[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 30 (Wednesday, March 18, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S2232]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        TRIBUTE TO THE 1998 U.S. WOMEN'S OLYMPIC ICE HOCKEY TEAM

 Mr. GREGG. Mr. President, I rise to commend the United States 
Women's Ice Hockey Team for its outstanding gold medal achievement 
during the 1998 Winter Games in Nagano, Japan. A proud America 
witnessed the outstanding teamwork and determination exhibited by the 
team in going undefeated and winning the gold medal in the inaugural 
women's Olympic ice hockey competition. New Hampshire is especially 
proud of three young women from our state who contributed to the 
success of the U.S. team: Tara Mounsey of Concord, Katie King of Salem, 
and Tricia Dunn of Derry.
  Just nine years ago, the U.S. women's ice hockey program did not even 
exist. Now, U.S. women's ice hockey is the best in the world, and the 
team's youngest player, Angela Ruggiero, is off to college with an 
Olympic gold medal and some memories to cherish for a lifetime.
  Leading up to Olympic competition, everyone knew Canada was the 
favorite, having a slight edge in winning seven of thirteen previous 
meetings between the U.S. and Canada. As the record shows, however, the 
United States was not far behind and was underrated by the 
international competition.
  A thrilling comeback in the first game of the round robin grabbed the 
nation's attention and showed that this team could overcome adversity 
and win against a powerful team from Canada, by scoring six goals in 
the last ten minutes to prevail 7-4.
  The team just didn't quit although they were down 4-1 with only ten 
minutes to play. Much like forward Katie King who refused to quit after 
she was rejected from the U.S. national team during sophomore year in 
college three years ago and much like defensive player Tara Mounsey, 
who refused to hang up her skates after she sprained her knee just two 
weeks before the Olympics. This team persevered and worked hard until 
it was successful. These young women represent America's commitment to 
hard work and self-sacrifice, and they inspired us with their 
performance both on and off the ice.
  After coming back to defeat Canada, the U.S. team's confidence 
swelled and they swept away the opposition, beating Japan twice, China 
5-0, Sweden 7-1, Finland 4-2, and Canada 3-1 in the gold medal game.
  Team star Tara Mounsey has just celebrated her 20th birthday and her 
New Hampshire teammates Katie King and Tricia Dunn have all joined in 
the festivities surrounding their Olympic victory, including a 
celebration at the Statehouse in Concord.
  As a United States Senator from New Hampshire, I wanted to pay 
tribute to the U.S. Women's Ice Hockey Team and give special mention to 
three ladies from New Hampshire who made us so proud of them at the 
Olympics.
  I congratulate all of the members of the 1998 United States Women's 
Olympic Ice Hockey Team: Goaltenders Sara DeCosta and Sarah Tueting; 
Defensive players: Tara Mounsey, Angela Ruggiero, Colleen Coyne, Sue 
Merz, Vicki Movessian, and Chris Bailey; Forwards Lisa Brown-Miller, 
Karen Bye, Laurie Baker, Sandra Whyte, A.J. Mleczko, Jenny Schmidgall, 
Shelley Looney, Alana Blahoski, Katie King, Team Captain Cammi Granato, 
Gretchen Ulion, and Tricia Dunn; Head Coach Ben Smith, Assistant Coach 
Tom Mutch and Team Leader Amie Hilles. Ladies and coaches, we salute 
you and wish you well in your future endeavors.

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