ST. PAUL, Minn. -- The University of North Dakota hockey fans remember well the 2006 NCAA West Regional in which upstart Holy Cross -- fueled by Sioux fans rooting against Minnesota -- defeated the Gophers in a first-round matchup in a wild atmosphere at Ralph Engelstad Arena.
Not only was it the first time a No. 4 seed in a regional beat a No. 1, but the win featured the 16th seeded team -- Holy Cross -- knocking out the national tournament's overall top seed.
Some Sioux fans claim Ralph Engelstad Arena has never been louder than when Holy Cross scored the game-winning goal to beat the Gophers.
This afternoon's atmosphere at the Xcel Energy Center for UND's game against Western Michigan in the first round of the NCAA West Regional could have a similar feel with a reversal of roles.
Like Holy Cross, the No. 4 seed Broncos will have plenty of new fans.
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Sioux fans traditionally travel well, especially to St. Paul. The fans in green made a major mark on last weekend's WCHA Final Five, an event that has become an annual pilgrimage to a growing number of Sioux fans.
But there will also be plenty of hometown fans of Minnesota -- UND's biggest rival -- becoming first-time Western Michigan backers.
"There's going to be a few cheering for us (today)," Western Michigan coach Andy Murray said. "I don't think the Gopher fans are going to support the Sioux."
Although Murray is a first-year college hockey coach, the NHL veteran knows plenty about WCHA rivalries. He had three kids play in the league, including his son Brady, who played for the Sioux.
The Broncos are welcoming any bandwagon followers with open arms.
"The more the merrier," Broncos forward and captain Ian Slater said. "We love to thrive in an environment with a lot of energy."
Although the Broncos expect some new fans, Murray still warned his team to expect the Sioux to feel at home.
"I told my players about the green wave that's going to hit this city," Murray said.
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UND has become accustomed to playing at the Xcel, which also was home to last year's Frozen Four.
"It really reminds us of home," UND forward Corban Knight said. "It's such a nice building, like the Ralph. Add one tier and it's pretty similar (to the Ralph).
UND captain Mario Lamoureux, however, didn't want his team to become too cozy in the building.
"I guess it's a surrounding we're familiar with, but I don't think comfort level is the right word," Lamoureux said. "I think we're happy to come here. It's not a lot of travel for us. But if you come in here comfortable, that's when you get beat. We have to come in on the edge."
The Sioux players have had a taste of the split-support atmosphere at the Xcel. At the Final Five, the building sounded like a home atmosphere for both teams at times, especially in UND's semifinal victory over Minnesota on Friday in which the Sioux overcame a 3-0 deficit to win 6-3.
"Sioux fans had a lot more to cheer about in the second half of that game," Knight said. "We'll hear some boos and some cheers. Obviously there's going to be a lot of Sioux fans, but the Gopher fans aren't going to be cheering for us. It's fun playing that way, though. It's a great atmosphere."
UND athletic director Brian Faison said he expects a strong turnout, despite a busy schedule in Grand Forks which includes an Elton John concert at the Ralph and the annual Grand Am basketball tournament.
"Maybe not as much green as last weekend, but pretty close," Faison said.
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Miller is a sports reporter for the Grand Forks Herald, which is owned by Forum Communications Co.
