Earlier this week, U.S. Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) and Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton congratulated the University of Minnesota Golden Gopher women’s hockey team on winning its third NCAA Championship in team history, and first since 2005. On Sunday, the team beat defending champion and top-ranked University of Wisconsin Badgers 4-2.

“Minnesota is the state of hockey, and I’m very pleased that the trophy is coming back home,” Sen. Franken said. “Most of all, I’m proud of the dedication and effort put forth by these tremendous student athletes. As a Gopher fan, I congratulate the players, coaches, and the school on a much-deserved and well-earned victory.”

Sen. Franken also congratulated goaltender Noora Raty, who was named Most Outstanding Player in the 2012 Frozen Four.

Gov. Mark Dayton proclaimed March 20, 2012, to be Gopher Women’s Hockey National Champions Day.

Dayton’s proclamation, which was sent out Monday, reads: “Led by Coach Brad Frost, the Gopher Women demonstrated extraordinary determination, skill, and perseverance on their way to the school’s third National Championship in Women’s Hockey and its first since 2005, serving as a source of great pride for all people in the State of Minnesota.”

A four-story addition to St. Cloud State’s National Hockey Center will increase by one-third the size of the 23-year-old facility, paving the way in late 2012 for its expanded use as a regional events center.

The $14.7 million construction project beginning this spring will be substantially complete this fall and is the first of more than $30 million in planned enhancements. 50,000 square-feet will be added to the south side of the building and 20,000 square-feet of existing space will be remodeled, according to Steve Ludwig, vice president of administrative affairs. Future work will complete the renovation of team locker rooms and training space, expand suites on the north side, add fan amenities, and further improve the technical and acoustic capabilities of the arena.