UW-Superior salutes the 1976 NAIA National Hockey Champions

During the first intermission of the Feb. 11, 2006, hockey game between the Yellowjackets and the College of St. Scholastica, UW-Superior honored members of the 1976 Yellowjacket team on the 30th anniversary of their National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics National Championship.

Fourteen team members -- about two-thirds of the team -- were able to attend the ceremony. They were presented on the ice to the heartfelt cheers of the audience. The university presented each man with a framed photograph of the 1976 team as a salute to their achievement.

The '76 team won UW-Superior's first national hockey championship and is largely credited with laying the foundation for the Yellowjackets' climb to the team's present status as an NCAA Division III hockey powerhouse. The timing of the Feb. 11 ceremony was especially fitting. The Yellowjackets won the championship in Wessman Arena about the same time of year and against the same team -- the College of St. Scholastica Saints. The ceremony also brought back to home ice, however briefly, some of the greatest players in team history: Scott VanDamme is the third-highest scorer in team history; Gary Fritch is a three-time All-American, Jeff Bottem is the team's all-time assist leader, and Steve Anderson, along with VanDamme and Fritch, are in the UW-Superior Hall of Fame. All the players combined as a team to bring UW-Superior recognition and fame that inspires players today.

Click on each photo to see a larger image.

Team members were presented to the audience one at a time as they took their place of honor on the ice.	Team members take their place on the red carpet.	Here's the lineup of those who could attend the ceremony: From left, Rod Alstead, John Hansen, Steve Anderson, Jeff Bottem, Pat Boychuck, Bob Dicasmirro, Gary Fritch, Jon Wojciechowski, Jerry Laberdie, Scott VanDamme, Dave Selissen, Mike Peterson, Don Smith, and Mark Palmer.The young chap in the center is sporting a vintage '76 hockey sweater.
Another view of the guys as they take their places on the red carpet.	Team members hold the framed team photos they were presented during the ceremony. Those who were unable to attend will receive their photos in the coming weeks.	Back on the Wessman ice surface after 30 years, the '76 Yellowjackets accept the applause of the spectators.
Walking off the ice, team members are congratulated by Alumni Director Tom Bergh, left, and Athletic Director Steve Nelson (grey suit).	Here's a flashback to '76, as the Yellowjacket captain and alternates accept the NAIA Championship Trophy.	Yellowjacket fans in Wessman Arena cheer as their team wins the NAIA championship in 1976.