Pairings Set For 2004 Midwest Hockey Regional

Van Andel Arena and WMU are co-hosting an NCAA Regional for the third time. West Regionals held in 1997 and 2001 drew record crowds. The Midwest Regional returns to Grand Rapids next year and in 2007.

KALAMAZOO ¯ The National Collegiate Athletic Association announced today its 16-team field for the 2004 NCAA Division I Men's Ice Hockey Championship, including those teams which will compete in the Midwest Regional at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids (March 27-28). Western Michigan University is the host insitutution.

Action at Van Andel Arena begins Saturday at 12:00 p.m. when two-time NCAA defending champion Minnesota (26-13-3), coming off the Western Collegiate Hockey Association Tournament title, encounters Notre Dame (20-14-4) of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association. The Irish advanced to the CCHA Quarterfinals after finishing fifth in the CCHA regular season standings.

Saturday's other semifinal (3:30 p.m. faceoff) pairs Minnesota-Duluth (26-12-4), which finished second in the WCHA regular season race, against Michigan State (23-16-2), which reached the CCHA Quarterfinals after placing third in the league standings.

The regional final is slated for 1:00 p.m. Sunday with the winner advancing to the NCAA Frozen Four at Boston's FleetCenter (April 8-10).

NCAA Midwest Regional

Saturday, March 27 -- #1 Minnesota vs. #4 Notre Dame *12:00 p.m. -- #2 Minnesota-Duluth vs. #3 Michigan State *3:30 p.m.

Sunday, March 28 -- Championship *1:00 p.m.

All-session ticket packages are now on sale for $60 and can be purchased through TicketMaster at [phone] or by stopping by the Van Andel Arena Box Office.