We've reached a special time of year.  A time of year when all of the off-season training, the dryland workouts and the hundreds of hours of practice pay off for the players.  It's NCAA tournament time, and for just the second time since 2002, the 'Jackets have been invited to the dance.

What it also means, is that with the site of the Frozen Four already determined, regardless of the outcome on Saturday, it will be the final home game of the 2008-09 season.  An NCAA tournament game at the end of what has thus far been a spectacular season - what a way to send a building into the off-season.

"For all the years I've been a coach here, we've been blessed with unreal fan support in this building," said Yellowjacket Head Coach Dan Stauber.  "There are nights when attendance is down, as not every opponent is viewed as a 'must-see' team.  But as the games have gotten bigger and more important, the crowds have gotten bigger and more supportive.  We're very thankful for that.  It's one of the special things about playing at Superior and one of the things that sets us apart from some other teams.

"For the players, you can't describe what it's like when they come out for the stretch at 5:30 and there are already 600 people in their seats.  We've always had that kind of support in these big post-season games and hopefully this time is no exception."

Case in point, as the 'Jackets were making their push toward the NCHA title and home-ice advantage throughout the playoffs, people started showing up in big numbers.  In the seven games played at home in February and March, the 'Jackets have averaged just under 1,300 fans per game, including two games (St. Scholastica and Stout) where it was standing room only.  With the NCAA label on this season's Wessman Arena finale, more of the same is expected.

"It doesn't seem like a lot of people to some, but if you put 1,800 people in here it is a great crowd and a loud crowd," Stauber said.  "And don't think that doesn't play a part in what happens on the ice.  Our guys come out and see every seat full and people standing on both ends and it gives them a little extra spark.  They feed off that fan support and that big crowd."

So this weekend is Superior's last opportunity to see this edition of the Yellowjackets at Wessman Arena, and the last chance to fill the rink with one of those big, loud crowds.

"Hopefully the building is sold out again.  It's the last chance for fans to come out and see this particular team on the ice at home, and the last time that they'll be able to see the seniors play at home," Stauber said.  "Plus, it's an NCAA game.  They don't get any bigger than that, so I hope that everyone comes out and gives us that big home-ice advantage."

Game time on Saturday, March 14 is 7:05 p.m.  Information on how to purchase tickets will be available on www.jackethockey.com beginning on Tuesday.