Before I worked in the athletics department at Boston College, I had never seen a hockey game before. I???d seen some NHL games on television, but never before had I seen the action live. It makes a big difference.

One of the reasons I was fired up to work at BC was because I got to see big-time college hockey played each week. Additionally, there were always delicious sandwiches to munch on in the press box.

The first game I ever saw was BC???s season-opener against defending NCAA champion Denver last October. The Eagles cruised to a 6-2 win, and I quickly became a Boston College hockey fan.

BC continues its quest for the national title this afternoon at the Frozen Four in Milwaukee, when it will take on perennial power North Dakota. I saw the teams play in Chestnut Hill last year and it was quite a thrill. With nine national championships between them (North Dakota has seven), this promises to be a big-time game, and my only wish is that these two programs would have a chance to meet in the championship.

The second semifinal features another two elite programs in Maine and Wisconsin. The Black Bears have won a pair of national titles and the Badgers own five crowns, the last one coming in 1990.

Wisconsin is trying to make a sweep of the hockey titles after its women???s program became the first team outside of Minnesota to win the national title since championship play began in 2001. The Badgers shut out two-time defending champion Minnesota, 3-0, on March 26, as Jinelle Zaugg scored a pair of goals and Jessie Vetter recorded her second straight shutout in the crease.

While the usual suspects are chasing the national title in Milwaukee during the next couple of days, the tournament???s biggest story involved Holy Cross, which beat top-ranked Minnesota in overtime in the opening round.

In perhaps the biggest upset in tournament history, the Crusaders became the first No. 4 seed to defeat a top-ranked team since the field expanded to 16 teams. It was Holy Cross??? first-ever postseason victory.

Although the Crusaders fell in the next round to North Dakota, the excitement in the community and on the campus has yet to subside. The win was as big for Holy Cross as George Mason???s win over Connecticut was to the Patriot faithful. Victories like that remind us of the talent and desire that characterize student-athletes all across the country, not just those in the elite programs.

To get a taste of how excited people were about Holy Cross??? historic victory, listen to the radio call of Tyler McGregor's winning goal. Fellow blogger Patrick Miller sent the link my way and I am truly appreciative. The unbridled enthusiasm and joy communicated by the student broadcasters is extraordinary. It???s one of the most passionate calls I???ve ever heard and one that will be played on the Worcester campus for years to come.