UMD News Releases

UMD and the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center (DECC) will host the NCAA Women's Hockey Frozen Four Tournament (national semifinals and finals) for the second time at the DECC in 2008.

The announcement was made December 12, 2005 by the NCAA committee.

Duluth was the site of the 2003 Frozen Four where a record crowd of 5,167 fans saw UMD defeat Harvard 4-3 in overtime. This was an all-time record attendance for a women's hockey final.

The UMD Women's Hockey Team won three consecutive titles from 2001 to 2003.

UMD Athletic Director Bob Nielson said, "This is indeed a great thing for UMD and for the community. NCAA events bring many visitors to the area and national exposure to UMD. It provides great name recognition not just for women's hockey, but for all UMD athletic programs."

Dan Russell, Executive Director of the DECC, said that the success and goodwill of the 2003 tournament played a large role in bringing the championship tournament back to Duluth. "I think in the 40 year history of the DECC, the 2003 Frozen Four was one of the most exciting events ever."