[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 85 (Friday, June 18, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S7059]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
COMMENDING NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING
Mr. McCONNELL. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the
Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of S. Res. 383 introduced
earlier today by Senators Nelson of Florida and Graham of Florida.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the resolution by title.
The assistant legislative clerk read as follows:
A resolution (S. Res. 383) commending the National Hockey
League Tampa Bay Lightning for winning the 2004 Stanley Cup
Championship.
There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the
resolution.
Mr. NELSON of Florida. Madam President, Senator Graham of Florida and
myself congratulate the Tampa Bay Lightning for winning the 2004
National Hockey League Stanley Cup Championship.
In only its 12th year as a team, the Tampa Bay Lightning has reached
the pinnacle of hockey for the first time in its existence. The past 12
years have been rather difficult for the team and it has undergone
turbulent changes. In the history of the Lightning, not only have there
been three ownership groups, but there have also been five coaches and
four general managers. To top it all off, just 3 years ago the team
finished last in the league.
However, due to their determination, resilience, and tenacity the
Lightning has accomplished what National Hockey League teams all over
the country strive to achieve. While all National Hockey League teams
start the season with the Lord Stanley's Cup in mind, only one gets the
privilege of gaining such an honor.
As hockey fans looked at this year's National Hockey League Season,
it was obvious that the Lightning was the underdog and few people
considered the team a contender because of the numerous changes and
setbacks. However, the Lightning believed in itself and was full of
determination. A wise person once said: Anything the mind can perceive,
and the heart can believe, one can achieve. The Lightning has taken
this to heart, and it makes me proud to say that Lightning has struck
in the Tampa Bay Area.
Under the leadership of head coach John Tortorella, who has just
become only the third American-born coach to ever win the Stanley Cup,
the Lightning deserves to be commended. Throughout the season, all of
the players, coaches, managers, and fans have taught the Nation a
valuable lesson, in any equation for success, there are three factors:
determination, drive, and tenacity. I offer congratulations to all
members of the Tampa Bay Lightning, their families, and their fans
throughout the State of Florida.
Mr. McCONNELL. I ask unanimous consent that the resolution and
preamble be agreed to en bloc, the motion to reconsider be laid upon
the table, with no intervening action or debate, and that any
statements related to the resolution be printed in the Record.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
The resolution (S. Res. 383) was agreed to.
The preamble was agreed to.
The resolution, with its preamble, reads as follows:
S. Res. 383
Whereas on Monday, June 7, 2004, the National Hockey League
Tampa Bay Lightning team won the Stanley Cup, becoming the
second team in 30 years to overcome a 3-2 deficit in the
National Hockey League finals to win Lord Stanley's Cup;
Whereas the Tampa Bay Lightning entered the Eastern
Conference of the National Hockey League in 1992;
Whereas the Tampa Bay Lightning is the 86th National Hockey
League team to win the Stanley Cup;
Whereas coach John Tortorella has become the third
American-born coach to win the Stanley Cup;
Whereas left wing Dave Andreychuk has played for and won
his first career Stanley Cup during a 22-year career after
playing a record 1,758 games and 162 playoff games;
Whereas center Brad Richards was awarded the Conn Smythe
2004 National Hockey League Playoff MVP Trophy for finishing
the playoffs with 12 goals, including a National Hockey
League record of 7 game-winners, and 14 assists in 23 games;
Whereas Brad Richards led the league in playoff scoring
with 26 points and scored 2 power-play goals in Game 6 of the
finals, making Game 7 necessary;
Whereas left wing Fredrik Modin served to assist in 1 of
Brad Richards's 2 goals in Game 6;
Whereas left wing Ruslan Fedotenko suffered a head injury
in Game 3, missed Game 4, returned for Game 5, and scored 2
goals in Game 7, including the game-winning goal;
Whereas right wing Martin St. Louis, winner of the Art Ross
Trophy, awarded to the player who leads the National Hockey
League in scoring points at the end of the regular season,
has made significant contributions to the team;
Whereas goalie Nikolai Khabibulin, a 2-time National Hockey
League All-Star, has earned the nickname ``The Bulrn Wall''
because of his blockage of countless shots; and
Whereas the Tampa Bay Lightning, in its 12-year history,
has overcome great odds, including 3 ownership groups, 5
coaches, 4 general managers, and being last in the league
just 3 years ago: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) commends the Tampa Bay Lightning National Hockey League
team for winning the 2004 Stanley Cup;
(2) recognizes the achievements of all the players,
coaches, and support staff who were instrumental in assisting
the team to win the Stanley Cup and invites them to the
United States Capitol Building to be honored; and
(3) directs the Secretary of the Senate to transmit 1
enrolled copy of this resolution to the owner, and 1 enrolled
copy of this resolution to the coach, of the 2004 National
Hockey League champions, the Tampa Bay Lightning.
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