April 9, 2005
Recap | Box Score | Notes | Photo Gallery
Denver Lockerroom Quotes - Postgame
Luke Fulghum, senior left wing
On winning back-to-back Frozen Four titles
"This is such an unbelievable feeling. I can not put it into words on how special this moment feels right now. Our freshman stepped up tonight and really played well."
On scoring the first goal
"To score the first goal was huge. It really lifted our spirits to get that first goal. It helped set the tone for the rest of the game."
Kevin Ulanski, senior right wing
On the game
"I was kind of disappointed with my play last night so I really wanted to come out and play well."
On the play of goaltender Peter Mannino
"He really played like he had been here before. He showed great composure at the end of the season and proved he could play in the big game."
Gabe Gauthier, junior center
On the winning the NCAA title for the second straight season
"It was definitely harder to win it all this season because everybody knew what we could do. To win the title again this season is better than winning it last year because this time around it was a lot tougher. Last season, we snuck up on some people, but this season we had to prove that we could win with everybody gunning for us and I think this team really came together this season."
On the talent level of the team next year
"We have a great returning squad for next year, but we are not thinking about that right now. Right now we just want to soak up this moment."
North Dakota Lockerroom Quotes - Postgame
Matt Smaby, sophomore defender
On the loss
"Words can't do justice right now. We've had such a great run over the last couple months. We came together as a team but it's really hard right now because we all came here to win. But, someone has to win and someone has to lose. We really wanted it but it didn't go our way tonight."
On Denver's play
"They played very well defensively and really cleared the puck well. They played hard and bounces went their way. That's just the way it goes sometimes. They were solid as a team all the way around."
Chris Porter, sophomore forward
On the late season success
"It just shows what kind of team we are. We stuck together when no one gave us a chance to do anything. We knew we could win but Denver was great tonight. We couldn't get the bounces tonight like we've been getting lately. But, I'm so proud of these guys and what we've accomplished."
On next year
"Denver knocked us out last year as well so hopefully this will drive us in the summer to work that much harder so we can make another run next season. I feel terrible for the seniors right now. We all wanted them to go out as winners. Right now we just need to take a couple days to step back and relax and realize what we've accomplished as a team. Over the summer we need to work hard and get ready for next year."
On the trip to the Frozen Four
"We had a very young team this year so it was good to get a taste of what it is like at this level. It leaves a sour taste in our mouths though. Nobody thought we would go this far and we had a great season. We came together so well as a team even with injuries and other things throughout the year. We had a great time here but obviously we wanted to win."
