 1950s completed in 2009 and the 1960s set for 2010, the addition of two new member teams - Bemidji State University and the University of Nebraska-Omaha to the men’s league beginning with the 2010-11 season, ever-increasing exposure for the league through expanded marketing efforts, increased television (over 200 games are telecast an-nually and the annual Red BaronTM WCHA Final Five is telecast live via Fox Sports North), continuing suc-cess for league-member teams, coaches and student-athletes on the ice and in the classroom, record levels of attendance, new avenues and increased levels of corporate sponsorships and promotions, conference championship tournaments (men’s WCHA Final Five and women’s WCHA Championship) that continue to reach new levels of success, the advent of a weekly conference radio show - This Week in the WCHA - that is heard across five time zones - a significant presence for the league on the web at wcha.com, and the formation of a new WCHA women’s league which began play in 1999-2000.In addition to its successes in national champion-ship tournament play over the years, the Western Collegiate Hockey Association owns an enviable reputation for producing outstanding coaches and student-athletes, with hundreds upon hundreds of its alumni moving on to successful professional and Olympic playing careers. On top of the more than 200 men’s and women’s league alumni who have Olympic experience playing for the likes of the U.S., Canada, Italy, Norway, Austria, Germany, Sweden, Finland, and France, conference-member teams and players have also received additional international exposure on a regular basis since 1951. The WCHA has hosted touring teams from the USSR, Canada, Sweden, Czechoslovakia, Latvia, Germany, Italy, Finland, Norway, Switzerland, England and France. Under McLeod, the league has maintained a strong international visibility, having sent men’s WCHA All-Star Teams to Europe in both 1998 (Switzerland) and 2000 (Norway) while the women’s WCHA has also regularly put together all-star teams, including a most recent club in 2009. Both the 2005-06 and 2009-10 seasons brought women’s WCHA All-Star Team games against the U.S. National Team at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. In 2007-08, a strong Team USA contingent of WCHA players, who were led by Ohio State coach Jackie Barto, won Gold at the 2008 IIHF Women’s World Championship in Harbin, China.During McLeod’s tenure, the WCHA has captured both the men’s and women’s NCAA Frozen Four

(national championship) trophies in 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006, there have been seven WCHA men’s players who have won the Hobey Baker Memorial Award as college hockey’s top player in Brian Bonin (UM, 1976), Jordan Leopold (UM, 2002), Peter Sejna (CC, 2003), Junior Lessard (UMD, 2004), Marty Sertich (CC, 2005), Matt Carle (DU, 2006) and Ryan Duncan (UND, 2007) and three WCHA women’s players who have won the Patty Kazmaier Award as college hockey’s top player in Krissy Wendell (UM, 2005), Sara Bauer (UW, 2006) and Jessie Vetter (UW, 2009).In 2005, the WCHA announced it’s inaugural group of 50 WCHA Scholar-Athletes (men and women) and instituted a new playoff format for the women’s post-season tournament.In 2003, the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame presented McLeod with the first-ever President’s Award, pre-sented to an individual who has made a significant and long-term commitment to the Hall of Fame.“Being honored with the first President’s Award was unexpected, but I’m very appreciative”, said McLeod. “When I work with various groups, I don’t think about recognition such as this. In my many years of work-ing with the United States Hockey Hall of Fame, the pleasure has truly been mine.”McLeod has been involved with the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame’s Faceoff Classic since the game’s inception in 1974, when it was first played in the Eveleth Hip-podrome. Inititally, as Athletic Director at University of Minnesota Duluth, McLeod helped establish the Faceoff Classic, and now as WCHA Commissioner has helped bring the game into much bigger arenas. Through the years, the Faceoff Classic has become an important fundraising event for the Hall.“Through Bruce’s efforts and commitment to help the Hall, we have this wonderful college hockey game once a year and in many cases our Faceoff Classic has opened new arenas across the country,” said Jim Findley, Board of Directors President for the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame. In 2001-02, the WCHA celebrated a highly-successful 50th Anniversary Sea-son under Commissioner McLeod with a number of season-long promotions, including the season-long announcement of the ̀ Top 50 Players in 50 Years’ and bringing numerous former players and coaches to Saint Paul for a special anniversary celebration during the WCHA Final Five weekend.From 1983-96, McLeod was Athletic Director at UMD and over his 25 years of service to that institution he also held titles of assistant athletic director, business manager, and sports information director. A 1969 graduate of the University of Minnesota Duluth, McLeod was a four-year player on the Bulldogs’ hock-ey team, producing 81 scoring points in 77 games as a winger between 1966-69. As a sophomore, he ranked second in scoring in the WCHA and served as the Bulldogs’ team captain in 1968-69. A native of Fort Frances, Ont., Bruce and his wife, Sande, reside in Highlands Ranch, Colo. He has two daughters (Leah and Shannon) and two granddaugh-ters (Allyson and Lindsey).

assocIate commIssIonersara r. martInMarking her 11th year as Associate Commissioner with the Western Collegiate Hockey Association in 2009-10 is Sara R. Martin, who has served as the league’s women’s commissioner since it’s founding in July, 1999. Among her primary responsibilities is overseeing the continuing development, administration and functions of the women’s conference. Martin has been extensively involved with col-lege hockey for 19 years. She served as tournament director of the WCHA Final Five Playoff Champion-ship in 1994, 1996 and 1998. She was the tournament manager for the 1997 NCAA Men’s Frozen Four held at the Bradley Center in Milwaukee and was assistant tournament manager for the 1993 NCAA Men’s Fro-zen Four, also held in Milwaukee. She was also the tournament manager for the 1995 and 1999 NCAA Div. 1 Men’s West Regionals, held in Madison. Prior to assuming her duties with the WCHA, Martin worked at the University of Wisconsin Athletic Department from 1990-99. She began as an adminis-trative assistant to the associate athletic director and

bruce mcleoD sara martIn

the conference offIce

moved into the department of facilities and events in 1995. In 1997 she became the Event Manager at the Kohl Center, where she stayed until June of 1999. While at Wisconsin, Martin was the tournament director for the Badger Hockey Showdown, held each December at the Bradley Center. A native of Sheboygan, Wis., Martin earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin in 1990 and a Master of Arts in Sports Administration from Minnesota State University in 1993. Sara and her husband, Bruce, make their home in Middleton, Wis.

assIstant commIssIoner of oPeratIons

carol labelle-ehrharDtAs Assistant Commissioner of Operations for the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, Carol LaBelle-Ehrhardt plays a crucial role in the multiple and day-to-day functions of the league and it’s administrative office. She marks her 12th year with the conference in 2009-10. LaBelle-Ehrhardt directly assists Commissioner Bruce McLeod with a wide range of duties in the overall management of both the men’s and women’s leagues. She is the WCHA’s business manager, serves as Tournament Director for the highly-successful men’s WCHA Final Five, handles eligibility record-keeping and student-athlete screening, coordinates league scheduling, and handles the set-up of numer-ous meetings and events – including the league’s annual meeting. In 2003, LaBelle-Ehrhardt – in conjunction with the WCHA – was awarded the (2002) Tourism Ambas-sador Award for St. Paul, Minn. The award recognizes the league as a whole, and LaBelle individually, for the on-going promotion and support of the St. Paul community and work with local merchants in relation to the WCHA Final Five. As Tournament Director for the Final Five, LaBelle-Ehrhardt has been partnering with the St. Paul community and meeting with local merchants the past seven years to create a mini-vaca-tion for Final Five attendees. Prior to joining the conference full-time, LaBelle-Ehrhardt was an Assistant to the Athletic Director at the University of Denver for five years. A graduate of the University of Denver, LaBelle-Ehrhardt and her husband, Mark Ehrhardt, live in Colorado. Carol is mother to married daughter Shaina and son, Brenton, who is serving in the United States Army and is also the stepmother to Tera and Tyler.


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carol labelle-ehrharDt

suPervIsor of offIcIalsgreg shePherDA veteran and highly-respected ice hockey official with a long and distinguished tenure of service in and to collegiate ice hockey, Greg Shepherd was appointed Supervisor of Officials for the Western Collegiate Hockey Association by Commissioner Bruce McLeod in 1994. The 2009-10 season marks his 15th with the conference in that capacity and 31st overall working in the WCHA. Coordinating officiating for both the men’s and women’s leagues, and long recognized as one of the top on-ice officials in college hockey, Shepherd has brought a wealth of expertise and experience to his position with the WCHA. He is respected by both his officiating colleagues as well as coaches and players across the country. Among the thousands of college hockey games Shepherd has refereed are 10 NCAA Men’s Frozen Four championships. Shepherd was a 36-year employee of Xcel Energy, in St. Paul, Minn., where he worked in Gas Construc-tion. He was a former City Council person in West St. Paul, Minn., and served in the Armed Forces with the United States Navy from 1967-69. Greg and his wife, Nancy, live in West St. Paul and are the parents of three children – Derek, Tiffany, and Brad. His two sons, Derek and Brad, have followed in their Dad’s footsteps and both are now respected referees in the Western Collegiate Hockey Associa-tion. The Shepherds are also the proud grandparents to eight grandchildren – Austyn, Madison, Cameron, Lauren, Gabby Rose, Anthony, Joe and Ryan.

assocIate commIssIonerfor PublIc relatIonsDoug sPencerMarking his 33rd season of publicizing and promot-ing amateur athletics overall and 23rd overall with the WCHA in 2009-10, is Doug Spencer, the WCHA’s Associate Commissioner for Public Relations. Spencer has served the league over three decades, spanning seasons from 1986-2010. He has also been involved in publicizing and promoting college hockey over four decades dat-ing to the early-1970s, when he started as a student assistant in the SID office of his alma mater, Western Michigan University. For the WCHA, Spencer coordinates public and media information needs for the conference, assists in the general administration of the annual WCHA Final Five, produces numerous publications for both the men’s and women’s leagues, issues regular press releases and statistics, maintains historical playing records, oversees the league’s web site and weekly radio show, and coordinates the league’s post-season and player of the week awards. Spencer previously had tenures as an Assistant SID at Eastern Michigan, Western Michigan and Wis-consin and was also a staff member at the Amateur Hockey Association of the United States (AHAUS) where he served as Publicity & Publications Director and Editorial Director of American Hockey & Arena Magazine. Born in East Lansing, Mich., Spencer earned his B.A. from WMU in 1976. He and his wife, Caroline have two children – Connor (15) and Maggie (11). Caroline works as a certified personal trainer and has completed six Ironman competitions. Connor is a member of his high school’s football team who

loves WWII history and computers. Maggie is a 6th grader who loves art and writing and participates in swimming, dance, piano and ballet.

assIstant to the commIssIonerjeff sauerOne of the most successful and distinguished coaches in the history of college hockey, the ‘retired’ Jeff Sauer now continues to serve the WCHA as Assistant to the Commissioner. With the WCHA, his duties include league compliance, special projects, NCAA Rules, and support for the league’s Supervisor of Officials within both the women’s and men’s leagues. In addition to his work with the conference of-fice, Sauer is involved with preparing and coaching the USA Deaf Olympic Team that will participate in the Winter Deaf Olympics. This is the sixth Olympic team he has been involved with. After winning the Gold medal in 2007, the team is now preparing for the 2011 Olympics in Slovakia. In April of 2009, Sauer coached the United States to a bronze medal in the first World Deaf Hockey Championships held in Winnipeg. Jeff Sauer is also a member of the USA Hockey International Council and the Disabled Hockey Committee. Over 36 seasons as a Div. 1 college hockey coach, Sauer recorded an amazing 655 victories (ranks 7th all-time) between 1971 and 2002 while heading up the teams at both Colorado College and the University of Wisconsin. He was twice named WCHA Coach of the Year, won national championships as coach of the Badgers in both 1983 and 1990, won WCHA regular season titles and MacNaughton Cups with Wisconsin in both 1989-90 and 1999-2000, and guided his teams to six WCHA playoff championships and Broadmoor trophies. In addition, Sauer earned the John ‘Snooks’ Kelley Founders Award from the AHCA in 2003, presented to individuals in the coach-ing profession who have contributed to the overall growth and development of the sport of ice hockey in the United States. Jeff and his wife, Jamie, reside in Middleton, Wisc., and are the parents of married son, Chip, and married daughter, Beth.

women’s PublIc relatIons DIrector

bIll broPhyBill Brophy marks his fourth season as Public Rela-tions Director for the women’s league in 2009-10, but he has a wealth of experience in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association. Brophy has covered the WCHA since 1974. He spent five years covering high school and college hockey for the Duluth News-Tribune from 1973 to 1978. Brophy served as the University of Wisconsin beat reporter for the Wisconsin State Journal in Madison from 1978 until 1984 before taking over

greg shePherD Doug sPencer

jeff sauer bIll broPhy

conference offIce DIrectoryCommissioner: Bruce M. McLeod ([email protected]). AssociateCommission-er: Sara R. Martin ([email protected]). AssistantCommissionerofOperations: Carol LaBelle-Ehrhardt ([email protected]). SupervisorofOfficials: Greg Shep-herd. AssociateCommissionerforPublicRelations: Doug Spencer ([email protected]). SpecialAssistanttotheCommissioner: Jeff Sauer ([email protected]). Women’sPublicRelations: Bill Brophy ([email protected]).

WCHA Administrative Office Mailing Address & Phones: Western Collegiate Hockey Association, MSC 8302, University of Denver, 2211 S. Josephine Street, Denver, CO 80208-8302. Phone: 303 871-4223. Fax: 303 871-4770.

WCHAWomen’sAdministrativeOffice&WCHAPublicRelationsOfficeMailingAddress&Phones:Western Collegiate Hockey Association, 559 D’Onofrio Drive, Suite 103, Madison, WI 53719-2096. Women’s Administrative Phone: 608 829-0104. Public Relations Phones: 608 829-0100 or 608 277-0282 (Bill Brophy). Office Fax: 608 829-0200.

vIsIt us on the web at: www.wcha.com

assocIatIon offIcers anD commItteesfor 2009-�0ChairofAssociation: Doug Leif, Faculty Representative, BSU.ExecutiveCommittee: Doug Leif, Faculty Representative, BSU, chair; Sue Jeno, Faculty Representative, UND; Sean Frazier, Associate Athletic Director, UW; Jackie Barto, Head Coach, OSU; Sara Martin, WCHA, Ex-Officio.FacultyRepresentativesChair: Doug Leif, Faculty Representative, BSU.AthleticDirectorsChair: Sean Frazier, Associate Athletic Director, UW.HeadCoachesChair: Jackie Barto, Head Coach, OSU.Tournament Committee: Sara Martin, WCHA (Chair); Sue Becker, Associate Athletic Director, SCSU; Bob Nielson, Athletic Director, UMD; Brad Frost, Head Coach, UM; Brian Idalski, Head Coach, UND; Sue Jeno, Faculty Representative, UND.StructureCommittee: Chris Schneider, Associate Athletic Director, OSU (Chair); Doug Leif, Faculty Representative, BSU; Kevin Buisman, Athletic Director, MSU; Jeff Giesen, Coach, SCSU; Sara Martin, WCHA (ex officio).

as the State Journal sports editor until 1996. He also served as the radio analyst on Badger hockey from 1991 until 2003. For ten years, Brophy was the communications director for the Diocese of Madison and most re-cently has done television work for “When We Were Young Productions”, which produces high school and collegiate sports for Fox Sports North and Charter Cable. He also was honored as the American Hockey Coaches’ Association Jim Fullerton Award in April of 2007. The Fullerton Award recognizes an individual who loves the purity of the sport of ice hockey – whether a coach, administrator, trainer, official, journalist or simply a fan. A native of Minneapolis, Minn., Brophy earned his bachelor’s degree from the College of St. Thomas. He is the father of two daughters, Katie and Kelly, and makes his home in Madison, Wis.


wcha women’s offIcIatIng staff2009-�0

suPervIsor of offIcIalsGreg Shepherd

refereesErin Blair (R/L), Ray Doocy, Michael Elam (R/L), Joe Harris, Dan Kovarik, Dan Lick, Dave Lick, Robert Ludwig (R/L), Tom Lund (R/L), Jay Mendel, Chris Perrault, Tina Simonson, Ron Storey, Shawn Thiele, Evonne Young-Fix.

lInesmenLisa Albers, Ashley Alm, Sara Anderson, Jason Bauers, Kevin Capocasa, Casey Enge, Daniel Fitzsimons, Alicia Hanra-han, Tom Jerome, Kristine Langley, Ron Laituri, David McGree, Todd Plackner, Tim Richter, Cyndi Robertson, Kelli Rolstad, Karly Schoeman, Wendy Se-ronko, David Spivey, Phil Stodgell, Tai Thorsheim, Candace Utecht.

(R-L) referee, linesman.

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bemIDjI state unIversItyBemidji State marks the 21st century with a deep sense of commitment to its region, a national reputation for quality programming and an international perspective for its more than 5,000 students. Founded on a sound liberal education, University programs are designed to educate students so that they may live as responsible, productive and free citizens in a global society. Bemidji State began as a state Normal school in 1919, became a leading teachers’ college in the region, and achieved University status in 1975. Currently, BSU recognizes over 30,000 alumni. The only baccalaureate institution in northern Minnesota, BSU offers over 70 major fields of study housed in one of three major colleges: Arts and Letters, Social and Natural Sciences, and Professional Studies. Quality education is a priority, as many programs have earned national acclaim. The accounting program ranks among the nation’s Top 10 in preparing students for the CPA examination, and scientific research has gained national exposure in a variety of fields. Nearly 70% of students come from northern Minnesota, but BSU broadens its services to attract students and faculty from diverse backgrounds and aspirations. Through teaching and and informed attention to the educational needs of students, the University seeks to instill the spark of openness and commitment for lifelong learning. Many faculty members continue to pursue knowledge as specialists and educators in their fields. In the heart of the Minnesota lakes and forest region, BSU is situated midway between Minneapolis/St. Paul and Winnipeg, Man. With stands of pine, oak and birch reflecting the presence of the northern woods, the east side of campus lines the shores of Lake Bemidji. A city of 30,000, Bemidji provides a focus for educational, business and medical services. Entertainment and activities include a lively downtown, shopping malls, theatre, art, alpine skiing and water recreation. The campus spans 89 acres on the shores of the lake, including the recently renovated Physical Education Complex which houses John S. Glas Fieldhouse.

unIversIty of mInnesotaWhen the University of Minnesota was founded as a preparatory school in 1851, Minnesota had been a territory for just two years, and statehood was still seven years away. The school was built on the east bank of theMississippi River with little more than the pioneer’s faith in education. The University has since grown into the single greatest center of creativity in the state. The students it educates, the ideas it generates and the medical, scientific, agricultural and economic activities it stimulates-represent an enormous resource that contributes directly to Minnesota’s economic, intellectual and cultural life. Today, the UM is an international research institution, a land-grant school with a strong tradition of education and public service and a metropolitan university. The campus is among the most comprehensive in the nation, with 18 colleges that offer a full range of academic and professional degrees. The University of Minnesota has embarked on a course designed to build on its tradition of excellence to make the University one of the top five public institutions of higher education in the nation. Research is key among its special capabilities and the resulting accomplishments have improved and saved the lives of people throughout the world. Among the many achievements that have come from UM researchers have been the continuing success of the world’s leading kidney transplant program at UM Hospital and Clinics, the development of the successful wheat variety known as ‘Eva’, the world’s first total body X-ray scanner, the isolation of uranium isotope U-235, and the elimination of dozens of poultry and livestock diseases. In addition to fostering research projects that have obvious benefits, the ‘U’ is a center for the basic research that makes scientific breakthroughs possible. UM has the 15th-largest library system in North America, one that includes more than 39,000 subscriptions to periodicals and 4.5 million volumes. Service to the people of Minnesota is another way the ‘U’ plays an important role in the quality of life in the state. More than 150 programs reach out to Minnesotans, solving problems and bringing to communities the UM’s vast store of knowledge. The Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul offer more than any individual could ask for in an urban set-ting. More than 2.5 million people live in the area, yet the warm hospitality and high quality of life still remain. Business opportunities are plentiful for graduates as the area boasts a large concentration of Fortune 500 companies. A variety of cultural and sports events also brings Minnesotans in touch with the ‘U’. Large crowds attend Gopher games and the Twin Cities has hosted the World Series, the Stanley Cup, and the Super Bowl.

unIversIty of mInnesota DuluthA Great University on a Great Lake. For more than 100 years, the modest teachers college that has grown and evolved into the University of Minnesota Duluth has been offering students of all ages, and all interests, a window into the opportunities that come with knowledge. The modern-day UMD has a campus community of over 11,000 undergraduate and graduate students pursuing bachelors, masters and doctorate degrees in 75 majors and close to 20 graduate programs. A unique combination of quality and value, UMD consistently ranks among the top midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News & World Report’s “America’s best Colleges” issue and was also recently the recipient of a “best education buy” rating from Money magazine. Complimented by a full- and part-time staff, UMD’s students come to Duluth and call it their home during their college careers and beyond. Unlike the sprawling commuter schools of the Midwest’s metropolitan area’s, where parking spaces out-number library periodicals, UMD is a community where almost half of the undergraduate population resides in the many on-campus housing options available, or in the historic neighborhoods surrounding the campus. Comprised of more than 50 buildings and set on 250 acres of residential land with views of Lake Supe-rior, the UMD campus is a city unto itself, with housing, dining facilities, a theater, a planetarium, research laboratories, athletic facilities, parks, wilderness areas, radio and television studios, a newspaper, the latest computer technology, medical facilities, shopping, entertainment, and a new library which merges the print and digital worlds, providing students with the region’s most advanced gateway to information. Dedicated in August 2000, the UMD library is a $25 million project that provides the campus with nearly 168,000 square feet of new space and room for more than 200 laptop and desktop computers. Since the turn of the century, UMD has added $200 million worth of new projects, the latest being the Sports and Health Center Addition (a $13 million facility which opened in 2006 and includes an 8,500-square foot state-of-the-are weight/strength training area for intercollegiate athletics), the Life Science Renovation ($15 million, opened 2006) and Labovitz School of Business & Economics ($23 million, opening 2008). On tap is the construction of $15 million civil engineering building, scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2010. In a community like Duluth-Superior, with its metro population of nearly 180,000 and its amazingly diverse economy, opportunities for internships, employment and on-the-job education abound, giving countless UMD graduates a much-desired chance to make their permanent home and start their careers in the area.

mInnesota state unIversIty, mankatoMinnesota State University, Mankato has become a destination for those seeking higher education. The Uni-versity is experiencing its highest enrollment in a decade with more than 14,000 students enrolling in fall 2008. In addition, 1,300 faculty and staff; approximately 500 international students who represent 68 countries; and more than 99,000 alumni from around the world are proud to be a part of the Mavericks tradition. Founded in 1868, MSU is a four-year, comprehensive university in south central Minnesota approximately 85 miles from the Twin Cities. The University provides high-quality education with 24 programs accredited by national professional organizations. In addition to quality, variety is one of the many attractions at MSU which offers more than 150 programs in six undergraduate colleges, and 82 programs in the College of Graduate Studies. The school’s most popular majors are: Business, Education, Health Professions, Computer and Informa-tion Science, and Criminal Justice/Corrections. Student organizations are abundant at MSU including more than 200 department clubs, political organiza-tions, recreation clubs, intramural athletics, social clubs, service and religious organizations. The University also offers 23 intercollegiate men and women’s sports activities including: hockey, volleyball, soccer, softball, tennis, golf, swimming, football, cross country, basketball, track and field, wrestling, bowling and baseball. The University has exciting opportunities for freshmen to enhance their academic and social experience on campus through Learning Communities, First Year Experience program and residence hall living/learning environment. Located on 354 acres overlooking the Minnesota River Valley, MSU is the third largest higher educational institution in the state and is part of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. Mankato State Uni-versity became Minnesota State University, Mankato in the fall of 1998 to reflect is increasing global reach.

bemIDjI state unIversIty unIversIty of mInnesota

unIversIty of mInnesota Duluth mInnesota state unIversIty, mankato


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unIversIty of north DakotaThe University of North Dakota is the state’s most comprehensive intensive research university and the primary center for professional education and training. UND has brought in more than $548.5 million for sponsored research programs from internal and external sources since 2001, including $10 million in fiscal year 2007. Founded by the Dakota Territorial Assembly in 1883, six years before statehood, UND was intended to be, and has remained, a university with a strong liberal arts foundation surrounded by a variety of professional and specialized programs. UND has the only law school and medical school in the state, and it is one of only 47 public universities in the country with both an accredited law and medical school. UND enrolls 12,559 students from every state and more than 50 nations in 193 fields of study (baccalaure-ate, master’s, doctoral, and professional). With an annual budget of $272 million, UND employs more than 2,720 individuals full time, including 682 faculty and researchers. UND’s total economic impact on the state and region is nearly $1 billion a year. The University has more than 100,000 living alumni, including 54,245 residing in North Dakota and Minnesota. The assets of the UND Foundation total more than $205 million. UND, located in Grand Forks, a vibrant eastern North Dakota college town located on the Red River of the North, is regarded as a national leader in rural and family health issues, aerospace, energy and environmental research, and educational programs for American Indians. U.S. News & World Report ranks the School of Medicine and Health Sciences among the nation’s best for commitment to rural medicine. Nearly half of all doctors in the state of North Dakota were trained at UND. The John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Studies is recognized as one of the top aerospace programs in the world. UND has the world’s largest non-military fleet of training aircraft and also has an renowned master’s program in space studies. UND’s 12,559 undergraduate and graduate students are enrolled in 10 academic divisions, which together offer more than 2,940 courses in 193 fields of study. The divisions are the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Studies, College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business and Public Administration, Division of Continuing Education, College of Education and Human Development, School of Engineering and Mines, Graduate School, School of Law, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, and College of Nursing. The new $20 million Student Wellness Center is a 106,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility that houses a three-court gymnasium, multi-activity court, cardiovascular and weight stations, a running track, a climbing wall, and more. UND competes at the Div. 1 level in men’s and women’s hockey and in Div. II in 16 other sports. The 11,700-seat Ralph Engelstad Arena is considered the finest college hockey arena in North America and is the home of the seven-time national champion Fighting Sioux men’s hockey team. The Betty Engelstad Sioux Center opened in 2004 as the home to UND basketball volleyball. The community-owned Alerus Center is the largest sports, convention and entertainment facility of its kind in the Upper Midwest. It boasts concert seating for anywhere from 5,000-22,000 people and is home for UND football.

the ohIo state unIversItyFounded in 1870 as the state’s land-grant institution, The Ohio State University consistently ranks among our nation’s top public research universities, integrating teaching and learning with research and community service. A research powerhouse with global reach, Ohio State’s Columbus campus had the nation’s largest single-campus enrollment of 52,568 (60,347 on all campuses). One university with multiple locations through-out Ohio—main campus in Columbus; regional campuses in Lima, Mansfield, Marion and Newark; and the Agricultural Technical Institute and Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center in Wooster—Ohio State is home to the best and the brightest. Ohio State ranks 19th among the nation’s public universities, according to the U.S. News & World Report’s 2008 edition of “America’s Best Colleges.” Ohio State is ranked 10th among national public universities based on research, social mobility and service in the Washington Monthly College Guide. Ohio State’s 2007 first-year class of 6,110 students (Columbus campus) recruited from more than 22,000 applicants, is the most academi-cally prepared in the university’s history, with an average ACT score of 27. Fifty-three percent of the students were in the top 10 percent and 89 percent were in the top 25 percent of their graduating classes. Constantly ranked among the top national public universities for undergraduate, graduate and professional programs, Ohio State is a student-centered research university that provides a well-rounded experience both inside and outside the classroom. From admission to graduation, Ohio State’s academic programs are designed to challenge students and prepare them for the future.

st. clouD state unIversItySt. Cloud State University, located on the banks of the Mississippi River 70 miles northwest of Minneapolis, has a 139-year tradition of excellence and opportunity. In keeping with the needs of a new century, St. Cloud State is an affordable university where students benefit from nationally accredited, top-rated academic programs and cutting-edge technology. While it started as a state normal school and remains one of the top 15 producers of teachers in the nation, nationally recognized programs such as Business, Mass Communications and Applied Psychology provide career preparation for many of today’s St. Cloud State graduates. With about 17,000 students from Minnesota, 45 states and 80 foreign countries, SCSU is the second largest and most highly accredited undergraduate university in Minnesota. The university offers more than 175 majors, minors and pre-professional programs and is one of the few universities in the Upper Midwest with programs in such diverse fields as Aviation, Meteorology and Geographic Information Systems. The university offers more than 50 master’s degrees and also offers doctoral degrees. St. Cloud State is committed to being at the forefront in academic excellence and technology. To that end, SCSU built a $32.5 million, state-of-the-art library and completed the university’s first-ever capital campaign. The 235,000-square-foot library, which opened in the fall of 2000, is the visual centerpiece of the campus and the hub of research and learning. The university’s physical master plan is turning the campus into a more inviting environment, with the addi-tion of a river walk along the Mississippi and trees and clearly marked entry ways along the campus perimeter. The university’s strategic plan provides the blueprint and the capital campaign provides the support to make St. Cloud State one of the top universities in the nation while remaining a school where students receive the same personal attention they would at a small college. St. Cloud State brings significant benefits to its home community. St. Cloud residents, as well as students, benefit from a wide array of opportunities for educational and cultural enrichment, as well as athletic and entertainment events. According to a recent economic impact survey conducted by the St. Cloud State Department of Economics, the university has a $369 million annual impact on local retail business.

unIversIty of wIsconsInThe University of Wisconsin is a world-class university, nationally and internationally recognized for its academic excellence, incredible students, inspiring faculty, exceptional value, and an amazing campus and community. Founded in 1848, the first class of 17 students enrolled Feb. 5, 1849. Today, Wisconsin ranks as the nation’s ninth largest university with more than 41,000 students. On a single campus, students can find a complete spectrum of liberal arts studies, professional programs and student activities. As one of the nation’s first land-grant universities, Wisconsin maintains a strong research emphasis in agricultural and life sciences. Award-winning research spanning the academic disciplines, how-ever, has earned Wisconsin a place among the world’s elite institutions of higher education. The quality of its undergraduate, graduate and research programs is recognized around the world. The flagship school of the state system, UW–Madison offers the only public schools of law, medicine and veterinary medicine in the state and is one of only two state-supported schools to offer doctoral degrees. One of the most picturesque college campuses in the country, the 933-acre UW-Madison campus sits along the shore of beautiful Lake Mendota. The city of Madison and the University were designed to be linked, signifying the interrelated nature of academic and political life at Wisconsin. The UW offers instruction in more than 100 fields, with more than 4,200 course listings. Learning takes place in a variety of settings – from traditional classrooms, to undergraduate research opportunities, to service-learning experiences in the community. Additional opportunities for growth range from 700 student organizations to unique residential learning communities. Growing with the times to meet changing needs in education and research has kept the university great. With an eye to the future, the university continues to change, guaranteeing a community and environment where true learning can take place.

st. clouD state unIversIty unIversIty of wIsconsIn

unIversIty of north Dakota ohIo state unIversIty


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The Western Collegiate Hockey Association women are a perfect 10. A dominant streak continues in

women’s college hockey, thanks to the University of Wisconsin, who for the third time in four years, are the best team in the country. Since the inception of the NCAA Women’s Frozen Four in 2001, three dif-ferent WCHA teams have won the national championship. It allows the WCHA to mark its 11th season of 2009-10 established as the premier collegiate women’s hockey conference in the country. The Badgers extended the string and kept the WCHA’s national title streak alive in 2008-09 when they won their third national championship by defeating Mercyhust, 4-0, in Boston in the NCAA title game. The victory capped a memorable season for the WCHA, which placed three teams in the Frozen Four including league champion Minnesota, traditional power Minnesota Duluth and Wisconsin, which won the WCHA FINAL FACE-OFF, the league playoff championships. Last season’s success marked the ninth straight national championship won by a WCHA-member institution. Minnesota Duluth won the first three NCAA titles in 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2008. The Badgers have won national crowns in 2006, 2007 in addition to last season. Minnesota took home the titles in 2004 and 2005, and the Golden Gophers also won the 2000 AWCHA Div. 1 national collegiate championship, prior to the inception of the NCAA tournament, giving the league nine straight national championships in nine years. The WCHA has seen tremendous growth in a short period, making the league competitive from top to bottom. North Dakota became the eighth league member in 2004-05 and is looking to es-tablish itself with the original seven teams – Bemidji State, Minnesota, Minnesota Duluth, Minnesota State, Mankato, Ohio State, St. Cloud State, and Wisconsin – in a league which has can says its the best and has the trophies to prove it. Since this 2009-10 season will be con-tested during an Olympic year, the race for the league title may be more wide open than ever. There are two new coaches – Eric Means moves from being a men’s assistant at Minnesota State, Mankato to leading the Mavericks’ women and Tracey DeKeyser takes over at Wisconsin for Mark Johnson, who is taking a sabbatical to coach the U.S. Women’s Hockey Olympic team. In a preseason coaches’ poll, defending national champion Wisconsin has been chosen to win the league title with de-fending champion Minnesota second and Minnesota Duluth third. The rest of the poll has St. Cloud State fourth, followed by Ohio State, North Dakota, Minnesota State and Bemidji State. But not all the stars will be playing for

DefenDIng ncaa, fInal face-off chamPIon wIsconsIn Is Pre-season favorIte of wcha coaches

their country in 2009-10. League coaches have highlighted Minnesota Duluth’s Saara Tuominen, Ohio State’s sophomore Natalie Spooner and Wisconsin’s sopho-more Brooke Ammerman as possible player of the year candidates. The WCHA will watch the Olympics with great pride, knowing that many familiar faces will dot various Olympic team ros-ters. There were 18 underclassmen among the 38 WCHA stars who are on national team rosters as of Sept. 15. Here is the list of WCHA players, underclassmen and alums, who hope to play in Vancouver in the Winter Games in February (A - denotes WCHA alum): Bemidji State (1 player): ZuzanaTom-cikova, G, Team Slovakia … Minnesota (6 players): NatalieDarwitz, F, Team USA (A); RachaelDrazen, D, Team USA (A); Gigi Marvin, F, Team USA (A); Jenny Potter, F, Team USA (A); NooraRäty, G, Team Finland; and MiraJalusuo, D, Team Finland … Minnesota Duluth (13 players): Haley Ir-win, F, Team Canada; JocelyneLarocque, D, Team Canada; Caroline Ouellette, F, Team Canada (A); JennyPotter, F, Team USA (A); Kim Martin, G, Team Sweden; Elin Holmlov, F, Team Sweden; JenniAsserholt, D, Team Sweden; PernillaWinberg, F, Team Sweden; MariaRooth, F, Team Sweden (A); ErikaHolst, F, Team Sweden (A); SaaraTuominen, F, Team Finland; Maria Posa, D, Team Finland; HeidiPelttari, F, Team Finland (A) … Minnesota State (2 players): EmiliaAndersson, D, Team Sweden; EmmiLei-nonen, F, Team Finland … North Dakota (2 players): MoniqueLamoureux, F, Team USA; JocelyneLamoureux, F, Team USA … Ohio State (4 players): Emma Laak-sonen, D, Team Finland (A); Tessa Bon-homme, D, Team Canada (A); LisaChes-son (2005-08), D, Team USA (A); and MinttuTuominen, F, Team Finland … Wisconsin (10 players): JessieVetter, G, Team USA (A); ErikaLawler, F, Team USA (A); MeghanDuggan, F, Team USA; HilaryKnight, F, Team USA; Angie Keseley, F, Team USA (A); MollyEngstrom, D, Team USA (A); KerryWeiland, D, Team USA (A); JinelleZaugg-Siergiej, F, Team USA (A); CarlaMacLeod, D, Team Canada (A); Meaghan Mikkelson, D, Team Canada (A). Once again this season the women’s WCHA will use the shootout to deter-mine a winner if the teams are tied after overtime. For the second straight season, an National Hockey League-style three-player shootout will be used to determine a winner for all WCHA games tied after regulation and the five-minute overtime. The NCAA rules and ice hockey com-mittees have allowed conferences the ablity to implement this tie-breaker protocol so that every regular-season league game will have a winner while preserving the integrity of the national rankings. Games decided by a shootout

the 2009-�0 season

DefenDIng natIonal chamP wIsconsIn tabbeD as favorIte In 2009-�0 wcha coaches’ Polluw’s brooke ammerman nameD Pre-season wcha Player of the year; uw’s brIanna Decker Is Pre-season rookIe of the year

Sept. 24, 2009/MADISON, Wis. – Defending national champion Wisconsin is without its head coach and many familiar faces, but the Badgers are still the preseason pick to win the Western Collegiate Hockey Association women’s title, according to a poll of league-member head coaches. The Badgers collected six first place votes and 48 total points in the poll of the eight head coaches and edged out defending WCHA regular season champion Minnesota, which placed second with 43 points and two first place votes. Minnesota Duluth, with 38 points, was selected to finish third. All three of those teams qualified for the NCAA Frozen Four last season. St. Cloud State was picked to finish fourth in the final regular season standings, followed by Ohio State in fifth place, North Dakota in sixth, Minnesota State, Mankato in seventh and Bemidji State in eighth. Wisconsin sophomore forward Brooke Ammerman (River Vale, NJ) received five votes and is the head coaches’ pick to be preseason player of the year in the WCHA. Ohio State sophomore forward Natalie Spooner (Scarborough, ON) is the pick of two coaches for player of year and Minnesota Duluth senior forward Saara Tuominen (Ylojarvi, Finland) also received a vote. Wisconsin’s Brianna Decker (Dousman, WI), a forward, received six votes and as the coaches’ choice as preseason rookie of the year while Ohio State forward Hokey Langan (Chatham, ON) and Minnesota Duluth goaltender Jennifer Harss (Rieden, Germany) each received a vote.

2009-�0 Pre-season wcha women’s coaches’ Poll(Points determined on 7-6-5-4-3-2-1 basis. Coaches do not vote for their own team.)

Rk Team 1stPlaceVotes Points 2008-09Record 1 Wisconsin 6 48 34-2-5 2 Minnesota 2 43 32-5-3 3 Minnesota Duluth – 38 26-9-4 4 St. Cloud State – 29 15-18-4 5 Ohio State – 23 8-25-3 6 North Dakota – 20 13-19-4 7 Minnesota State, Mankato – 16 12-19-5 8 Bemidji State – 7 6-25-5

2009-10Pre-SeasonWCHAPlayeroftheYear(votes): Brooke Ammerman, So., F, Wisconsin (5); Natalie Spooner, So., F, Ohio State (2); Saara Tuominen, Sr., F, Minnesota Duluth (1).2009-10Pre-SeasonWCHARookieoftheYear(votes): Brianna Decker, Fr., F, Wisconsin (6); Hokey Langan, Fr., F, Ohio State (1); Jennifer Harss, Fr., G, Minnesota Duluth (1).

will still be considered ties for NCAA pur-poses so there will be no effect on NCAA records for the purposes of the Pairwise and determining the NCAA tournament field. Bonus points awarded will impact the conference standings only.

The WCHA has also approved the fol-lowing point system for regular-season play; two (2) points for a win in regulation or overtime, one (1) point for each school if the game is tied at the conclusion of the five-minute overtime period, and one (1)

wIsconsIn’s brooke ammerman ohIo state’s natalIe sPooner

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point is awarded to the team who wins the shootout. Overtime will continue to be played similar to regulation time with five skaters for each team (penalties excepted). The 2009-10 WCHA post-season playoff format will stay the same and once again the WCHA FINAL FACE-OFF will be held at Ridder Arena in Minneapolis. For the third straight year, all eight teams will advance to the playoffs and the post-season will be extended over two weekends instead of one. The league tournament will open the weekend of Feb. 26-28 (Friday, Sat-urday and Sunday, if necessary) with a first round, best-of-three series format at campus sites. The No. 1 seeded team will host the No. 8 seed, the No. 2 seed will host the No. 7 seed, the No. 3 seed will host the No. 6 seed, and the No. 4 seed will host the No. 5 seed. The four first-round winners will then advance to the 2010 WCHA FINAL FACE-OFF to be held at Ridder in Minneapolis on Saturday and Sunday, March 6-7. On Saturday, there will be two semi-finals at 1:07 pm CT and 4:07 pm CT, with the championship game set for Sunday (time TBA). The NCAA tournament will also be held over the course of two weeks as the four regional games will be played the week-end of March 13-15 at campus sites and the 2010 NCAA Women’s Frozen Four will be held for the first time at Ridder Arena on March 19-21. Here’s a look at the teams and a quote from each coach:

beaversbemIDjI stateThe Beavers (6-25-5) compiled all 11 of its league points after the holiday break last season and showed the league it is an improving team. Sophomore goalie Zuzana Tomcikova backboned the revitalized Beavers and she returns along with their top four scor-ers: forwards, Erin Cody (12g, 16a), Erin Johnson (10g, 11a), Annie Bauerfield (8g, 13a), and defensemen Montana Vichorek (3g, 10a). The four combined for 59% of the Beaver’s offensive output a year ago. Tomcikova, a member of the Slovakian National Team, gained All-WCHA Second Team and All-WCHA Rookie Team honors last year after posting a .915 save per-centage while making a league-best 882 saves. Coach Steve Sertich says: “We are hoping to build off a competitive second half of the 2008-09 season. Leading our returning players is goaltender Zuzana Tomcikova. Montana Vichorek, Jackie Robertson and Marlee Wheelhouse will anchor the D corps. All of our top scorers return at forwards, including Annie Bau-erfield, Erin Johnson and Erin Cody. Our goal is to become more than a competitive team in the WCHA and to move up in the league standings.”

golDen goPhersmInnesotaCoach Brad Frost guided the UM team to a WCHA regular season championship, Minnesota’s first since 2005. In 2008-09, Frost led the Gophers to their first NCAA Frozen Four since 2006 and they posted an overall record of 32-5-3, including 11 series sweeps in WCHA play. They lost 70% of their scoring in Marvin, a three-time all league forward, Jen Schou-lis, who is injured, and twins Jocelyn and Monique Lamoureux. Forwards Emily West (13g, 26 pts in league play) and Sarah Er-ickson and sophomore defenseman Anne Schleper will be asked to step up their play in front of veteran goalies Alyssa Grogan, who had the best goals-against average in the league last season(1.37 gaa), and Jenny Lura. Coach Frost says: “The Golden Gophers are very excited for the 2009-10 season. We have a great group of players coming back as well as six very good additions in our freshmen class. We are lead by our six seniors who have all gained tremendous experience over the course of their ca-reers. There is great opportunity for our players to grow and emerge this season, and we are looking forward to seeing it happen.”

bullDogsmInnesota DuluthThe Bulldogs have reached the NCAA tour-nament eight times in the last nine years and Shannon Miller, in her 11th season at UMD, is the first coach to ever win four titles. Miller also has more NCAA appear-ances (8) and NCAA wins (12). She has a team in transition with six players gone to the Olympics for the year. Saara Tuominen, a Finnish National Team player who will have to leave at midseason for the Olympics, Laura Fridfinnson and Emmanuelle Blais are proven scorers for the Bulldogs and Jaime Rasmussen will anchor the defense. Coach Miller says: “The UMD Bulldogs

have a roster of quality, not quantity. With six players gone the entire season for the 2010 Olympic Games, the UMD Women’s Hockey team will only have 19 on their roster. Unable to replace the Olympians because they will be returning to UMD the fall of 2010, UMD has no choice but to carry a limited roster this season. Hav-ing said that, the team has brought in some very talented freshman and will rely heavily on the seven returning juniors and seniors to lead the way.”

maverIcksmInnesota stateThe Mavericks went 4-1-1 down the stretch to capture the No. 5 seed in the final WCHA standings last year, and then upset St. Cloud State for its first playoff series victory. New coach Eric Means hopes to build off that momentum and will rely on senior forwards Christina Lee (10g, 26 pts) and Kala Buganski and defenseman Holly Snyder. Coach Means says: “We have a good se-nior class (seven players) with nine of our top ten scorers returning from last year. We should have a balanced scoring attack among the top nine forwards. We need to build on the momentum of last year’s finish where we won our first ever WCHA playoff series (SCSU) and advanced to the WCHA FINAL FACE-OFF. The goaltending position needs to provide a consistent effort throughout the year, as it was the key to success down the stretch last year. Looking to host a home playoff series for the first time in the program’s history.”

fIghtIng sIouxnorth DakotaThe Fighting Sioux improved its record by nine games under coach Brian Idalski a seaszon ago and finished tied for fifth place in the WCHA with Minnesota State. Alyssa Wiebe gives North Dakota a scoring threat while Ashley Lynch was a consistent defenseman. Brittany Kirkham

and Stephanie Ney give the Sioux a vet-eran goalie tandem. Coach Idalski says: “I believe our strengths that we see in our team are go-ing to be our defense and our goaltending. It will all start there. Who is going to step up and put the puck in the net up front is a bit of a question mark to start the year. Between some of our young kids coming in and the development of our juniors and sophomores, we have kids capable of tak-ing on that load. There is no doubt in how our sophomore and junior classes develop is going to go a long way to determining how our season goes.”

buckeyesohIo stateThe Buckeyes will be young this season with a total of 14 underclassmen with seven sophomores and seven freshmen. Last year, the rookies had big shoes to fill but stepped up as Laura McIntosh and Natalie Spooner lead the team in points and goals, respectively. Filling the leadership roles this season are seniors Rachel Davis and Raelyn LaRocque. The duo of Teal Bishop and Shannon Reilly solidify the back end, but veteran coach Jackie Barto, in her 11th sea-son, knows she needs to find a consistent goaltender. Coach Barto says: “We have three se-niors, with our captains being Davis and Larocque. This class may be small, but it as earned the respect from their teammates and coaches through their dedication and work ethic. At forward, McIntosh and Spooner are two difference makers. Larocque sets the tone with her work ethic and energy. They will be a key for us along with the development of fellow classmates Theut and Feste. Six freshman forwards bring a combination of skill, scor-ing and hard work. On the blue line, we are returning the bulk of our defensive corps. Davis leads the unit and juniors Bishop and Reilly gained experience last year, along with the sophomore duo of Wild and Carlson. In the goal, it will be a battle

mInnesota Duluth’s saara tuomInen


mInnesota’s anne schlePer bemIDjI state’s ZuZana tomcIkova

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for the starting job between junior Facklis, sophomore Bilko and freshman Knapp. All three are hard working working and they all want to be successful and do well.”

huskIesst. clouD stateThe Huskies return eight forwards from last season‘s WCHA fourth place team, in-cluding Caitlin Hogan, who had 31 points (14g, 17a) during her junior season, and Felicia Nelson and Holly Roberts, who are proven scorers. Danielle Hirsch set a Husky single sea-son record for defenseman assists with 18 last season and leads the blueline corp in front of junior goaltender Ashley Nixon. Coach Jeff Giesen says: “We are excited for the 2009-10 season we have a large senior class with a lot of experience and a large freshman class with a lot of energy. We hope to keep climbing the ladder in the toughest league in the country”

baDgerswIsconsInThe Badgers have played in the national championship game each of the last four seasons and won three titles. They will have new faces behind the bench as long-time assistant Tracey DeKeyser takes over for Mark Johnson, while he coaches the U.S. Olympic team, and new players on the ice. Forward Brianna Decker is one of the more highly-touted freshman in the league and should take some of the scoring load off Brooke Ammerman, who was the league‘s fourth leading scorer (19 g, 39 pts) last season, Jasmine Giles and Mallory Deluce. Sophomore Brittany Haverstock leads the blueline corps which will be asked to step up in front of a rookie goalie. Gone is Patty Kazmaier Award winner Jessie Vetter, who rewrote the WCHA goaltending record book the last four years and is a member of the WCHA‘s all-time team. Coach DeKeyser says: “The 2009-10 season looks to be filled with energy and opportunity as the Wisconsin Badgers welcome nine new players to the program in addition to two new assistant coaches (Peter Johnson, Mark‘s brother, and Jackie Friesen). We are confident that our return-ers and talented rookie class will compete to give us a chance to be one of the top teams in the WCHA once again this sea-son.” by Bill Brophy, WCHA Women’s Public Relations Director


laura fast Denelle maguet meghan mutrIe kelsey bIlls

emma laaksonen mIchelle mcateer

May 19, 2009/MADISON, Wis. – The Western Collegiate Hockey Association today an-nounced that seniors Myriam Trepanier of the University of Minnesota Duluth and Jake Gan-non of Colorado College are the recipients of the annual WCHA Post-Graduate Scholarship Program for 2009-10. “We are tremendously proud to announce Myriam and Jake as the latest WCHA Post-Graduate Scholarship winners,” said Com-missioner Bruce M. McLeod and Associate Commissioner Sara R. Martin in a joint state-ment. “They continue the outstanding tradi-tion of excellence – both on and off the ice – of our previous post-graduate scholarship recipients and together they represent the best of collegiate athletics. We join the entire membership in saluting their tremendous accomplishments. We also want to wish them all the best in their future endeavors and have no doubt that both of them will achieve great successes in their lifetimes.” An advocate of excellence both on and off the ice for student-athletes, the WCHA first announced the annual men’s and women’s post-graduate scholarship program in April of 2003, with the initial recipients named after the 2003-04 academic year. The WCHA Post-Graduate Scholarships are two grants of $10,000 each that are presented annually to a male and female student-athlete for post-graduate studies. Trepanier (St-Michel-de-Bellechasse, Quebec), a senior defenseman from Min-nesota Duluth, played in 142 career games for the Bulldogs, including 38 of 39 this past season. She is also an accomplished col-legiate softball player at UMD. Graduating with a Bachelor of Applied Science degree this spring, she is a Health Education major and Psychology minor and carries a 3.70 grade-point average (on a 4.0 scale). She has made the Dean’s List at UMD for academic excellence every eligible semester, is a three-time WCHA Scholar-Athlete award winner, and is a three-time member of the All-WCHA Academic Team. “I wish to pursue my graduate studies in Environmental Health and Safety at UMD,” said Trepanier. “This master program prepares graduate students to ensure the health and safety of workers and the preservation of our environment. “I selected this program because I believe that workplaces should not threaten the lives

umD’s myrIam trePanIer Is recIPIent of wcha Post-graDuate scholarshIP for 2009-�0

of workers and should not jeopardize the conservation of our environment. With new advances in alternate sources of energy and the multiple attempts at building a greener society, environmental health and safety professionals will play an important role in protecting the environment and workers. My research interests include ergonomics and risk management and I would love to complete an internship related to those topics.” On the ice, Trepanier has been a key con-tributor to the success of the UMD program for four seasons. While being a vital cog defensively over her school-record 142 career games, she helped lead the Bulldogs to the national championship in 2008, the WCHA regular season title in 2007-08, and the WCHA FINAL FACE-OFF crown in 2008. She has also been a part of four consecutive teams that have earned national tournament berths. “Myriam is an accomplished member of our hockey program,” said Bulldogs’ head coach Shannon Miller. “She led our defense in scoring her sophomore and junior seasons and has garnered 59 career points, the sixth most from a defenseman in Bulldog program history. She has earned NCAA Frozen Four and WCHA FINAL FACE-OFF all-tournament team honors and her success on the ice has equalled her success in the classroom. “In addition to being a phenomenal stu-dent-athlete, it is her character that separates her from other athletes. Her play and leader-ship have been instrumental in our success and she consistently demonstrates tremen-dous work-ethic, sacrifice and inspires her teammates to challenge themselves. Myriam has great perspective and truly understands the ‘big picture’. We can always count on her to say and do what is best for the team, even if the message is unpopular. Myriam embod-ies the talent, dedication and character of a student-athlete. She has impacted the UMD hockey program tremendously and the UMD and Duluth community respectively.” Trepanier was nominated for the WCHA Post-Graduate Scholarship by UMD Faculty Athletics Representative Allen Mensinger. According to Mensinger, “Myriam Trepa-nier is an outstanding scholar and athlete who will be matriculating in the University of Minnesota Duluth’s Master’s program in environmental health and safety in the fall of 2009. She is the consummate student-

athlete, excelling both in the classroom and on the field as a member of the UMD women’s hockey and softball teams. “Despite the time constraints of a Div. 1 hockey schedule, participating at the con-clusion of the hockey season with the UMD softball team and a demanding academic major, Myriam has also been able to give time to the community, serving at UMD as a Health Services intern, being actively involved in the campus’ alcohol awareness program, volunteering at a local hospital, and helping coach a local high school hockey team.

hIstory of the wcha Post-graDuate scholarshIPThe WCHA Post-Graduate Scholarship program was first announced in 2003 by P.J. Hill, then Chair of the Association and Faculty Representative from Alaska Anchorage and league Commissioner Bruce M. McLeod. In announcing the post-graduate scholar-ship program, Hill said, “This represents another posi-tive step forward for the Western Collegiate Hockey Association in the area and recognition of academic achievement. We are extremely proud of the excel-lent reputation our member institutions have in both athletics and academics, and this new post-graduate scholarship program will only enhance that.” The first two winners of the men’s and women’s WCHA’s Post-Graduate Scholarship in 2003-04 were Mike Colgan of Colorado College and Michelle McAteer of Minnesota Duluth. The 2004-05 recipients were Reid Goolsby of Colorado College and Emma Laaksonen of Ohio State, the 2005-06 recipients were Jake Brandt of North Dakota and Kelsey Bills of Minnesota, the 2006-07 recipients were Ted O’Leary of Denver and Meghan Mutrie of North Dakota, and the 2007-08 honorees were Nate Raduns and Denelle Maguet, both of St. Cloud State. Outline of theWCHA’s post-graduate schol-arship program: Criteria: 1. the nominee must graduate by the end of the academic year (or by the end of the summer) and must have earned at least a 3.0 grade-point average. 2. the nominee must have competed in the WCHA for at least three years. NominatingProcess: A student-athlete must be nominated by the Faculty Athletics Representative. Nominations are due April 15th. Selection Process: Scholarship recipients and alternates will be selected by a vote of an Association Committee composed of five Faculty Athletics Rep-resentatives. The Association selection committee(s) will review and make the final selections. The committee(s) may select one male and one female winner annually to receive the WCHA post-graduate scholarship, as well as an alternate for each scholar-ship. Selections will be made by the committee by May 15th. Process Following Nomination and Selection: Following notification, the award winners have until July 1 to accept, in writing, the scholarship. Announcements will be made at the kick-off event at the student-athlete recipient’s home venue, the following fall. The winners must enroll in graduate school within two years of graduation. Designated full-time enrollment (post-graduate degree hours) shall be required and verification from the program director must be presented to the Conference office before the award shall be presented. The scholarship money will be sent directly to the post-graduate institu-tion.

myrIam trePanIer

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beavers

2009-�0 scheDuleoctoberDt Game Time 2 @ Mercyhurst (nc) 7:00 pm ET 3 @ Mercyhurst (nc) 2:00 pm ET 10 WISCONSIN (WCHA) 7:07 pm CT @ Hodgins-Berardo Arena Coleraine, MN 11 WISCONSIN (WCHA) 4:07 pm CT 16 OHIO STATE (WCHA) 7:07 pm CT 17 OHIO STATE (WCHA) 2:07 pm CT 23 @ Northeastern (nc) 7:00 pm ET 24 @ Northeastern (nc) 3:00 pm ET 30 WAYNE STATE (nc) 7:07 pm CT 31 WAYNE STATE (nc) 2:07 pm CT

novemberDt Game Time 6 @ Minnesota State (WCHA) 7:07 pm CT 7 @ Minnesota State (WCHA) 3:07 pm CT 13 ST. CLOUD STATE (WCHA) 7:07 pm CT 14 ST. CLOUD STATE (WCHA) 2:07 pm CT 20 @ Minnesota (WCHA) 6:07 pm CT 21 @ Minnesota (WCHA) 4:07 pm CT

DecemberDt Game Time 5 @ North Dakota (WCHA) 7:07 pm CT 6 NORTH DAKOTA (WCHA) 7:07 pm CT 12 @ Minnesota Duluth (WCHA) 3:07 pm CT 13 @ Minnesota Duluth (WCHA) 3:07 pm CT

januaryDt Game Time 8 MINNESOTA STATE (WCHA) 7:07 pm CT 9 MINNESOTA STATE (WCHA) 3:07 pm CT 15 MINNESOTA (WCHA) 6:07 pm CT 16 MINNESOTA (WCHA) 4:07 pm CT 22 @ Ohio State (WCHA) 7:07 pm ET 23 @ Ohio State (WCHA) 2:07 pm ET 29 @ St. Cloud State (WCHA) 7:07 pm CT 30 @ St. Cloud State (WCHA) 2:07 pm CT

februaryDt Game Time 6 @ Wisconsin (WCHA) 2:07 pm CT Camp Randall Hockey Classic/ U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Game 7 @ Wisconsin (WCHA) 2:07 pm CT 12 NORTH DAKOTA (WCHA) 7:07 pm CT 13 @ North Dakota (WCHA) 7:07 pm CT 19 MINNESOTA DULUTH (WCHA) 2:07 pm CT 20 MINNESOTA DULUTH (WCHA) 2:07 pm CT

(x) exhibition; (nc) non-conference game;(WCHA) conference game

bemIDjI state unIversIty

The Bemidji State women’s hockey team is looking to keep improving on its successes coming off a

rebuilding season that saw the Beavers go 6-25-5 overall and 2-22-3 in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association in the 2008-09 season. After losing 14 returning players after the 2007-08 season, the young team was launched into a high level of competition most freshmen don’t get to see. The Beavers will return all but four play-ers return to the ice, including the top four scorers from the 08-09 season: forwards Erin Cody (12g, 16a), Erin Johnson (10g, 11a) and Annie Bauerfield (8g, 13a), and defenseman Montana Vichorek (3g, 10a). The four combined for 59% of the Beaver’s offensive output a year ago. The trio of Cody, Bauerfield, and John-son will be called upon to lead the BSU offense this year as the three provided for nearly half of the total offense last year. They also provided for the majority of the offense on special teams scoring a com-bined 11 out of a total 18 power-play goals and accounting for all the shorthanded goals. Their production on the power-play will be a key to the success for the Beavers this season. Seniors Franny Dorr and Nicole Rawl-ings, and sophomores Erin Babineau, Kaylee Keys and Lauren Williams, will complement Cody, Bauerfield, and John-son up front. Babineau and Keys played supporting roles as freshmen in 2008-09, tallying nine and six points respectively. Emily Erickson was a freshman on the team last year, but after playing five games she suffered a season-ending injury and took a medical redshirt. As a highly-re-cruited forwarded and a Minnesota Miss


senIor forwarD franny Door

Hockey finalist two years ago, she returns for another go at her freshman year. Incoming freshman MacKenzie Thur-ston comes to BSU as another highly-re-garded recruit. She was part of the Provin-cial Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) Silver Medalist team in the 2007-08 season. Playing at such a high level should make for a fairly easy transition to the WCHA. Jackie Robertson returns for her senior season as one of the team captains. Rob-ertson anchors the blue line this season as the oldest and most experienced member of the D-line. Also returning on defense are sophomores Marlee Wheelhouse and Brittany DeBoer. Marlee Wheelhouse comes back after posting eight points last season. Sophomore Montana Vichorek returns as the most effective offensive defense-men. Vichorek tallied 13 points, scoring three goals, two of which were on the power play. Her freshman campaign ranks sixth best in school history for points in a season by a defenseman. Those 13 points were also good enough to elevate her to ninth on the list for most points in a career by a defenseman. In addition, Vichorek was named WCHA Rookie Player of the Week for the week of Jan. 28 (2009). The team will also be returning sopho-more goaltender Zuzana Tomcikova, who garnered All-WCHA Second Team and All-WCHA Rookie Team honors last year after posting a .915 saves percentage while making a league-best 882 saves in conference play. Tomcikova rose to the occasion in her freshman year, replacing Emily Brookshaw, garnering the highest individual award in team history as she was named to the All-WCHA Second Team and All-WCHA Rookie Team. She was also

the first player ever named WCHA Defen-sive Player of the Week three consecutive times, winning for the weeks of Dec. 10, Dec. 17, and Jan. 7. Tomcikova will have to take a tempo-rary leave of absence when she is called up for the Olympic Games come this February. The Beavers won’t have to worry as they will have a solid goaltending corps as sophomores Alana McElhinney and Eri Kiribuchi return in net. McElhinney, who was the backup last year, saw action in seven games. Coach Sertich is hoping that McElhinney will be able to share time in net with Tomcikova to help build her experience. Kiribuchi has yet to see time in net for the Beavers, but brings with her solid high-level experience, as part of the Japanese women’s national team.

senIor Defenseman jackIe robertson

2 0 0 9 - 0 w c h a w o m e n ’ s y e a r b o o k wcha hockey · 2 0 0 9 - 0 w c h a w o m e n...

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