5:30 p.m. CDT: Minnesota Duluth senior captain Karine Demeule presented President George W. Bush with a maroon Bulldog jersey today at a White House ceremony for NCAA champions.
On a sunny day on the South Lawn, President Bush commended UMD on its fourth trip to Washington, D.C., since 2001.
"One of the things I tell people is if you work hard and repeat as champions I look forward to welcoming you back to the White House," Bush said during his speech. "However, this time around it isn't going to work. My eligibility has run out."
The Bulldogs met Bush, now in his last year as president, during previous trips to the nation's capital in 2003, 2002 and 2001. UMD beat Wisconsin 4-0 to win the NCAA women's hockey title March 22 in the Women's Frozen Four at the DECC.
Before the ceremony, the Bulldogs shook hands with the 43rd president, posed for pictures and presented Bush with a No. 43 jersey that included the Bulldog logo.
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"It was fun," said Demeule from Montreal. "We were lucky to be there."
Demeule was one of 20 captains from other NCAA Division I champions to be on stage behind the president during his speech.
Last season, the Bulldogs set a school record at 34 wins, with Western Collegiate Hockey Association regular-season and playoff titles.
"It's a huge honor to be asked to go to the White House by the president," said UMD coach Shannon Miller. "Every time you win, it is a different team and a different year. It makes you hungry for more."
Before the ceremony, the Bulldogs toured the White House and went on a brief sight-seeing tour of monuments in Washington, D.C.
Check back to duluthnewstribune.com for more updates. News Tribune news partner Fox21 News is in Washington, D.C., today, travelling with the team. The visit with President George W. Bush will be featured on tonight's newscast at 9 p.m..
