Blessings:
First and foremost, we're blessed by the way our team and coaching staff represents the University. They are great ambassadors, and its been that way for a long time. (I've talked to several Maine fans who get very emotional thinking about when UND donated the Walsh jerseys.)
Second, related to the first, if you're a Sioux, there's no such thing as a meaningless game. Every time they put on the jersey, they play with pride, the first game of the season, to the rare 3rd place game, to the Frozen Four. I love that, and it does distinguish UND from certain other schools.
Third, related to the first two, the players are aware of the tradition, and respect it. For those of us that have been fans for 30+ years, us old guys, its really refreshing to see the "old-fashioned" values of respecting your elders. There's reasons Hrkac called Duncan to say congrats on the Hobey, and that's a credit to how aware Ryan is of the tradition.
Fourth, I love the fan loyalty. Go to a Sioux game anywhere and I'll guarantee someone else is there wearing a Sioux jersey. Sometimes (Mankato, Denver pre-'03), the visiting fans can get to be as loud as the homies.
I'm sure I'll think of more later, but I'll stop now.