WCHA.com - WCHA Final Face-Off

2013 WCHA FINAL FACE-OFF
Ridder Arena, Minneapolis, MN

Championship Dates

Friday, March 8 and Saturday, March 9

Championship Schedule

Friday, March 8:
Semifinal #1, 4:07 pm CT (UND vs. UW)
Semifinal #2, 7:07 pm CT (OSU vs. UM)

Saturday, March 9: Championship Game, 7:07 pm CT

All three tournament games will be broadcast (video and audio) by Minnesota Sports Broadcast Network

Ticket Information

All Session Ticket Prices:
Reserved Seat - $20
General Admission - $18
Seniors/Youth (18 and under) - $15

Tickets may be purchased online at www.mygophersports.com or through the Golden Gopher Ticket Office at 612-624-8080 or 1-800-UGOPHER.

WCHA First Round Playoffs

The first round of the WCHA Playoffs, a best-of-three series at campus sites of the top four seeds, will be held the weekend of Friday, March 1, Saturday, March 2 and Sunday, March 3 (if necessary).

The winners of those first-round playoff series advance to the 2013 WCHA FINAL FACE-OFF at Ridder Arena in Minneapolis March 8-9.

Ridder Arena Facts

Location: 1901 4th St. Southeast, Minneapolis, MN 55455
Capacity: 3,400
Built: 2002

Ridder Arena History

Home of the 2010 NCAA Women's Frozen Four
First and only women's collegiate hockey program to play in a facility dedicated solely to women's ice hockey
Houses 11 locker rooms, a training room and full weightroom
Ice sheet size is 200' x 85'
Built adjacent to 10,000-seat Mariucci Arena and is connected via underground tunnels
Practice site for several visiting NHL teams, men's college programs and the IIHF Under-18 Worlds pre-tournament camp
Hosted the Minnesota Girls State Hockey Tournament
First game on October 19, 2002 drew 3,239 fans
Set an attendance record of 3,251 on January 6, 2007
Hosted five WCHA conference championships (2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2009)

Directions to Ridder Arena

Ridder Arena is located next to Mariucci Arena on Fourth Street SE.

From I-35W (Northbound): Take the University Avenue/4th Street SE exit and turn a right on University Avenue. Follow that until Oak Street SE. Turn left on Oak Street. Oak Street will curve to the left. Continue straight and stay on 4th Street SE. Ridder Arena will be on your right following Mariucci.

From I-35W (Southbound): Take the University Avenue/4th Street SE exit. Go past 4th Street and turn left on University Avenue. Follow that until Oak Street SE. Turn left on Oak Street. Oak Street will curve to the left. Continue straight and stay on 4th Street SE. Ridder Arena will be on your right following Mariucci.

From I-94 (Eastbound and Westbound): Take the Huron Boulevard exit. Follow Huron until you reach University Avenue SE. Turn left. Take a slight right at Oak Street SE and continue straight to stay on 4th Street SE. Ridder Arena will be on your right following Mariucci.

From Highway 280 (Northbound): Exit at University Avenue SE. Turn left (west) and follow University Avenue to campus. Take a slight right at Oak Street SE and continue straight to stay on 4th Street SE. Ridder Arena will be on your right following Mariucci.

From Highway 280 (Southbound): Exit at University Avenue SE. Turn right (west) and follow University Avenue to campus. Take a slight right at Oak Street SE and continue straight to stay on 4th Street SE. Ridder Arena will be on your right following Mariucci.

From Mpls/St. Paul International Airport: Take I-494 Westbound and exit onto I-35W Northbound. Follow I-35W (Northbound) directions (above).

Local Area Hotels

The Commons Hotel Minneapolis
615 Washington Ave. SE - Directions
Minneapolis, MN 55414
Contact: Jason Sitte - 612-362-6634
Hotel Phone: 612-379-8888
Fax Number: 612-379-8682
Email Address: jsitte@commonshotel.com
Website: http://www.commonshotel.com

Newly opened and renovated full-service hotel in 2012
Located on the East Bank campus: footsteps from the U of M Aquatic Center, Mariucci Arena, Williams Arena and TCF Bank Stadium
Enjoy the Gastropub themed restaurant and lounge-Beacon Public House with 10 large screen televisions to enjoy the games
Complimentary wireless in guestrooms and public spaces
20,00 square feet of meeting and event space
304 guestrooms and suites
Valet Parking available
All-new fitness facility

Aloft Minneapolis Hotel
900 Washington Avenue South - Directions
Minneapolis, MN 55415
Contact: Jenai Sele - 612-455-8403
Hotel Phone: 612-455-8400
Fax Number: 612-455-8410
Email Address: jenai.sele@aloftminneapolis.com
Website: http://www.alofthotels.com/minneapolis

Located 1/2 mile from U of M East Bank Campus, our aloft a-go-go Shuttle offers transportation to the entire University campus and within a 5 mile radius from Downtown at no charge
Complimentary access to re:charge (fitness center) & splash (pool & Jacuzzi spa)
Complimentary HSIA and Wi-Fi Internet access throughout Hotel
PumpOne fitness partnership for free iPod workouts
Complimentary bottled water, in-room guest safes & iron/ironing board in guestrooms
24/hour gourmet "Grab & Go" gourmet bistro fare available for purchase in re:fuel
Plug & Play Jack Pack in each room for easy laptop, iPod & multiple a/v component connections
Come mix & mingle with us with a special $99 Rate (or $109 to include breakfast)!

The Depot Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel
225 3rd Avenue South - Directions
Minneapolis, MN 55401
Phone Number: 612-375-1700
Fax Number: 612-375-1300
Contact: Kory Kingsbury – 612-758-7873
KKingsbury@TheDepotMinneapolis.com
Sales@TheDepotMinneapolis.com
http://www.thedepotminneapolis.com/

Full-service, award-winning Marriott Hotel featuring Charley's Grill, Stone Arch Bar, and beautiful patio area
LCD flat-panel HDTVs, plug-in technology panels, luxurious bedding, and Aveda amenities in all standard guest rooms
Over 60,000 square feet with 15 different options for on-site meeting and event space with catering services
Situated in the Mississippi Riverfront District and surrounded by restaurants, bars, entertainment, attractions, and shopping
Minutes from TCF Bank Stadium, Williams Arena, Mariucci Arena, U of M Aquatic Center, Target Field, and Metrodome
Features an indoor waterpark, seasonal indoor ice skating rink, and heated underground parking garage
Located three blocks from the Hiawatha Light Rail and near other public transportation options
Complimentary fitness and business centers for all guests

Hotel Minneapolis Metrodome
1500 Washington Avenue South - Directions
Minneapolis, MN 55454
Hotel Phone: 612-333-4646
Toll Free: 800-448-3663
Fax Number: 612-333-7910
E-mail: info@hotelmetrodome.com
Website: hotelminneapolismetrodome.com
Twitter: @HotelMetrodome

One block from the West Bank campus
Complimentary shuttle service to all East and West Bank buildings including TCF Bank Stadium, Williams Arena, Mariucci Arena, U of M Aquatic Center and McNamara Alumni Center
Full-service restaurant open for breakfast and dinner; room service and lobby lounge
265 guest rooms and suites; all non-smoking
37" HD televisions with USB ports in all guest rooms
Complimentary wireless internet in guest rooms and public spaces
7,250 square feet of meeting and banquet space
Views of the Minneapolis skyline and Mississippi River
Mention the University of Minnesota rate for special pricing (based on availability)

Ramada Plaza Minneapolis
1330 Industrial Boulevard NE - Directions
Minneapolis, MN 55413
Phone: 612-331-1900 or Toll Free: 877-774-4315
http://www.ramadaplazampls.com

Renovation completed Spring 2010: All 252 guest rooms, restaurant and lobby
Located just 3 1/2 miles from campus, with complimentary shuttle service available
FREE parking for all; plenty of space for motor coaches
Scalzo's Italian Grille and Lounge with daily happy hour specials and five flat-screen TVs to keep up on all the games
Free Wi-Fi throughout hotel
Indoor pool and fitness center
Call and ask for the Gopher Fan Rate starting at $89 (based on availability)

Roseville Visitors Association
2100 North Snelling Avenue, Suite 59
Roseville, Minn. 55113
Phone Number: 651-633-3002
Fax Number: 651-636-0475
Website: http://www.visitroseville.com/

Just five minutes north of the University of Minnesota
Closest hotels to Gopher Football Park and Ride at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds
Nine hotels with free on-site parking
Lower Hotel Lodging Tax Rate
Home of Rosedale Center and the Plaza
100 Restaurants
Complimentary Travel Planning services
FREE Roseville Visitors Guide, with over 80 coupons on area hotels, attractions and restaurants

WCHA Women's Playoff Championship History

2000 WCHA Playoff Championship @ Bloomington Ice Gardens, Bloomington, MN
March 2: MSU 0 vs UM 10; BSU 2 vs UW 9; OSU 3 vs SCSU 2. March 3: UW 0 vs UM 5; OSU 1 vs UMD 7. March 4: UW 2 vs OSU 4 (3rd place); UM 0 vs UMD 2 (championship). All-Tournament Team: F-Tracy Engstrom, UM; F-Lindsey Ogren, OSU; F-Jenny Schmidgall, UMD; D-Winny Brodt, UM; D-Brittny Ralph, UMD; G-Erica Killewald, UM. MOP: Tuula Puputti, G, UMD.

2001 WCHA Playoff Championship @ Rochester Recreation Center, Rochester, MN
March 8: MSU 1 vs UMD 10; BSU 2 vs UW 5; OSU 5 vs SCSU 0. March 9: UW 5 vs UMD 6 ot; OSU 4 vs UM 0. March 10: UW 4 vs UM 3 (3rd place); OSU 0 vs UMD 3 (championship). All-Tournament Team: F-Meghan Hunter, UW; F-Corinne Rosen, OSU; F-Erika Holst, UMD; D-Navada Russell, UMD; D-Sis Paulsen, UW; G-April Stojak, OSU. MOP: Maria Rooth, F, UMD.

2002 WCHA Playoff Championship @ Fogerty Arena, Blaine, MN
March 7: BSU 3 vs OSU 5. March 8: UMD 1 vs UW 4; OSU 1 vs UM 4. March 9: OSU 2 vs UMD 6 (3rd place); UW 2 vs UM 3 (championship). All-Tournament Team: F-Kelly Stephens, UM; F-La Toya Clarke, UM; F-Hanne Sikio, UMD; D-Carla MacLeod, UW; D-Kerry Weiland, UW; G-Jody Horak, UM. MOP: Ronda Curtin, D, UM.

2003 WCHA Playoff Championship @ Ralph Engelstad Arena, Grand Forks, ND
March 6: BSU 3 vs OSU 4 ot. March 7: UW 1 vs UM 3; OSU 1 vs UMD 6. March 8: OSU 1 vs UW 4 (3rd place); UM 3 vs UMD 5 (championship). All-Tournament Team: F-Erika Holst, UMD; F-La Toya Clarke, UM; F-Jeni Creary, OSU; D-Winny Brodt, UM; D-Sis Paulsen, UW; G-Patricia Sautter, UMD. MOP: Caroline Ouellette, F, UMD.

2004 WCHA Playoff Championship @ Ridder Arena, Minneapolis, MN
March 12: (5) MSU 1 vs (4) OSU 3. March 13: (3) UMD 3 vs (2) UW 1; (4) OSU 1 vs (1) UM 5. March 14: OSU 4 vs UW 5 (3rd place); UMD 2 vs UM 4 (championship). All-Tournament Team: F-Natalie Darwitz, UM; F-Jenny Potter, UMD; F-Kelly Stephens, UM; D-Molly Engstrom, UW; D-Krista McArthur, UMD; G-Jody Horak, UM. MOP: Krissy Wendell, F, UM.

2005 WCHA Playoff Championship @ Ridder Arena, Minneapolis, MN
March 3: (7) UND 2 vs (2) UMD 3; (8) BSU 3 vs (1) UM 6. March 4: (6) SCSU 1 vs (3) UW 3; (5) MSU 1 vs (4) OSU 4. March 5: UW 3 vs UMD 2; OSU 1 vs UM 7. March 6: OSU 0 vs UMD 5 (3rd place); UW 2 vs UM 3 ot (championship). All-Tournament Team: F-Natalie Darwitz, UM; F-Krissy Wendell, UM; F-Sharon Cole, UW; D-Lyndsay Wall, UM; D-Carla MacLeod, UW; G-Jody Horak, UM. MOP: Natalie Darwitz, F, UM.

2006 WCHA Playoff Championship @ Ridder Arena, Minneapolis, MN
March 11: (4) SCSU 0 vs (1) UW 9; (3) UMD 1 vs (2) UM 2. March 12: (2) UM 1 vs (1) UW 4 (championship). All-Tournament Team: F-Cyndy Kenyon, UM; F-Gigi Marvin, UM; D-Bobbi-Jo Slusar, UW; D-Allie Sanchez, UM; D-Emily Morris, UW; G-Meghan Horras, UW. MOP: Sara Bauer, F, UW.

2007 WCHA Playoff Championship @ Ridder Arena, Minneapolis, MN
March 3: (4) OSU 0 vs (1) UW 4; (3) UM 3 vs (2) UMD 2 ot. March 4: UM 1 vs UW 3 (championship). All-Tournament Team: F-Bobbi Ross, UM; F-Gigi Marvin, UM; F-Jinelle Zaugg, UW; D-Tessa Bonhomme, OSU; D-Meaghan Mikkelson, UW; G-Jessie Vetter, UW. MOP: Sara Bauer, F, UW.

2008 WCHA FINAL FACE-OFF at Duluth Entertainment & Convention Center, Duluth, MN
March 8: (4) SCSU 0 vs (1) UMD 9; (3) UW 4 vs (2) UM 3. March 9: UM 4 vs UMD 5 ot (championship). All-Tournament Team: F-Gigi Marvin, UM; F-Jinelle Zaugg, UW; F-Haley Irwin, UMD; D-Jocelyne Larocque, UMD; D-Myriam Trepanier, UMD; G-Kim Martin, UMD. MOP: Elin Holmlov, F, UMD.

2009 WCHA FINAL FACE-OFF at Ridder Arena, Minneapolis, MN
March 7: (4) MSU 2 vs (1) UM 7; (3) UMD 1 vs (2) UW 3. March 8: UW 5 vs UM 3 (championship). All-Tournament Team: F-Hilary Knight, UW; F-Jasmine Giles, UW; F-Monique Lamoureux, UM; D-Alycia Matthews, UW; D-Melanie Gagnon, UM; G-Jessie Vetter, G, UW. MOP: Jessie Vetter, G, UW.

2010 WCHA FINAL FACE-OFF @ Ridder Arena, Minneapolis, MN
March 6: (4) BSU 3 vs (1) UMD 7; (3) OSU 4 vs (2) UM 5 (2 ot). March 7: UM 2 vs UMD 3 (championship). All-Tournament Team: F-Emmanuelle Blais, UMD; F-Laura Fridfinnson, UMD; F-Sarah Erickson, UM; D-Anne Schleper, UM; D-Jaime Rasmussen, UMD; G-Jennifer Harss, UMD. MOP: Emmanuelle Blais, F, UMD.

2011 WCHA FINAL FACE-OFF @ Ridder Arena, Minneapolis, MN
March 4: (4) UND 0 vs (1) UW 3; (3) UM 4 vs (2) UMD 2. March 5: UM 4 vs UW 5 ot (championship). All-Tournament Team: F-Amanda Kessel, UM; F-Kelly Nash, UW; F-Meghan Duggan, UW; D-Geena Prough, UW; D-Megan Bozek, UM; G-Noora Räty, UM. MOP: Brianna Decker, F, UW.

2012 WCHA FINAL FACE-OFF @ AMSOIL Arena, Duluth, MN
March 2: (4) UMD 3 vs (1) UW 1; (3) UND 4 vs (2) UM 6. March 3: UMD 0 vs UM 2 (championship). All-Tournament Team: F- Sarah Davis, F, UM; F - Haley Irwin, UMD; F - Emily West, UM; D - Anne Schleper, UM; D - Bridgette Lacquette, UMD; G-Noora Räty, UM. MOP: Noora Räty, G, UM.