Washington, D.C. – In a letter to President Barack Obama, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken and Representatives Tim Walz, John Kline, Erik Paulsen, Betty McCollum, Keith Ellison, Michele Bachmann, Collin Peterson and Rick Nolan urged the President to invite the University of Minnesota Women’s Hockey team to the White House in honor of their perfect season. Klobuchar and Franken also introduced a Senate resolution commending the Gophers for their hard and work and dedication in winning an unprecedented 49 straight games and second consecutive NCAA Women’s Ice Hockey Championship.

“The University of Minnesota women’s hockey team surpassed all expectations, capturing their second consecutive championship title and shattering previous records as the first team in NCAA women’s hockey to finish with a perfect record,” the delegation said. “This would be a fitting event to conclude an outstanding season by the student athletes and the team’s coaches and staff.”

The full text of the letter is below:

 

The Honorable Barack Obama

President of the United States of America

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Washington, DC 20500

 

Dear Mr. President:

Last month, the University of Minnesota women’s hockey team surpassed all expectations and captured their second consecutive National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) championship title. They also shattered previous records as the first team in the 13-year history of NCAA women’s hockey to finish the season with a perfect record – a feat that no other male or female Division I hockey team has done since 1970.

The Golden Gophers’ record-breaking achievement was honored statewide when Monday, April 15, 2013 was proclaimed "Gopher Women's Hockey National Championship Day" throughout Minnesota. We hope that you continue the celebration of their national championship title by inviting them to a reception at the White House. This would be a fitting event to conclude an outstanding season by the student athletes and the team’s coaches and staff.

Thank you for your consideration and for your dedication to recognizing the achievements of our nation’s collegiate athletic teams.

Sincerely,


###