[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 85 (Thursday, June 29, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1156]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                         TRIBUTE TO ADAM GRAVES

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 28, 2000

  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call to your attention the 
exploits of a remarkable athlete and humanitarian, Adam Graves of 
Tucumseh, Ontario, Canada. On Wednesday, June 14, 2000, he was feted at 
the Brownstone House in Paterson, NJ, because of his selfless 
dedication to the community and children by the Boys & Girls Club of 
Passaic, NJ, at the Annual Sportsman of the Year Dinner. It is only 
fitting that Adam be honored, for he has a long history of caring, 
generosity and commitment to others.
  The road to Adam's professional career took him through the minor 
leagues. He made his AHL debut in the 1987 playoffs. In 1989, he helped 
Adirondack win the Calder Cup and notched 11 goals and 7 assists.
  In an All-Star Junior career, Adam totaled 100 goals and 124 assists 
in two and a half seasons with Windsor of the OHL. He led the team in 
playoff goals in all three seasons. Adam also captained the Spitfires 
to the OHL Championship in 1988. In addition, he led the OHL in playoff 
scoring with 32 points.
  Adam Graves also has a stellar international record. As a member of 
the Gold Medal-winning Canadian Junior team at the World Junior 
Championships in 1988, he notched five goals. He also served as captain 
of Team Canada at the 1993 World Championships in Munich, Germany, 
tallying six points. Additionally, he garnered seven points 
representing Team Canada at the 1999 World Championships in Norway.
  Selected by the Detroit Red Wings in the second round, Adam was the 
22nd overall pick of the 1986 NHL Entry Draft. After 3 years he was 
traded to the Edmonton Oilers, where he helped the team win the Stanley 
Cup. Adam was signed by the New York Rangers as a free agent on 
September 2, 1991, and clinched his second Stanley Cup in 1994.
  In total, Adam has appeared in 907 career NHL games, registered 293 
goals and 248 assists for 541 points, along with 61 post-season points. 
He played in his first NHL All-Star Game on January 22, 1994, at 
Madison Square Garden in New York.
  Born April 12, in Toronto, Ontario, Adam Graves wears number nine on 
the New York Rangers. He plays left wing, is 6 feet tall and weights 
205 pounds. His teammates often call him ``Gravy.'' Interestingly, in 
1998, he appeared in an episode of ``Spin City'' starring Michael J. 
Fox. Adam also captured the ``Good Guy'' award, presented by the New 
York chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association, for 
cooperation with the media. In addition, he is a four-time winner of 
the ``Players' Player'' award, given annually to the best ``team 
player'' as voted by the players.
  As a concerned member of the community, Adam serves as a celebrity 
chairman for Family Dynamics, a New York City child abuse agency. He 
helped raise more than $80,000 at the agency's annual Family Dynamics 
event. ``Gravy'' makes several appearances with many charitable 
organizations during the season, including the annual Toys for Tots 
collection during the holiday season. He was the recipient of the 
``Crumb Bum'' award in 1992-1993 for his work with New York youngsters. 
Along with four other professional athletes, he was awarded the USA 
Weekend ``Most Caring Athlete'' Award for his charitable efforts and 
community service.
  Over the years, Adam has made a significant impact in the NHL and 
beyond through his commitment to charity. He is a four-time winner of 
the Steven McDonald Award, given to the Rangers player who ``goes above 
and beyond the call of duty,'' as voted by the fans. In 1993-1994, he 
received the NHL's prestigious King Clancy Memorial Trophy. This award 
is given to a player that best exemplifies leadership on and off the 
ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution in his 
community. He is the first Rangers player to be so honored.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues, Adam's family and 
friends, the Boys & Girls Club of Passaic, the New York Rangers, the 
National Hockey League and me in recognizing the outstanding and 
invaluable service to the community of Adam Graves.

                          ____________________