April 7, 2000

HEAD COACH JERRY YORK

Opening Remarks:

"It's a great time to be a college hockey coach and the players feel the same way. We're excited and proud and want to enjoy the moment. We're not afraid to lose. The team is energized and we're here to win a championship. When you get this far, the other club is always a good team. North Dakota has a great tradition. This team is very quick. They have outstanding forwards and two very fine goaltenders. It should be a good hockey game against a very good opponent. To win a National Championship, you have to beat a very good team."

On North Dakota:

"Jason Blake is no longer there. He is taking a regular shift with the L.A. Kings. They have a lot of the same faces from 1997, but they've really changed. They have evolved into a quick, up-tempo skating club."

On BC:

"The team makeup is different. We have more experience."

On the matchup:

"I think we mirror each other. The big difference is in goal. Goehring is small and quick. Clemmensen is a big, stand-up goalie. We've been here before. It really comes down to the players."

On playing the Frozen Four in Providence:

"Anaheim was a terrific building, but when the game was over, there weren't many places for the fans to go. We're familiar with the area, being from Boston. Providence is a great hockey town. The people are knowledgeable. There are a lot of hotels in proximity. After the first semi-final game, people could go out, enjoy the city, and come back for the second game."

BLAKE BELLEFEUILLE

On neutralizing North Dakota's team speed:

"We have to focus on our defensive zone and create some opportunities in transition. Our offense comes from our defense. Tight-checking results in our offensive opportunities."

On returning to the championship game:

"In Boston, we were glad to be there. It was more of a 'cinderella' run. The team attitude is different this year. I think we are more positive. We know we have the guys that can go out and win."

On Mike Mottau:

"You've got to believe in a guy like Mike Mottau. When he talks, everyone listens. When he got the tying goal, from there, I knew we'd win the game. He's been there for us all year. I can't say enough about him."

KEVIN CAULFIELD

On the championship game:

"Defense will be the key. They have great forwards, but our forwards can skate with them. It's going to be a great matchup."

On coming from behind in the third period against St. Lawrence:

"We knew if we went out and played hard for at least 20 minutes, we had a chance of winning. We've been a third period team for the past few years, so weren't too worried."