The NCAA has announced today that the Utica Memorial
Auditorium will be hosting the 2017 Men’s Division III Frozen Four for the
first time.

“We are thrilled to be working with Utica College and the NCAA to give the
region another exciting event to look forward to at The AUD,” said Utica
Memorial Auditorium Authority Chairman Carl Annese.

The site of the 1962 D-I Frozen Four, The AUD was built in 1959 and has
played host to several minor league and collegiate hockey teams, including
the Utica Comets and Utica Devils of the AHL and the Utica Pioneers Men’s
and Women’s D-III teams. The AUD presently hosts the annual New York State
High School Hockey Championships, as well as other prominent international
events such as the Harlem Globetrotters.

“The AUD is a great facility to enjoy a hockey game at,” said Utica College
Athletic Director Dave Fontaine. “We are honored that the NCAA saw our
region as a great place to host such a highly touted tournament.”

Utica College’s men’s hockey team has led the NCAA in attendance in each of
the past seven years, which dates back to the 2006-07 season.

“It’s an honor to be hosting such a prestigious event,” said Utica College
Men’s Hockey Head Coach Gary Heenan. “The AUD is a tremendous building in a
great hockey city.”

Ridder Arena in Minnesota (2015) and the Herb Brooks Arena in Lake Placid,
NY (2016 and 2018) were also announced as hosts of future Frozen Four
Tournaments.

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