Sean Williams/MDN The Minot community, friends, and family welcomed back the Minot State men’s hockey team on Wednesday night after they won the ACHA National Championship in Boston, Mass.

A day after they won their third national championship in program history, head coach Wyatt Waselenchuk and the Minot State men’s hockey team made it back to the Magic City, where fans and community members gave them a warm welcome upon arriving at Minot International Airport on Wednesday night.

After being able to soak up the fact that the Beavers won a national championship, Waselenchuk was happy to see his team celebrate their remarkable accomplishment.

“It’s been pretty great. Obviously to see the guys enjoy it like they have is pretty special as a coach. I don’t think there was a ton of sleep last night, but they earned it. It was far from an easy go in Boston, and they earned every inch,” Waselenchuk said.

Finally, the Beavers were able to share the moment with the Minot community who made the trip to the airport to give the team a warm welcome home. Celebrating within the program was a lot of fun but seeing the community rally around the team makes it even more special, according to Waselenchuk.

“It’s so special. This level of hockey we take very seriously. What we are doing here is second to none. The support that we get and the community that comes to our games and the fans we’ve made over the years is far from a little program that means something to us. It’s bigger than us,” he said.

Waselenchuk added, “That’s what we talk about in the locker room before games is that you are playing for your city, playing for your school, and all these supporters. It’s such a special feeling to bring this back to Minot.”

The Murdoch Cup wasn’t the only hardware making its way back to the Magic City. Team captain Davis Sheldon was named tournament MVP and brought back his hardware as well. In four games during the ACHA National Tournament, Sheldon scored two goals and three assists.

“I’m just happy. I’m happy that I get to share it with this group we have here. I was lucky enough to get one my freshman year and ever since then I wanted it to repeat so the guys that haven’t gotten one could experience what it was like. Not only for the experience in the locker room, but for what the city of Minot has to offer for everybody,” Sheldon said.

Sheldon was thankful for the support not just on Wednesday night and during their time in Boston but thankful for the support that the Minot community showed the team all season long.

“It’s fantastic. We see it every night when we play in the Pepsi Rink. They pack the barn and get up for us, big game or small game,” he said.

Sheldon added, “To be able to walk down the escalators and see everyone here is just the cherry on top. To know they were supporting us while we were battling and to be able to come back and see them is a sense of homecoming for sure.”