[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 106 (Tuesday, June 27, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S9195]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


 CONGRATULATING THE NEW JERSEY DEVILS FOR WINNING 1995 NHL STANLEY CUP

  Mr. SARBANES. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate 
proceed to the immediate consideration of Senate Resolution 142, a 
resolution to congratulate the New Jersey Devils for winning the 1995 
NHL Stanley Cup, a resolution submitted earlier today by Senators 
Lautenberg and Bradley; that the resolution and preamble be agreed to, 
en bloc, and the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table, and that 
any statements appear in the Record as if read.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  So the resolution (S. Res. 142) was agreed to.
  The preamble was agreed to.
  The resolution, with its preamble, is as follows:
                              S. Res. 142

       Whereas on October 5, 1982, the New Jersey Devils played 
     their first National Hockey League game in New Jersey, 
     embarking on a quest for the Stanley Cup which was satisfied 
     13 years later;
       Whereas the Devils epitomize New Jersey pride with their 
     heart, stamina, and drive and thus have become a part of New 
     Jersey culture;
       Whereas the New Jersey Devils won 10 games on the road 
     during the Stanley Cup playoffs, thus demolishing the 
     previous record;
       Whereas the Devils have implemented an ingenious system 
     known as the ``trap'' that was designed by head coach Jacques 
     Lemaire which constantly stifled and frustrated their 
     opponents;
       Whereas Conn Smythe trophy winner Claude Lemieux led the 
     league with 13 playoff goals, three of which were game-
     winners, and goalie Martin Brodeur led the league with a 1.67 
     goals-against average during the playoffs;
       Whereas the New Jersey hockey fans are the best fans in the 
     nation and deserve commendation for helping build the team 
     into championship caliber and for supporting the Devils 
     during their drive for the Stanley Cup;
       Whereas the New Jersey Devils during the playoffs beat 
     Boston, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and in the finals swept the 
     heavily favored Detroit Red Wings in four games giving the 
     state of New Jersey its first-ever championship for a major 
     league team officially bearing the state's name: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate congratulates the New Jersey 
     Devils for their outstanding discipline, determination, 
     emotion, and ingenuity, in winning the 1995 NHL Stanley Cup.

  Mr. LAUTENBERG. Mr. President, I stand here proud of the New Jersey 
Devils' accomplishment in winning hockey's most treasured prize, the 
Stanley Cup. I congratulate the players and their coaches for an 
inspiring series with four straight victories over the Detroit Red 
Wings.
  This capped an impressive string of playoff victories over Boston, 
Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia--victories that resulted in the Devils 
bringing the Stanley Cup to my home State for the first time in 
history. It is the first time in history that a national professional 
championship was won by a team with ``New Jersey'' in its name.
  Mr. President, it took a great deal of determination, courage, drive, 
and discipline--and no small amount of prayer on the part of fervent 
fans--for the Devils to bring this cup home.
  And they did this despite the fact that no one thought they could win 
it. Not when the playoffs started. Not when they reached the finals. No 
one gave them a chance against the Red Wings.
  But, under the guidance of Head Coach Jacques Lemaire and with the 
great help of Claude Lemieux, the Cup's Most Valuable Player, and 
Martin Brodeur, the Devils demonstrated everything great about New 
Jerseyans--we have the heart, the drive, and the stamina to do it when 
we have to.
  I will take a moment to mention other outstanding Devils players--Ken 
Daneyko, Bruce Driver, and John MacLean who have each been with the 
Devils since 1983 and have helped start the team's long journey to the 
top. Also we must commend Jim Dowd, a New Jersey native hailing from 
the town of Brick, who scored the winning goal in game two.
  Mr. President, anyone who has been in New Jersey knows that the 
Devils--like our shoreline--are an integral part of our culture. And I, 
along with 8 million other New Jerseyans look forward to seeing them 
defend their cup title in the Byrne Arena next year and the year after 
as well.
  Once again, I would like to congratulate them on their remarkable 
accomplishment, and to thank them for the hard fight they fought to 
bring the Stanley Cup to the great State of New Jersey.


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