[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 79 (Monday, June 9, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5394-S5395]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            THE 1997 STANLEY CUP CHAMPION DETROIT RED WINGS

  Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to the 1997 
Stanley Cup Champion Detroit Red Wings. Following Saturday night's 2 to 
1 victory in game four of the NHL finals, completing the Wings series 
sweep of the Philadelphia Flyers, the sports world has taken notice of 
what those of us from Michigan have known for years, that Detroit is 
the home of the best hockey team, and the greatest hockey fans, on the 
planet. After a long 42-year absence, the Stanley Cup has returned home 
to Hockeytown USA.
  Sometimes in sports certain teams capture fans' imaginations in a way 
that embodies the spirit of an entire city. The 1984 Tigers were so 
good they dominated the game of baseball from the first pitch of 
opening day through the last out of the World Series. The 1989 Pistons, 
with their gritty, tough style of defensive play were the ultimate blue 
collar champions. So it is also the case of this year.
  The 1997 Red Wings have inspired Detroit in a similar manner. These 
players have experienced recent disappointment. They came so close to 
the title the previous two seasons, eliminated in the finals by New 
Jersey in 1995 and in the semifinals by Colorado in 1996, only to be 
denied. However, where lesser teams would have crumbled under the

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weight of such adversity, this team learned from its losses, and came 
back with even greater determination and focus.
  While I salute the entire Detroit Red Wings' organization for their 
achievement, there are a few individuals in particular who deserve 
special recognition. Capt. Steve Yzerman has brought so many highlights 
to Detroit Red Wings fans over the years, his name clearly deserves 
mention in the same breath as past greats such as Gordie Howe, Ted 
Lindsay, Sid Abel, and Alex Delvecchio. No one has played harder 
through more pain or is more responsible for this Stanley Cup than 
Steve Yzerman. With his unassuming manner off the ice and fierce 
competitiveness on, for 14 years this exceptional man has been a credit 
to the Red Wings and the city of Detroit, and for this, he deserves our 
thanks.
  With this championship, Coach Scotty Bowman has now won seven Stanley 
Cups, more than any other coach in NHL history. Goalie Mike Vernon, 
named MVP of the playoffs, was simply masterful in the net throughout 
the series. Then there are the five Russian immigrant players--Sergei 
Fedorov, Igor Larionov, Slava Kozlov, Slava Fetisov, and Vladmir 
Konstantinov--each of whom played a vital role in the success of this 
team. The Red Wings had so many leaders, such as Brendan Shanahan, Kirk 
Maltby, Darren McCarty, and others, that I am afraid I can't mention 
them all here. Mr. President, virtually everybody's contribution on the 
team should be highlighted today.
  Most important, one final tribute needs to be reserved for team owner 
Mike Illitch. Mr. Illitch's commitment to making the Red Wings the best 
hockey team in the NHL mirrors his dedication to making the city of 
Detroit the finest city in America. His efforts with the Red Wings are 
really just an extension of his care and concern for Detroit. Whatever 
this city has sought, whether it be economic development or the return 
of the Stanley Cup, Mike Illitch has tried to be part of the solution.
  In fact, this championship is only one small indicator of the rebirth 
of Detroit. It has been many years since others have looked to this 
city for inspired examples of urban renewal. Without question, however, 
current developments in Detroit are quickly rendering such negativism a 
thing of the past. Detroit is truly a city whose best days are yet to 
come, and great credit is due to the leadership of individuals like 
Mike Illitch and Mayor Dennis Archer for making this goal a reality.
  For today, as we celebrate the Red Wings we also celebrate the city 
of Detroit. The only thing missing from Saturday night's victory was 
the violence and mischief that so often mars such achievements, a fact 
which should not be overlooked. The eyes of the sporting world were on 
the Detroit Red Wings and their fans this weekend, and what they saw 
was nothing less than positive. The Stanley Cup Champion Red Wings are 
one of brightest lights in a city that has a great deal of which to be 
proud.
  Mr. President, prior game 1 of the finals, I made a friendly wager 
with our colleague Senator Rick Santorum from Pennsylvania, on the 
outcome of the series. Senator Santorum unwisely bet Philadelphia 
Tastykakes.
  Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to display them here at this 
time.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, these Tastykakes were the bet of the 
Senator from Pennsylvania to our Little Caesars pizzas from Detroit. I 
might add that Red Wings' owner Mike Illitch is also the owner of 
Little Caesars. While I now have some bragging rights on the floor of 
the Senate, the real winners will be the students at Warren G. Harding 
Elementary School in Detroit. The kids will soon taste the sweetness of 
the Red Wings success as Senator Santorum ships 300 boxes of these 
Tastykake cupcakes for a victory party at the school in the next week 
or two. And to make it extra special, in a show of true sportsmanship, 
Little Caesars will provide pizzas to the students at Harding as well.
  We look forward to celebrating our victory of the Stanley Cup with 
the students of Harding Elementary School in the weeks ahead.
  I thank you, yield the floor, and suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. ALLARD. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Mr. ALLARD. Mr. President, my understanding is that we are in morning 
business with up to 5 minutes each.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator has up to 10 minutes.

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