Four things about the 2001 Frozen Four which I may always remember:
1) as always the Hockey-L dinner was the highlight. At this time of year,
acquaintances become friends (Moeller, Shub, Biever, Krebs are always good for
a laugh or two and interesting conversation). But this dinner was exceptional
for the open, isolated, upstairs room that fit everyone comfortably (way to go
Brian). Plus the eggplant was the best I've had. And thanks to the gentleman
from Wisconsin with the neighbor who plays soccer for pouring the beer for everyone!
2) the city of Albany tried their hardest to make downtown an inviting and
entertaining place. I WAS THERE FRIDAY for the post Hobey Baker-Humanitarian
Award parade through downtown in the pouring rain. Ryan Miller and Jason Cupp
were there along with one Zamboni, two clowns, four horse mounted police, two
high school bands, and 50 parents. The weather kept people away, but at least
Albany tried, and tried hard.
3) the games were great, but it is amazing how sometimes you just don't have
your A-game when you most desperately need it. Michigan State didn't have it
against North Dakota, and North Dakota didn't have it against Boston College.
The nice thing was, the best team in each game did win. I would have been
disappointed if the Eagles would have lost a game they so thoroughly dominated.
4) the Hitler like authoritarianism of the NCAA. During the Championship game
a black curtain sagged on the scoreboard which is suspended over center ice.
The sagging curtain exposed the words "Molson" to the north side of the
stadium. The NCAA's response was to risk the life of arena employees and delay
of the game so that someone could scale down onto the scoreboard and restore
the NCAA's nonexistent dignity by covering the offending sign.

Nathan Hampton