UND’s dual role at the Frozen Four

For first time in its history, UND will host college hockey’s biggest tournament: the NCAA Frozen Four

As UND’s hockey entourage rolls into Las Vegas this week in advance of the NCAA Frozen Four, some key administrators will be focusing not only on the Fighting Hawks players, but also on the comfort of and welcomes provided for the opposing teams.

That’s because despite the tournament taking place more than 1,500 miles away from Grand Forks, this year the University is also serving as the championship’s host school – and for the very first time.

“Hosting the Frozen Four is an extraordinary honor for our institution, and a reflection of what hockey means to the University of North Dakota and the state of North Dakota,” said Bill Chaves, UND’s Director of Athletics. “It’s also a powerful tribute to the legacy of the Engelstad family, whose vision and generosity helped build not just a world-class facility, but a championship culture.

“Their impact continues to elevate our program and create moments like this that bring people together on a national stage.”

Process started seven years ago

UND was awarded hosting duties in October of 2020, the culmination of a bidding process that started a full seven years ago, said Erik Martinson, deputy director of Athletics and chief operating officer.

Bids are awarded by the NCAA Hockey Oversight Committee, an organization represented by one school from each conference comprising NCAA hockey. Martinson said UND’s strong relationship with college hockey’s governing body played a role in securing hosting rights – evidenced by the University hosting seven NCAA regional championships over the past 11 years.

“I’ve gotten to know the NCAA championships staff, and even the hockey oversight committee,” Martinson said. “I feel like they’re comfortable with how we run tournaments and events.”

In hosting the event, UND will be assisted by the NCAA, along with local partners Las Vegas Events, T-Mobile Arena MGM Events. Martinson praised the support of these partners, calling them indispensable to hosting the event successfully.

“They have been great partners,” he said. “It’s a fun and awesome process that we wouldn’t be able to do without them.”

As host institution, Martinson said UND is responsible for “all the planning from team arrivals until departures, and everything in between.” This includes securing hotel accommodations for participating teams and staff and executing the event’s budget according to NCAA specifications.

“It’s not just the three hockey games – it’s all the ancillary events,” he said. “We want people to have a great experience, not only from a student-athlete perspective, but also from a fan standpoint to really showcase college hockey. While in and around Las Vegas, we want them to know the Frozen Four is going on.”

Some of these events include a UND pregame party on Thursday and Frozen Fest – a free event taking place each day of the Frozen Four. Located at Toshiba Plaza, directly in front of T-Mobile Arena’s east entrance, the event provides fans with an opportunity to welcome each of the four teams as they enter the arena and hear performances from the participating schools’ marching bands.

Host role builds contacts, provides exposure

In addition to providing UND with national – and likely international – exposure, Martinson said hosting allows him to solidify existing relationships with NCAA partners.

“There are definite reasons why we do it,” he said. “It’s a lot about relationship management – having great relationships with people across the country. I’ve made lifelong friends and great teammates that I’ve learned from. I think it’s great for the university from an exposure standpoint.”

Although Martinson stressed that UND’s performance on the ice is entirely independent from its hosting duties, hosting does help the team to plan and prepare for the often hectic environment of the Frozen Four.

“I think it’s great for the university from an exposure standpoint,” he added. “As a host institution, there’s no competitive advantage per se, but there is an advantage from a knowledge perspective – being able to help your team navigate the chaos that comes with making and participating in the Frozen Four.”