RMU to Host Frozen Four
Tuesday, February 05, 2013
Robert Morris Hosts the NCAA Men's Frozen Four
Championship hockey returned to Pittsburgh in April. And we're not talking about the Penguins.
This April 11 and 13, the 2013 NCAA Men's Frozen Four took place at the CONSOL Energy Center, and Robert Morris University, working with VisitPittsburgh and the Pittsburgh Penguins, served as host of the event.
The NCAA Division I Men's Ice Hockey Committee chose the city of Pittsburgh as the site of this marquee event back in 2010. This was largely thanks to the efforts of RMU Director of Athletics Craig Coleman and Marty Galosi, RMU's senior associate athletic director and chairman of the city's organizing committee, who worked with the Consol Energy Center, and VisitPittsburgh to woo the NCAA men's hockey finals here.
"We have a very strong partnership with the CONSOL Energy Center and VisitPittsburgh" said Coleman, "and I believe the NCAA recognized the strength of that partnership in considering our bid."
Organizers anticipated an estimated economic impact to the region of $12 million, according to Galosi.
On Thursday and Saturday leading up to the games, on the site of the old Mellon Arena, fans took part in Frozen Fest, a free, family-friendly outdoor celebration of college hockey, which featured live entertainment and activities for all ages.
"Frozen Fest is definitely the place to be leading up to faceoff," says Sean Ward, NCAA coordinator of championship marketing. "Fans can check out interactive games and activities, purchase official NCAA Men’s Frozen Four merchandise, and take home some great giveaways, too. There's really something for everyone, and it's a great way to experience and be a part of the Frozen Four atmosphere."
RMU's involvement with the Frozen Four brings further attention to the Colonials men's and women's hockey programs, which have seen much success in recent years, not to mention having one of its star players, former goalie Brianne McLaughlin '10, bring home the silver medal for Team USA in 2010.
The Colonials men's team has played showcase games against marquee opponents each winter on the Penguins NHL home ice, most memorably upsetting No. 1 Miami in 2010. This past December the Colonials triumphed in a four-team tournament against Miami, Ohio State, and the brand new Penn State squad in the inaugural Three Rivers Classic.
"We are absolutely thrilled to have been chosen to host the 2013 Frozen Four at the CONSOL Energy Center," said RMU head men's ice hockey coach Derek Schooley. "The Frozen Four was a major showcase for the city of Pittsburgh as well as our emerging hockey program."