The 2015 NCAA Division I Men’s Hockey Frozen Four field has been set and will feature two teams each from the Hockey East Association and the National Collegiate Hockey Conference, Providence, Nebraska-Omaha, North Dakota and Boston University.
The Sioux are (29-9-3) returning to the Frozen Four for the second straight season by claiming the West Regional in Fargo, North Dakota where they will face Boston University.
Leading this team is former Terrier Stephane Pattyn. Pattyn, the 24 year old Ste. Anne native played with the Terriers from 2009 to 2011. In Pattyn’s last year in Portage, he played a big part in the Terriers winning the MJHL title as well as an Anavet Cup Championship.
I had a chance to catch up with Stephane and he talks about his days in Portage fondly.
” I loved my time in Portage. One of my most memorable moments was winning the Turnbull and Anavet Cup in 2011 and going to the RBC in Camrose. The best part about it was the friendships I formed when I was there. I still see and keep in contact with so many guys I played with. Playing my last year in Portage with my brother ( Yvan ) and living together was very memorable especially since it was the first time he moved away from home. I’m happy I was there. ”
Coach and GM Blake Spiller remembers Pattyn as playing a very important part of the success the Terriers had in his time here. ” When Captain Cory More went down with an injury late in 2011 season, Steph took over as interim captain and led our team to the Anavet Cup Championship. His leadership qualities are evident being named captain of the UND hockey team. The nickname “General” is very fitting. The entire organization is proud that he has led his team to the Frozen Four. ”
When asked how playing in Portage prepared him for UND, Pattyn talked about the coaching staff and the community.
” Portage got me ready for UND in a few different ways. The way Coach Spiller expects his players to act in a professional way is a good stepping stone for when I got here because that’s very important now. Also, the fact that coach Spiller supported me along with other guys that were taking University classes while playing really helped out a lot. I find the community support in Portage is also similar to what it is in Grand Forks. Especially during playoff time. Maybe on a smaller scale, but there’s a lot of passion in those Terrier Fans!!! ”
The Portage Terriers Organization would like to congratulate Stephane and wish him the best of luck as he heads to Boston.