Sizing Up the Fighting Sioux

Last, but certainly the most important, on our tour of Frozen Four teams is BC’s opponent for Thursday’s national semifinal, the North Dakota Fighting Sioux.


Team: University of North Dakota
Location: Grand Forks, North Dakota
Nickname: Fighting Sioux, used to be named after a squirrel (more rodentia)
Fact: The "Fighting" in the team's "Fighting Sioux" nickname was inspired by fellow Frozen Four team Notre Dame
Colors: Green, white and black

Record: 28-10-4
Conference: Western Collegiate Hockey Association
USCHO.com Ranking: #3, BC #7
PairWise Ranking: #3, BC #6t

Road to Frozen Four: Defeated Princeton 5-1, survived Wisconsin in Madison 3-2 OT, lost to Denver 3-1 in the WCHA semifinal. Finished second behind Colorado College in WCHA regular season. #1 seed in Midwest regional (#3 overall).

National Championships: 7 – '59, '63, '80, '82, '87, '97 and 2000
Tournament Appearances: 23 (18th Frozen Four)
Hobey Baker winners: 2, Tony Hrkac (1987) and Ryan Duncan (2007)

This Year vs. the Eagles

This game is a bit of unfinished business for both teams. The teams skated to a 0-0 tie after two periods at Conte Forum in October. The game was shortened due to fog coming off the Kelley Rink ice in a humid Conte Forum.

History vs. the Eagles

Unbelievably, Thursday’s game marks the 7th time out of the last 10 years that the Eagles and Sioux have faced one another in the National tournament. The teams traded national titles in 2000 and 2001. BC has won the last two meetings, both in the national semifinal. This is North Dakota’s fourth consecutive Frozen Four appearance (longest current active streak). The last team to make four consecutive trips to the Frozen Four? BC from 1998-2001.