10 Things I Learned At The NCAA Frozen Four In Chicago

Here are 10 things I learned by attending the NCAA Frozen Four at the United Center in Chicago.

Last night, I attended the NCAA Frozen Four at the United Center in Chicago. It's the college hockey version of the NCAA national championship tournament

It was the semi-final round, so there were two games. It's the first time I've attended the event. Here are 10 things I learned from going to the Frozen Four.

1. Notre Dame fans - They all act like they know each other. They have a special greeting. The first person says, "Go Irish" and the other person says, "Irish." If there are multiple responding fans, they all reply "Irish" at the same time.

2. College hockey games are fun - It was a great atmosphere. The fans were really into it. They were dressed in their team's gear from head to toe. They have special chants to support their team. They make banners. The schools bring members of the marching band to play during the game. They have cheerleaders and mascots. It adds so much to the experience.

3. No alcohol - There was no alcohol served during the games. The NCAA won't allowed alcohol sold at arenas and stadiums on college campuses. They expand that rule to the buildings hosting games during the Frozen Four.

4. New home for Jordan statue - There is a new home for the Michael Jordan statue at the United Center. It is still on the east side of the arena, but now it's indoors. It's a nice atrium between the arena and the Chicago Blackhawks new headquarters. There was a pre-party going on there with a DJ. They did serve alcohol in that area before the game. They also had food and merchandise for sale in that location.

5. Cool jerseys - I never knew that many different hockey jerseys existed in the world. Instead of people watching, I was jersey watching. Fans from all over the world, supporting their favorite team. It didn't even matter if their team wasn't even playing.

6. Notre Dame uniforms - If you're familiar with Notre Dame football, you know they have gold helmets. The hockey team does too, but they stand out much more. They are very sharp looking.

7. Chicago Blackhawks - They had a couple of prospects playing in the Frozen Four. Blake Hillman for Denver University and Dennis Gilbert for Notre Dame. It was great getting a sneak preview of future players.

8. Fans from other colleges - I couldn't believe the number of fans attending from schools that had been eliminated. Of course they want their team in the Frozen Four, but it's such a great event they still come out. I saw huge groups of fans from Boston and North Dakota.

9. Plant - There's a player for Denver University named Adam Plant. He is not related to legendary rock singer, Robert Plant.

10. Championship - The championship game is going to be University of Minnesota Duluth verses Denver University. I'm predicting a Denver win. They crushed Notre Dame and are a very good team.

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