media information - western collegiate hockey association

Media Information2012 Red Baron™ WCHA Final Five

March 15-17 • Xcel Energy Center • Saint Paul, MN

Key Tournament ContactsCarol LaBelle-Ehrhardt, WCHA Assistant Commissioner & Tournament Director

office: 303 871-4491. fax: 303 871-4770. email: [email protected] Spencer, WCHA Associate Commissioner for Public Relations

office: 608 829-0100 • fax: 608 829-0200 • email: [email protected] Hanson, Minnesota Wild • Administrative Assistant, Communications & Broadcasting

office: 651 602-5729 • fax: 651 293-9574 • email: [email protected] Bart, Public & Media Relations, Xcel Energy Center

office: 651 312-3498 • fax: 651 726-8270 • email: [email protected] Contact

Maggie Kukar, Broadcast Manager, Minnesota Wildoffice: 651 602-5720 • e: [email protected]

Media Information • 2012 Red Baron™ WCHA Final Five

Contents I. 2012 Red Baron™ WCHA Final Five Dates and Game Times II. Determination of WCHA Playoff Champion III. Awarding of Broadmoor Trophy and Final Five All-Tournament Team IV. Media Entrance to Xcel Energy Center V. Working Media Credentials VI. Credential Pick-Up VII. Parking VIII. Directions to Press Box from Media Entrance IX. Directions to Press Dining Room, Workroom and Press Conference Room from Media Entrance X. Press Dining XI. Press Work Room XII. Locker Rooms XIII. Press Box Information XIV. Game-Day Staff XV. Tournament/Game Information/Statistics XVI. Photographers XVII. Phone Lines/Telephone-Internet Service XIX. Data Ports XX. Restrooms XXI. Television Coverage • 2012 Red Baron™ WCHA Final Five XXII. Live Internet Audio Coverage • 2012 Red Baron™ WCHA Final Five XXIII. Radio Broadcasts & Rights Fees • 2012 Red Baron™ WCHA Final Five XXIV. 2012 Red Baron™ WCHA Final Five Team Practices • Xcel Energy Center XXV. WCHA Overtime Procedures – 2012 Red Baron™ WCHA Final Five XXVI. Timeouts • 2012 Red Baron™ WCHA Final Five XXVII. Intermissions XXVII. Instant Replay XXIX. Post-Game Press Conferences XXX. Contact Info XXXI. Pre-2012 Red Baron™ WCHA Final Five Media Teleconference XXXII. WCHA Post-Season Awards XXXIII. Media Accommodations XXXIV. Parking & Transportation XXXV. WCHA Fan Fest XXXVI: Dance Mania XXXVII: Pick Your Final FiveXXXVIII: Special Wild Game Ticket Offer for Final Five Season Ticket HoldersXXXIX: Tournament Fan Nights

Add 1: 2012 Red Baron™ WCHA Final Five Working Media Credential Application Form

Western CollegiateHockey AssociationBruce M. McLeodCommissionerCarol LaBelle-EhrhardtAssistant Commissioner of OperationsGreg ShepherdSupervisor of OfficialsAdministrative OfficeWestern Collegiate Hockey Association2211 S. Josephine Street, Room 302Denver, CO 80210p: 303 871-4491. f: 303 [email protected]

Doug SpencerAssociate Commissioner for Public RelationsWestern Collegiate Hockey Association559 D’Onofrio Drive, Ste. 103Madison, WI 53719-2096p: 608 829-0100. f: 608 [email protected]

Home of a Record 37Men’s National Championship Teams Since 19511952, 1953, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1987, 1990, 1991, 1997, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006,2011

Men’s Conference MembersUniversity of Alaska AnchorageBemidji State UniversityColorado CollegeUniversity of DenverMichigan Technological UniversityUniversity of MinnesotaUniversity of Minnesota DuluthMinnesota State UniversityUniversity of Nebraska OmahaUniversity of North DakotaSt. Cloud State UniversityUniversity of Wisconsin

2012 Red Baron™WCHA Final FiveMarch 15-17 • Xcel Energy Center Saint Paul, MN

visit us on the web at:

WCHA.com


Ladies and Gentlemen of the Media

Welcome to the 2012 Red Baron™ WCHA Final Five. On behalf of the entire Western Collegiate Hockey Association and Commissioner Bruce M. McLeod, the Minnesota Wild, and Xcel Energy Center, we sincerely appreciate your attendance and support. Following are a few items to assist you in covering the tournament.

I. 2012 Red Baron™ WCHA Final Five Dates and Game Times (Face-offs)

Thursday, March 15: Quarterfinal #1, 2:07 pm CT; Quarterfinal #2, 7:07 pm CTFriday, March 16: Semi-Final #1, 2:07 pm CT; Semi-Final #2, 7:07 pm CTSaturday, March 17: Broadmoor Trophy Championship Game, 7:07 pm CT

Special Note on Minnesota Wild NHL Game Saturday:Also on Saturday, March 17, the National Hockey League’s Minnesota Wild will play a regular season game against the Carolina Hurricanes at 1:00 pm CT at Xcel Energy Center. Tickets are available at the Xcel Energy Center Box Office, Ticketmaster Ticket Centers, by calling 800-745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com <http://www.ticketmaster.com/> . To charge by phone using Ticketmaster TDD/TTY, call 800-359-2525.”

II. Determination of WCHA Playoff Champion

The championship team of the 2012 Red Baron™ WCHA Final Five will be presented with the Broadmoor Trophy and will receive the Western Collegiate Hockey Association’s automatic entry into the NCAA Div. 1 Men’s Ice Hockey Championship tournament.

III. Awarding of Broadmoor Trophy and All-Tournament Team

The Broadmoor Trophy will be presented to the winning team of the 2012 Red Baron™ WCHA Final Five on ice on Saturday, March 17 after the conclusion of the championship game. In addition, the 2012 Red Baron™ WCHA Final Five All-Tournament Team and Tournament Most Valuable Player will be announced on-ice. The all-tournament team and most valuable player will be selected by a committee appointed by the WCHA.

IV. Media Entrance to Xcel Energy Center

The media entrance to the Xcel Energy Center is located at Gate 1 on the Southeast side of the arena on Kellogg Blvd. The media entrance will be open two-and-a-half hours prior to game time. A Media Entrance Attendant will be on hand to check your media pass as you enter the building. The Media Entrance will close 15 minutes after the start of each game.

2012 Red Baron™ WCHA Final FiveMarch 15-17 • Xcel Energy Center • Saint Paul, MN


V. Final Five Working Media CredentialsWorking Media Credential Requests • Friday, March 2nd Deadline

Media credentials for the 2012 Red Baron™ WCHA Final Five must be secured in advance – and by Friday, March 2nd – via a completed 2012 Red Baron™ WCHA Final Five Media Credential Request Form. The form is available at the end of this document, via the WCHA web site (http://wcha.com/men/tourney/index.php), from Doug Spencer in the WCHA Public Relations Office (608 829-0100), or from Deb Hanson in the Minnesota Wild Office (651 602-5729). Media who cover a particular team and whose attendance depends on that team participating, must still complete the credential application request form and submit it before the March 2nd deadline. You must send the completed credential request no later than Friday, March 2nd to: Deb Hanson, Administrative Assistant, Minnesota Wild, at fax number: 651 293-9574, or email to [email protected]. Doug Spencer, WCHA Associate Commissioner for Public Relations, and Deb Hanson of the Minnesota Wild will be working together on all 2012 Red Baron™ WCHA Final Five credential requests. Upon receipt and upon approval, credential requests will be confirmed via fax, e-mail or telephone. Preference for working media credentials will be given to requests from primary media from the six qualifying institutions, primary Twin Cities-area media, and those who cover the Association and its teams on a regular basis. Other requests will be granted only as press box space at the Xcel Energy Center permits. NEWSPAPER and MAGAZINE outlets will generally be granted one working MEDIA credential and press box space per outlet (exceptions may be granted upon review of requests). RADIO STATIONS who are granted prior permission by the WCHA to broadcast games live at the 2012 Red Baron™ WCHA Final Five will be issued two working MEDIA credentials (maximum of three upon review of request). Radio broadcast locations at the Xcel Energy Center are located in the press box. Requests from radio stations not broadcasting live from the Xcel Energy Center but who wish to report only on the tournament may be granted one working credential per outlet – but only as press box space permits. TELEVISION STATIONS – Exclusive live television coverage of the 2012 Red Baron™ WCHA Final Five is being produced and distributed by Fox Sports North, in conjuction with the Western Collegiate Hockey Association and the Minnesota Wild and absolutely no other live televison coverage, video streaming, or operation of television or video cameras inside the Xcel Energy Center during the 2012 Red Baron™ WCHA Final Five will be permitted, with the exception of post-game press conferences in the Media Interview Room. TV stations wishing to do live shots prior to game times will be provided designated areas in the arena, provided those live shots are wrapped up one half-hour before the start of games. TV stations who wish to report only on the 2012 Red Baron™ WCHA Final Five must fax their credential request on the 2012 Red Baron™ WCHA Final Five Media Credential Request Form no later than Friday, March 2nd to: Deb Hanson, Administrative Assistant, Minnesota Wild, at fax number: 651 293-9574.

Note: Media Wishing to Cover the Minnesota Wild GameMedia requesting to cover the Minnesota Wild game on Saturday (March 17) afternoon should visit www.wild.com/pressbox and request a single game credential. Confirmation will be sent via email.

VI. Credential Pick-Up

Media credentials will be available for pick up at the Media Entrance located inside Gate 1 (Southeast entrance) of the Xcel Energy Center two-and-a-half hours prior to game time. Proper identification (i.e. photo ID) is required. The official 2012 Red Baron™ WCHA Final Five Media Credential is good for all five games. Those who wish to pick up credentials on Wednesday, March 14, must make prior arrangements with Deb Hanson.


VII. Parking

No parking passes are available for the tournament. The Xcel Energy Center is serviced, primarily, by two ramps, RiverCentre and Kellogg, directly connected to the complex. Alternate ramps are listed on electronic parking advisory signs located at entry points to downtown Saint Paul. There are more than 50 parking ramps and lots within a brief walk of the Xcel Energy Center. Visit “Getting Here” at www.xcelenergycenter.com for locations and directions. ** Television stations requiring TV uplink truck parking, should contact Maggie Kukar of the Minnesota Wild via email at [email protected] or by phone at (651) 602-5720.

VIII. Directions to Press Box from Media EntranceElevators: Elevators leading to the press box are located directly west of the media entrance, near the Southwest entrance to the arena. Take the elevator up to “P”, the press box level.

IX. Directions to Press Dining Room, Workroom and Press Conference Room from Media Entrance

Elevators: Elevators leading to the press areas on the event level are located directly west of the media entrance, near the Southwest entrance to the arena. Press ”E” to go down to the event level. Bear left out of the elevator and go right down the hallway. Turn left to head down the event level concourse to press areas. The press dining room/press workroom/press conference room will be on your left. The dark rooms are directly across from the press conference room on your right.

X. Press Dining

Press Dining: Meals will be provided to accredited working media and served in the press dining room during the 2012 Red Baron™ WCHA Final Five. Press dining will be open approximately 90 minutes prior to the beginning of a game and will close ten minutes into the first period. There will be two seatings of meal service each day. In addition, an assortment of beverages and snacks will be available in the press box throughout the event. Individuals must present a MEAL TICKET when entering the press dining room. Meal Tickets will be distributed in the press box to accredited media by a member of the WCHA Game-Day Staff. The Final Five media meal schedule is as follows: Thursday, March 15: food will be available to accredited media between the first quarterfinal game and second quarterfinal game, beginning at approximately 5:30 pm CT. Friday, March 16: food will be available between the first semi-final game and second semi-final game, beginning at approximately 5:00 pm CT. Saturday, March 17: food will be served prior to the championship game, beginning at approximately 5:00 pm CT.

XI. Press Work Room

The press work room is comprised of two areas. The first area is equipped with work stations, each equipped with local phone access and data ports. The joining room to the west is the second work room/press dining area. Work stations and a copy machine are available in this area. There is a fax machine in the press box.

XII. Locker Rooms

Team locker rooms are located on the north side of the arena at event level. From the elevators and stairs, turn left down the event level concourse.


XIII. Press Box Information

Open and Close Times: The press box will open two-and-a-half hours prior to game time and close an hour-and-a-half after the end of the game.

Rules: The press box is a working press area. All policies and procedures associated with possessing a media credential will be invoked. No cheering is permitted.

Seating Arrangements: Press box seating will be assigned to accredited media who are granted an official working credential to cover the 2012 Red Baron™ WCHA Final Five. Seating assignments for each game will be posted at the entrance to the press box and at several other prominent areas in the press box. Seating assignments may change on a game-by-game basis, so please check the seating assignment at each game. Welcome placards will also be placed on the table in front of your seat.Final Five Team Coaching Staffs: Two seats in the Xcel Energy Center press box will also be provided to the coaching staffs of the six teams competing at the Final Five teams during their respective games. Seat locations will be posted in the press box.Note for Minnesota Wild NHL Game on Saturday: Seating assignments will differ from the WCHA games to the Minnesota Wild game. Please be aware of this and take any personnel cords or equipment when you leave on Friday following the second game. Seating charts will be reposted prior to the Saturday evening Championship game for you to reset your equipment. If you require any special accommodations to store equipment, please contact Deb Hanson for arrangements.

XIV. Game-Day Staff

The WCHA game-day staff is located in seats 125-136 at the west end of the press box on the upper level. The staff will place period and game results on the countertop along the wall in the center of the press box, adjacent to the copy room and will also distribute throughout the press box.

XV. Tournament/Game Information/Statistics

The WCHA will provide tournament programs (as quantity permits), press kits, and complete game statistics and final game summaries to accredited media in attendance at the 2012 Red Baron™ WCHA Final Five. In addition, Public Relations Directors from the six Final Five competing teams will have press packets and line charts available for their respective teams, located on the countertop along the wall in the center of the press box, adjacent to the copy room, prior to the start of each game.


XVI. Photographers

Photo coordinator and photographer for the tournament is Bruce Kluckhohn, working on behalf of the WCHA and Xcel Energy Center. Please see Bruce (cell 612 275-7056, [email protected]) with your shooting location preferences at least 90 minutes prior to the start of a game. Photo positions will be shared and every effort will be made to accommodate each request. Priority will be given to local daily newspapers, wire services, league and team photographers. In addition to the photo positions listed below, photographers may shoot from many locations throughout the arena as long as they do not interfere or obstruct a fan’s view of the ice.

Work RoomA “work room” is available for photographers to digitally send photos to their organizations. The work room is located adjacent to the press dining room. Phones with local access are also available. Remember to dial 9 to access an outside line.

Designated Stil Photo Positions

1. Between player benches at ice level 2. Between sections 112/113 and 114/115 at ice level (holes in glass) 3. Between sections 118/119 and 120/121 at ice level (holes in glass) 4. Zamboni tunnel at ice level at section 123 (shooting through glass) 5. Top of section 102 on platform riser 6. Top of section 105 on platform riser 7. Top of section 117 (without obstructing view of accessible seating patrons) 8. Top of sections 103/104, on risers (TV cameras take first priority in this location, availability may vary) 9. Between sections 101-102 and 105-106 (addition hole spots).

XVII. Phone Lines/Internet Service

All phones located in the press box, if not previously arranged, have local access. IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Media needing dedicated phone/radio lines in the Xcel Energy Center press box for the Final Five must order online – paper forms are no longer accepted. Xcel Energy Center can accept ONLY credit cards as payment (Visa, Mastercard, Discover & American Express). A Telephone & Internet Service Order Form and additional information is available at: http://www.xcelenergycenter.com/presskit.jsp. <http://www.xcelenergycenter.com/presskit.jsp.>

XIX. Data Ports

Data ports are installed at each seat throughout the entire press box are all are activated with local access. You must entera 9 before your dial-up number to make a proper connection.

Wireless Access: There is no charge for wireless access. You will find the wireless access code posted in the Al Shaver Press Box.

XX. Restrooms

Press Box: Restrooms in the press box are located 15 feet from the elevators.


XXI. Television CoverageFox Sports North to Broadcast 2012 Red Baron™ WCHA Final Five Live

The 2012 Red Baron™ WCHA Final Five will again be telecast live by FOX Sports North. The telecasts are a joint productionof FOX Sports North, Xcel Energy Center and the Western Collegiate Hockey Association and are produced by Minnesota Wild Broadcasting. The entities have televised the tournament since 2000. Minnesota Wild Broadcast Manager Maggie Kukar (651 602-5720) will be in charge of the overall television production elements. Additional telecast details will be announced asap.

TV Timeouts: There will be four, 1:00 official timeouts per periods one, two and three during all Final Five games. Timeouts are to be taken at the first stoppage of play after the 16:00, 12:00, 8:00 and 4:00 marks. Official Time-outs may NOT be taken during power-plays, and Official Time-outs are discouraged (but not prohibited) during even-strength shorthanded play. Official Time-outs also cannot be taken after icings, or after a puck is shot directly out of play in the defensive zone by a defensive player. There will be no timeouts during overtime for all 2012 Red Baron™ WCHA Final Five games.

XXII. Live Internet Audio Coverage at WCHA.com

The 2012 Red Baron™ WCHA Final Five will also again be audio broadcast live over the internet for the seventh consecutive season via the Western Collegiate Hockey Association’s official web site – wcha.com. The WCHA will produce a radio broadcast for distribution from the entire tournament. Distribution of the broadcast will be handled by the Minnesota Sports Broadcast Network (MSBN). All five games of the championship will be broadcast live via wcha.com, with Jack Swanson and Jim Rich, voice of This Week in the WCHA (the league’s weekly radio show), again handling the play-by-play, and Kevin Falness of the Minnesota Wild handling the production. The league will also rotate special guests throughout the live internet broadcasts. For more information please contact: Kevin Falness, Minnesota Wild Radio Network at 612 309-6369 ([email protected]).

XXIII. Radio Broadcasts & Rights Fees

Each qualifying school’s regular radio station (play-by-play) will have the right of first refusal for each 2012 Red Baron™ WCHA Final Five game (maximum of two per school) involving the team they regularly cover during the season and all broadcast rights must be approved in advance by the WCHA. Host institutions will be consulted on all agreements. For all 2012 Red Baron™ WCHA Final Five games, the following radio broadcast rights fees apply and are to be paid in advance to the WCHA office: $100 per game. Upon approval of rights, checks covering appropriate fees should be made payable to: Western Collegiate Hockey Association and remitted IN ADVANCE to: Carol LaBelle-Ehrhardt, Assistant Commissioner, Western Collegiate Hockey Association, MSC 8302, University of Denver, 2211 S. Josephine, Denver, CO 80208-8302.


XXIV. Final Five Team Practices • Xcel Energy Center

Media wishing to attend team practices at Xcel Energy Center on Thursday morning, March 15th should contact Deb Hanson via telephone at: 651 602-5729 to place the name/names on a practice pass list. There will be no practice times on Wednesday. Practice schedules for the Final Five will be issued by the conference office on March 13. Practice times for Seeds 3 through 6 and officials will be available on Thursday, March 15, for all four participating team on Friday, March 16, and the two teams in the championship game on Saturday, March 17.

XXV. Final Five Overtime Procedures

Where advancement in a bracket or the determination of a tournament champion is necessary, any game that results in a tie will be broken by 20-minute sudden-death overtime periods. The ice shall be resurfaced upon completion of regulation play, as well as after each succeeding 20-minute overtime period Intermissions between overtimes will be the same as between the first, second and third periods. The teams will change ends at the start of each 20-minute overtime period for the entire time that it takes to determine a winner.

XXVI. Timeouts

Official Timeouts: There will be four, 1:00 official timeouts per periods one, two and three. Timeouts are to be taken at the first stoppage of play after the 16:00, 12:00, 8:00 and 4:00 marks. There will be no timeouts taken during power-plays. No timeouts may be taken after an icing. No timeouts may not be taken if the puck is shot directly out of the defensive zone by a defensive player. Timeouts are discouraged (but not prohibited) during even-strength shorthanded play. There will be no timeouts during overtime for all 2012 Red Baron™ WCHA Final Five games.

XXVII. Intermissions

Intermissions for Games #1 and #2 (Thursday, March 15) and Games #3 and #4 (Friday, March 16) of the 2012 Red Baron™ WCHA Final Five will be 16:00 in length. Intermissions for the Broadmoor Trophy championship game on Saturday evening, March 17, will be 17:00 in length.

XXVII. Instant Replay

The Western Collegiate Hockey Association will use instant replay to review all goals for all five 2012 Red Baron™ WCHA Final Five games contested at Xcel Energy Center.

XXIX. Post-Game Press Conferences

The WCHA will conduct a post-game press conference following each 2012 Red Baron™ WCHA Final Five game in the Press Interview Room, located at the Southwest Corner of the Xcel Energy Center, at the base of the Press Elevator (between sections 108-109) and immediately adjacent to the Press dining room. We will have head coaches and requested players in attendance at each press conference and we will conduct post-game press conferences after a ‘cooling off’ period for the teams and as soon as possible after the conclusion of each game. For all games at the Final Five, we will take the losing team first and the winning team second. If you have any special requests for certain players, please contact the appropriate participating team’s sports information director or a member of the WCHA Game-Day Staff for assistance.


XXX. Key Contact Info

Contact Info: Should media-related questions come up during the tournament, please contact Doug Spencer, Associate Commissioner for Public Relations, WCHA (cell 303 475-9283), Deb Hanson, Administrative Assistant, Minnesota Wild (cell 651 399-1350); Jora Bart, Public & Media Relations, Xcel Energy Center (cell 651 260-8728); or Maggie Kukar, Broadcast Manager, Minnesota Wild (cell 651 755-5193).

XXXI. Pre-2012 Red Baron™ WCHA Final Five Media TeleconferenceTuesday, March 13 • 11:00 AM CT

The Western Collegiate Hockey Association will conduct a teleconference for the media with the Commissioner and the six head coaches whose teams qualify for the 2012 Red Baron™ WCHA Final Five on Tuesday, March 13 at 11:00 am CT. Final Five qualifying head coaches and staff should phone in to the teleconference by 10:59 am CT at: 1 888 245-7014, followed by passcode 729388#. Media should phone in to the teleconference by 10:59 am CT at: 1 973 935-2025, followed by passcode 729388#.

XXXII. WCHA Post-Season Awards

The WCHA will have press releases announcing the league’s 2011-12 award winners in the Xcel Energy Center Press Box throughout the event.

XXXIII. Media Accommodations

If possible, media members who are planning to attend the 2012 Red Baron™ WCHA Final Five in Saint Paul are encouraged to utilize their respective local teams for securing hotel accommodations for the tournament. If not applicable, there are numerous hotels in the area that are offering special Final Five rates. They are available in the official WCHA FINAL FIVE FAN GUIDE, available at WCHA.com, and are also listed below: Check out the area hotels link at wcha.com at: http://wcha.com/men/tourney/index.php

Hotel Information

Hotels in Saint PaulRedeem your fan friendly special offers by calling participating locations directly and asking for the Red Baron™ WCHA Final Five special. Offers are based on availability, subject to change and valid March 15-17, 2012. Not valid with any other offers. Tax not included.

Best Western Plus Kelly Inn Saint Paul 161 St. Anthony Avenue. Phone: 651 227-8711 or (800) WESTERN. web site: www.bestwesternstpaul.com.Final Five Rate: $169

Embassy Suites Saint Paul Downtown 175 East 10th Street. Phone: 651 224-5400 or (800) EMBASSY. web site: www.embassystpaul.com.Final Five Rate: Starting at $189. Requires a 1 night deposit at the time of reservation, with a 5 day cancellation policy.

Holiday Inn Saint Paul Downtown 175 West Seventh Street. Phone: 651 225-1515. web site: www.histpaul.com.Final Five Rate: Starting at $159/King $169/Doubles

Holiday Inn Saint Paul East 2201 Burns Avenue. Phone: 651 731-2220 or (888) HOLIDAY. web site: www.holidayinn.com/msp-i94east.Final Five Rate: $109

Additional Hotels : * For additional hotel rates, go to www.visitsaintpaul.com.


Team Host Hotels

The Saint Paul Hotel 350 Market Street. Phone: 800 292-9292. web site: www.stpaulhotel.com

Crowne Plaza St. Paul – Riverfront 11 East Kellogg Boulevard. Phone: 800 2CROWNE / (651) 292-1900. web site: www.cpstpaul.com

Hilton Garden Inn City Center 411 Minnesota Street. Phone: 877 STAYHGI / (651) 291-8800. web site: www.stpaulcitycenter.stayhgi.com

XXXIV. Parking & Transportation

ParkingXcel Energy Center is serviced primarily by two ramps, RiverCentre and Kellogg, directly connected to the complex. There are more than 50 parking ramps and lots within a brief walk of Xcel Energy Center. Visit “Getting Here” at www.xcelenergycenter.com for locations and directions.

Some Hockey Fans Rent Limos … Cadillac Chauffeur Service (651) 690-3212Cities Limousine & Transportation (612) 710-2030Corporate Car & Coach (651) 696-9029Eclipse Transportation (800) 215-8914Lee’s Limousine (651) 462-5466Premier Transportation (612) 331-7433Total Luxury Limo (651 770-5668)

All Hockey Fans Ride Safe!Airport Taxi (763) 592-6410Super Shuttle (800) 258-3826

Taxi ServiceA taxi stand is located on Fifth Street at Gate Four of Xcel Energy Center following the games or at Crowne Plaza Riverfront Hotel and The Saint Paul Hotel.

Bus ServiceSaint Paul has a convenient Metro Transit system. Buses run throughout the city, to Mall of America and Minneapolis. For more information about Metro Transit bus service, please call their 24-hour information line at (612) 373-3333 or www.metrotransit.org.


XXXV. Microsoft Store WCHA Fan Fest • Friday, March 16 & Saturday, March 174:30 pm-6:30 pm at Iron Range Grill (Xcel Energy Center/Gate 4)

Come celebrate the Red Baron™ WCHA Final Five with live music, interactive games, food & beverages and more! Cheerleaders, mascots and WCHA pep bands will rock the house with the school songs that lead their teams to victory! Microsoft Store WCHA Fan Fest is free and open to the public!

Live Music Enjoy the sounds of local live music before the games on Friday and Saturday nights as these bands rock inside Gate 4 at the Iron Range Grill. Friday, March 16, 4:30 pm • Uncle Chunk (www.unclechunk.com) Saturday, March 17, 4:30 pm • Playback (www.playbackrocks.com)

XXXVI. Dance Mania presented by Visit Saint Paul, Official Convention & Visitors BureauBring your dance moves and shake what your momma gave you at the 2012 Red Baron™ WCHA Final Five Dance Mania Contest! Throughout the tournament, get up and dance when you hear the designated song! The person who shakes it the best throughout the entire tournament will walk away with $250 from Visit Saint Paul and tickets to the 2013 Red Baron™ WCHA Final Five. Costumes encouraged!

XXXVII. Pick Your Final Five Get in on the action at this year’s 2012 Red Baron™ WCHA Final Five with the Pick Your Final Five Sweepstakes! Pick the teams you think will be part of the 2012 WCHA Final Five and you may go to the 2013 WCHA Final Five with three friends for FREE! Fans that enter will have a chance to win a prize of four (4) ticket packages to the 2013 Red Baron WCHA Final Five plus free Red Baron pizza for one year. For additional details, visit www.xcelenergycenter.com/wcha.

XXXVIII. Special Minnesota Wild Ticket Offer • Saturday, March 17

For Red Baron™ WCHA Final Five season ticket holders. Visit www.xcelenergycenter.com/wcha or call (651) 726-8240.

XXXIX. Enjoy Tournament Fan Appreciation Nights!

Stop by these WCHA fan-friendly establishments on the dates listed below and receive special offers.

Thursday, March 15Great Waters Brewing Company 426 St. Peter Street. Phone: 651 224-2739. web site: www.greatwatersbc.com.Happy hour drink specials 3:00-6:00 pm and 10 pm - close on Thursday & Friday

Friday, March 16Joseph’s Bar and Grill 140 South Wabasha Street. Phone: 651 222-2435. web site: www.josephsgrill.com.Joseph’s offers WCHA fans drink, appetizer, lunch and dinner specials. Valid only March 16, 2012.

Saturday, March 17Dixie’s on Grand 695 Grand Avenue. Phone: 651 222-7345. web site: www.dixiesongrand.com.Offering happy hour and free shuttle service (30 min. before game time) to Xcel Energy Center throughout the tournament.


Monday, March 12• WCHA Conference Call with Final Five Teams 10:00 am CT• WCHA Assistant Commissioner and Tournament Director Carol LaBelle-Ehrhardt arrives in Saint Paul

Tuesday, March 13• Media Teleconference with Commissioner Bruce McLeod & Final Five Head Coaches 11:00 am CT

Wednesday, March 14• Additional WCHA staff arrives in Saint Paul• Participating teams begin arriving in Saint Paul

Thursday, March 15• Team Practices, Etc. – Xcel Energy Center Officials 8:00 am–9:00 am CT Team TBA 9:15 am–10:00 am CT Team TBA 10:15 am–11:00 am CT Team TBA 11:15 am–12:00 pm CT Team TBA 12:15 pm–1:00 pm CT• 2012 Red Baron™ WCHA Final Five • Quarterfinal No. 1: 2:07 pm CT• Post-Game Press Conference After game• 2012 Red Baron™ WCHA Final Five • Quarterfinal No. 2: 7:07 pm CT• Post-Game Press Conference After game

Friday, March 16• Team Practices – Xcel Energy Center Team TBA ” 8:30 am–9:00 am CT Team TBA 9:15 am–9:45 am CT Team TBA 10:00 am–10:30 am CT Team TBA 10:45 am–11:15 am CT• WCHA Final Five Semi-Final Game No. 1: Teams TBA 2:07 pm CT• Post-Game Press Conference After game• Microsoft Store WCHA Fan Fest 4:30 pm-6:30 pm At Iron Range Grill (Xcel Energy Center/Gate 4). Open to the public.• WCHA Final Five Semi-Final Game No. 2: Teams TBA 7:07 pm CT• Post-Game Press Conference After game

Saturday, March 17• Team Practices – Xcel Energy Center NHL - Caroline Hurricans 8:00-9:00 am CT WCHA Team TBA 9:15-9:45 am CT WCHA Team TBA 10:00-10:30 am CT• NHL Game: Minnesota Wild vs Caroline Hurricanes 1:00 pm CT• Microsoft Store WCHA Fan Fest 4:30 pm-6:30 pm At Iron Range Grill (Xcel Energy Center/Gate 4). Open to the public.• WCHA Final Five Broadmoor Trophy Championship Game 7:07 pm CT• On-Ice Awards Presentations: Broadmoor Trophy and All-Tournament Team Conclusion of Game• Post-Game Press Conference After game

Tentative Schedule of Events2012 Red Baron™ WCHA Final Five


Media Credential Request Form2012 Red Baron™ WCHA Final FiveMedia members wishing to cover the WCHA Final Five must complete this form & return it by fax by Friday, March 2nd to: Deb Hanson, Communications Office, Minnesota Wild. Fax this application to: (651) 293-9574.

Name of media outlet: ______________________________________________________________________________________

Check type of media outlet: Print: ________ Radio: ________ TV: _________

Name(s) of person(s) to be issued credentials: ___________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Phone: _______________________ Fax: ____________________ e-mail: ___________________________________________

What WCHA team do you regularly cover? ________________________________________

I will attend and cover (please check one): All five games _______ Only if my local team participates ______

Will you be accompanied by a photographer? Yes ________ No ________

Name of photographer: _____________________________________________________________________________________

Do you require a phone line? Yes _______ No ________ (see Media Phone Lines/Internet Service information below)

If you have any questions prior to the tournament, please contact: Doug Spencer, WCHA Associate Commissioner for Public Relations, at: 608 829-0100 or Deb Hanson, Communications & Broadcasting, Minnesota Wild, at: 651 602-5729.

Working media credentials for the 2012 Red Baron™ WCHA Final Five – March 15, 16 and 17 at Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul, Minn. – will be issued in the following priority: certified media from the six competing teams, campus media certified by the SID of each participating institution, media who cover the conference and its teams on a regular basis, media from the immediate locale of the tournament, and other accredited media as space permits. Final Five Credential requests will be confirmed by Deb Hanson via email, fax or telephone. PRINT: Print media granted credentials will be assigned one working space per outlet in the Xcel Energy Center press box. Seat locations will be assigned by the WCHA and Deb Hanson, Minnesota Wild. PHOTO: Photographers granted working credentials will not have assigned seats in the press box. RADIO: Each school’s regular radio station (play-by-play) will have the right of first refusal for 2012 Red Baron™ WCHA Final Five games. Radio stations wishing to broadcast game(s) live from the 2012 Red Baron™ WCHA Final Five and who pay the required rights fees of $100.00 per game in advance to the WCHA will be granted two working credentials (maximum of three upon request) in the press box. Specific radio broadcast locations will be assigned by the WCHA and Deb Hanson of the Minnesota Wild. Checks for broadcast rights fees ($100.00 per game) should be made payable to ‘Western Collegiate Hockey Association’ and forwarded in advance to: Carol LaBelle-Ehrhardt, Assistant Commissioner of Operations, WCHA, MSC 8302, 2211 S. Josephine, Denver, CO 80208-8302. Radio stations not broadcasting the Final Five and granted credentials will be assigned one working space per outlet as space permits in the Xcel Energy Center press box. TELEVISION: All 2012 Red Baron™ WCHA Final Five games will be telecast by Fox Sports North. Exclusive television broadcast rights to the 2012 Red Baron™ WCHA Final Five are owned by the WCHA and the Minnesota Wild and no other live television or video coverage of the event will be permitted. TV stations wishing to acquire feeds from the 2012 Red Baron™ WCHA Final Five must contact: Maggie Kukar, Broadcast Manager, Minnesota Wild at: 651 602-5720 ([email protected]). TV stations wishing to report only on the tournament and who are granted credentials will be issued one working space per outlet in the press box but no other live coverage of the event will be permitted. MEDIA PHONE LINES/INTERNET SERVICE: All phones located in the press box, if not previously arranged, have local access. IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Media needing dedicated phone/radio lines in the Xcel Energy Center press box for the Final Five must order online – paper forms are no longer accepted. Xcel Energy Center can accept ONLY credit cards as payment (Visa, Mastercard, Discover & American Express). A Telephone & Internet Service Order Form and additional information is available at: http://www.xcelenergycenter.com/presskit.jsp.

media information - western collegiate hockey association

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