Minnesota Wins 2004 NCAA Women's Frozen Four Title
March 29, 2004
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Madison, Wis. -- The Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) kept its streak alive as Minnesota captured the 2004 NCAA Women's Frozen Four championship Sunday in Providence, R.I. The Western Collegiate Hockey Association has now won the national championship five consecutive seasons. Minnesota Duluth won the NCAA championship in 2001, 2002 and 2003. Minnesota also captured the 2000 American Women's College Hockey Alliance (AWCHA) national championship.
The Golden Gophers skated past Harvard, 6-2, en route to the title. Natalie Darwitz led the way with three goals and an assist while Krissy Wendell scored a goal and three assists and Kelly Stephens added a goal and two helpers. Jody Horak made 32 saves in the victory. Tied at 2-2 after two periods, Minnesota scored four times in the final stanza to secure the win.
Minnesota led the way as Natalie Darwitz, Kelly Stephens, Allie Sanchez, Jody Horak and Krissy Wendell were named to the 2004 Women's Frozen Four All-Tournament Team. Harvard's Angela Ruggiero was also selected. Wendell was named the 2004 tournament's Most Outstanding Player as she tallied eight points in the two games.
Minnesota also broke several NCAA records, three of which involved Wendell. She broke the record for points in the Frozen Four (8) and points in a game (4, March 26 and 28). Wendell and Darwitz each recorded hat tricks, just the second and third players to do so in NCAA history. Darwitz and Stephens also set a record for the fastest consecutive goals coming 32 seconds apart the third period of the championship game. Darwitz's goal just nine seconds into the third period also set the NCAA tournament record for fastest goal to start a period.
Minnesota defeated Dartmouth 5-1 in the semifinals.
2004 NCAA Women's Frozen Four All-Tournament Team
Natalie Darwitz, F, So., Minnesota
Kelly Stephens, F, Jr., Minnesota
Krissy Wendell, F, So., Minnesota
Allie Sanchez, D, So., Minnesota
Angela Ruggiero, D, Sr., Harvard
Jody Horak, G, Jr., Minnesota
Most Outstanding Player - Krissy Wendell, Minnesota
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