[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 86 (Wednesday, June 28, 2006)]
[House]
[Pages H4783-H4786]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CONGRATULATING THE NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE CHAMPIONS, THE CAROLINA 
      HURRICANES, ON THEIR VICTORY IN THE 2006 STANLEY CUP FINALS

  Mrs. SCHMIDT. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to 
the resolution (H. Res. 881) congratulating the National Hockey League 
Champions, the Carolina Hurricanes, on their victory in the 2006 
Stanley Cup Finals.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                              H. Res. 881

       Whereas on Monday, June 19, 2006, in Raleigh, North 
     Carolina, the Carolina Hurricanes won the National Hockey 
     League (NHL) Stanley Cup with a 3-1 victory over the Edmonton 
     Oilers in the decisive seventh game of the championship 
     series;
       Whereas the Edmonton Oilers proved worthy opponents and 
     should be congratulated for a hard-fought Stanley Cup series;
       Whereas the Hurricanes' win marked their first Stanley Cup 
     title in franchise history;
       Whereas the Hurricanes' win marked the first major 
     professional sports championship won by a team from the State 
     of North Carolina;
       Whereas owner Peter Karmanos and general manager Jim 
     Rutherford have created a model franchise, assembling a team 
     that rose

[[Page H4784]]

     from last place three years ago to the pinnacle of its sport 
     today;
       Whereas the Hurricanes were ably led by head coach Peter 
     Laviolette, also the head coach of the 2006 United States 
     Olympic team, and assistant coaches Kevin McCarthy, Jeff 
     Daniels, and Greg Stefan;
       Whereas Hurricanes team members Craig Adams, Kevyn Adams, 
     Anton Babchuk, Rod Brind'Amour, Erik Cole, Mike Commodore, 
     Matt Cullen, Martin Gerber, Bret Hedican, Andrew Hutchinson, 
     Frantisek Kaberle, Andrew Ladd, Chad LaRose, Mark Recchi, 
     Eric Staal, Cory Stillman, Oleg Tverdovsky, Josef Vasicek, 
     Niclas Wallin, Aaron Ward, Cam Ward, Doug Weight, Glen 
     Wesley, Ray Whitney, and Justin Williams are all worthy of 
     praise and admiration for their contributions to the 
     resilient championship team;
       Whereas Cam Ward, the Hurricanes' goalkeeper and a 22-year-
     old rookie, was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most 
     valuable player of the NHL post-season;
       Whereas the Hurricanes' championship run and intense 
     Stanley Cup series have reinvigorated professional hockey 
     following the 2004-2005 lockout and lost season;
       Whereas the Carolina Hurricanes represent a new future for 
     the NHL, introducing hockey to additional regions of the 
     country and creating new fans of the sport's high level of 
     athleticism and competition;
       Whereas the entire Hurricanes organization has contributed 
     considerably to the community it represents, generously 
     donating time and resources to a variety of charitable and 
     educational programs for children throughout the State of 
     North Carolina; and
       Whereas Raleigh, the Triangle region, and all of North 
     Carolina are proud of the accomplishment and dedication of 
     the Carolina Hurricanes' team, organization, and fans: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved,  That the House of Representatives congratulates 
     the National Hockey League Champions, the Carolina 
     Hurricanes, on their victory in the 2006 Stanley Cup Finals.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
Ohio (Mrs. Schmidt) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Ohio.
  Mrs. SCHMIDT. Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as he needs on this 
resolution to the gentleman from the State of North Carolina (Mr. 
Coble).
  Mr. COBLE. I thank the gentlelady from Ohio for yielding.
  Mr. Speaker, I inevitably and innocently likely will omit some 
cities. But when I think hockey I think Boston, New York, Philadelphia, 
Washington, Pittsburgh, Detroit, Chicago, and, of course, the entire 
country of Canada.
  So how do we explain the success of the Carolina Hurricanes?
  Two weeks ago, I asked my good friend, Congressman Ed Markey, the 
distinguished gentleman from Massachusetts, his thoughts about our 
Hurricanes. In this tone of voice, he replied, ``unbelievable.''
  But I say to Ed and all others who reside beyond the confines of 
Tobacco Road, very believable today as the revered Stanley cup is 
proudly displayed in North Carolina.
  And what an exciting Stanley cup series. The Edmonton Oilers regular 
season record was not that impressive. But the Oilers play-off record 
was impressive indeed. And the final seven games, Mr. Speaker, were 
exercises in international diplomacy as the Oiler fans and the 
Hurricane fans enthusiastically sang Oh Canada and the Star Spangled 
Banner with obvious pride prior to the commencement of each match.
  Carolina hockey came to be known as redneck hockey, and our fans were 
superb.
  I know virtually knowing nothing about hockey, Mr. Speaker, but I 
have become a full-fledged hockey fan. Strike that. I have become a 
full-fledged redneck hockey fan.

                              {time}  2315

  Last evening and today I met with Canadian friends who were visiting 
Washington, and Mr. Price, I say to you that they said for us not to 
become too comfortable with that Stanley Cup. My Canadian friends said 
that cup is destined to go north.
  Finally, Mr. Speaker, I would be remiss if I failed to acknowledge 
that the Hurricanes' outstanding goalie is an Edmontonian. So it is all 
in the family. I may drive 95 miles next year, Mr. Speaker, just to see 
a match or a game, whatever it is called, but meanwhile, best wishes 
and congratulations to the Carolina Hurricanes 2006 Stanley Cup 
champions.
  And I thank the gentlewoman for yielding.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield 3 
minutes to one of the proud sons of North Carolina and a sponsor of 
this legislation, Representative David Price.
  (Mr. PRICE of North Carolina asked and was given permission to revise 
and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. PRICE of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I, too, rise to honor the 
Carolina Hurricanes, the proud winners of an outstanding seven-game 
Stanley Cup series with the Edmonton Oilers.
  You know, the skeptics said that hockey would never work in North 
Carolina. Who would ever watch this northern sport in a southern city? 
Even if some small crowd showed up, could they even follow the rules of 
the game? Some doubted we could put ice to any purpose beyond cooling 
sweet tea.
  Well, I stand here this evening to report that those early skeptics 
were wrong. Hockey has found a welcome home along Tobacco Road. 
Although I represent a constituency that I have to admit is more 
familiar with Tar Heels and Blue Devils, and the Wolfpack, we North 
Carolinians have found another winter sport in which to place our 
pride. We are proud of the Hurricanes and the Stanley Cup they have 
brought to our State.
  We are proud of Cam Ward, the 22-year-old rookie goalkeeper who was 
recognized as the post-season most valuable player. Also veterans like 
Rod Brind'Amour, Glen Wesley, and Bret Hedican, who played a combined 
49 NHL seasons before winning the Stanley Cup. We celebrate every team 
member as well as Coach Peter Laviolette and the rest of the 
Hurricanes' management and staff.
  We are proud of the newfound energy and excitement that the 
Hurricanes have brought to their sport following that 2004-2005 lockout 
and the lost season. The thrilling championship run gave fans 
everywhere a chance and a reason to celebrate hockey again while also 
introducing many to the sport for the first time.
  We are proud of how this team gives back to the community, generously 
donating time and resources to several charitable organizations across 
the State. The Hurricanes' Kids 'n Community Foundation serves my 
district by funding scholarships and youth sports and the arts and 
educational and children's health programs.
  And of course, we are proud of the first major professional sports 
championship won by a team from North Carolina. This team's outstanding 
achievement and the dedication of their loyal fans have electrified 
Raleigh and the Triangle and our entire State.
  So as the proud Representative of their home district, I offer my 
congratulations to the Carolina Hurricanes, winner of the Stanley Cup 
and the 2006 National Hockey League Champions. Go Canes.
  Mrs. SCHMIDT. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 881, offered by the distinguished 
gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Price), congratulates the National 
Hockey League Champions, the Carolina Hurricanes, on their victory in 
the 2006 Stanley Cup Finals.
  On their way to their second Stanley Cup appearance in four seasons, 
the Hurricanes notched an impressive 55-22-8 regular season record, 
second best in the Eastern Conference. Carolina boasted the best home 
record in the league, experiencing record crowds at the RBC Center, the 
loudest house in the NHL. Four Carolina players recorded 30 goal 
seasons, led by emerging superstar Eric Staal, who finished seventh in 
the NHL with 100 points. As for the team's last line of defense, Martin 
Gerber set a franchise record for goaltender wins in a season.
  The team's depth was instrumental as well as their success was a 
testament to the character of its players and the ``whatever it takes'' 
mentality that permeated the locker room. Rookies and all-stars lined 
up side by side, playing key roles in the Hurricanes' run to 
respectability. Through the myriad of injuries, General Manager Jim 
Rutherford and Head Coach Peter Laviolette mixed and matched players as 
well as lines and pairings, shocking the Hockey Nation as Carolina 
stayed atop the Southeast Division standings. Knocking off the Montreal 
Canadiens, the New Jersey Devils, and Buffalo Sabres along the way, the 
Hurricanes returned home to beat the Edmonton Oilers with a score of 3-
1 and claimed the

[[Page H4785]]

first NHL championship in their franchise history.
  I urge all Members to come together and commend the hard work and 
perseverance of the Carolina Hurricanes by adopting House Resolution 
881.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, it is now my pleasure to yield 3 
minutes to another favorite son of North Carolina, who probably didn't 
play much hockey but who in all likelihood delighted many North 
Carolinians on the basketball court, Representative Bob Etheridge.
  Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues from North Carolina 
in congratulating the Carolina Hurricanes on winning the Stanley Cup.
  And, yes, Mr. Davis, I did not play any hockey and know very little 
about the rules. I played with a much bigger ball, one that bounced a 
little bit rather than one that slides.
  As has already been stated, in an exciting seven-game series, the 
Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Edmonton Oilers to win the Stanley 
Cup. And as has been stated, the win is truly unprecedented for North 
Carolina. Not only is it the first time the Hurricanes have won the 
Stanley Cup, but it really is the first time that any professional 
sports team from North Carolina has won a championship.
  North Carolinians are not only proud of how well the Canes played on 
the ice, we are proud of their sportsmanship that they displayed 
throughout the playoffs and really throughout the season. The Canes 
truly are a class act, and North Carolinians are proud to call them our 
own.
  They give back to the community. It is amazing on Saturdays to see 
the number of young children grabbing their hockey sticks and going out 
to practice, and the Canes help with that.
  Mr. Speaker, let the record show that hockey is here to stay in North 
Carolina. In less than a decade, in 1997, when the Hartford Whalers 
relocated to North Carolina, many of our northern friends questioned 
whether our fine southern State could support a hockey team. Well, Mr. 
Speaker, we sure proved that we could. Not only did the Carolina 
Hurricanes win the Stanley Cup, but we sold out every single game of 
the playoffs. Hockey is right up there with barbecue and beach music in 
terms of popularity in the Old North State. North Carolinians are proud 
of our Hurricanes, and as you have already heard, we cannot wait until 
next season.
  Mrs. SCHMIDT. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I 
reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield 3 
minutes to another son of North Carolina, Representative Mike McIntyre.
  Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House 
Resolution 881, legislation congratulating the new National Hockey 
League Champions, the Carolina Hurricanes. Many thanks to my colleague, 
Mr. Price, for introducing this bill.
  The 2006 Stanley Cup champions exemplify the qualities of a true 
team: dedication, determination, perseverance and professionalism; 
dedication to the pursuit of victory, determination to get the job 
done, perseverance never to stop, and the professionalism to play 
fairly and with honor and dignity.
  Both the Hurricanes and their worthy opponents, the Edmonton Oilers, 
displayed in these Stanley Cup Finals exactly what hockey should be: 
energy and enthusiasm and excellence. The veteran leadership of Rod 
Brind'Amour, the youth and vigor of Erik Staal, the unexpected return 
of Eric Cole, and the rising talent of Cam Ward led the Hurricanes to 
capturing their first title in history.
  And what a thrilling series in the Stanley Cup Finals. From the 
dramatic come-from-behind victory in the opening game through the final 
moments of a tense thriller in the last game. This was not just a win 
for the Hurricanes but also a great victory for all of North Carolina. 
Our State's first major league sports championship came in an 
unexpected form in a region known for its basketball. Hockey has found 
a home in the south, and the Carolina Hurricanes are here to stay. And 
their charity is also exemplified by Mike Commodore, who allowed his 
curly hair and beard to be clipped and shaved by fans who gave almost 
$15,000 for cancer research, which was done through the Jimmy V 
Celebrity Junior Golf Classic.
  Throughout the years, the Stanley Cup has had the names of many of 
hockey's greats etched into its history, and today the U.S. House of 
Representatives congratulates the Carolina Hurricanes for joining this 
elite group.
  This newspaper headline from a special edition of the Raleigh News & 
Observer says it all, that the ``Canes Reign.'' And, indeed, it has 
been a season of memories and one for the history books and one that we 
all look forward to having many more moments of Hurricane success. I 
say congratulations to the Carolina Hurricanes.
  Mrs. SCHMIDT. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume to close.
  I had the good fortune on this past Saturday night to run into and 
spend some time with Dr. John Hope Franklin, one of the legendary 
historians of our time. And, of course, he, too, was talking about 
hockey, I think, which sort of is an indication of how widespread 
interest there is and it has become relative to North Carolina's 
winning the Stanley Cup.
  You see, Mr. Speaker, the Stanley Cup is a trophy awarded to the 
winners of the annual National Hockey League playoffs. It is one of the 
most recognized symbols in North American sports, and it is at the 
center of several legends and superstitions. The Stanley Cup is treated 
like royalty, attended to by full-time chaperones who wear white gloves 
to carry it.
  Unlike the trophies awarded by the other three major professional 
sports leagues of North America, the Stanley Cup is never kept. The 
Stanley Cup winners keep it for only 1 year unless they repeat as 
league champions. It is also the only trophy in professional sports 
that has the name of every member of the winning team engraved upon it.
  The Carolina Hurricanes, based in Raleigh, North Carolina, will have 
the honor of keeping the Stanley Cup for the next year. The franchise 
won its first Stanley Cup title in its 26 years in existence using 
grit, togetherness and a rookie goalie who unexpectedly carried his 
team on the ride of their lives. The Carolina Hurricanes did what most 
deemed impossible when the season started; they won the Stanley Cup in 
a game seven showdown against Canadian hockey royalty. The Hurricanes 
worked hard for home ice all season, and it paid off when 22-year-old 
Cam Ward turned back the Edmonton Oilers 3-1 to win the Conn Smythe 
trophy as the post-season's most valuable player.

                              {time}  2330

  The Carolina Hurricanes are the second consecutive Southeast Division 
team to defeat a Northwest Division team in post-season play. The Tampa 
Bay Lightning during the 2003-2004 season, like the Hurricanes, 
defeated a team from the Northwest Division.
  Congratulations to the players, coaches and North Carolina for 
winning the Stanley Cup. I know that Representative Brad Miller had 
intended to be here to also add his congratulations, so on his behalf, 
and not only on behalf of all North Carolinians, but on behalf of all 
of us in America, we congratulate this outstanding franchise for a job 
well done.
  I urge passage.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mrs. SCHMIDT. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, it is obvious that the hometown pride has been well 
received with the Hurricanes. At the beginning of the season, they 
dreamed the impossible dream, and they captured it. I believe that we 
as this body deserve no less than to recognize them for their effort.
  I urge all Members to support the adoption of House Resolution 881.
  Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
congratulate the winners of this year's National Hockey League 
Championship--the Carolina Hurricanes.
  The team's Stanley Cup victory last Monday night ended a seven-game 
championship series versus the Edmonton Oilers, and wrapped up a 
fantastic season with North Carolina's first major professional sports 
title.
  I congratulate Hurricanes owner Peter Karmanos, general manager Jim 
Rutherford,

[[Page H4786]]

coach Peter Laviolette, team captain Rod Brind'Amour and all of the 
team's players, veterans and rookies alike, on their hard-earned 
success.
  The team's 3-1 win in Game 7 of this year's Stanley Cup finals was 
proof that hard work pays off.
  After years of losses and the trials involved in the team's move to 
North Carolina, the Hurricanes have conquered the world of hockey by 
winning the most famous trophy in the world of sports.
  Despite hockey's short history in our region and sparse crowds in the 
team's early years on the ice, I have been amazed at how lovingly the 
people of North Carolina have embraced the former Hartford Whalers once 
they became the Hurricanes and owner Peter Karmanos moved the team to 
our state in 1997.
  I am amazed that so many people in eastern North Carolina, who, like 
me, were not familiar with the sport of hockey, have grown to love the 
sport because of the Hurricanes.
  Even in the town where I live, 68 miles East of Raleigh, I see 
countless cars flying the Hurricanes flag throughout the hockey season.
  North Carolina residents, well-known fans of college basketball and 
NASCAR, have warmly embraced the sport of hockey by catching Hurricanes 
fever.
  These athletes have become an integral part of their communities by 
actively involving themselves in the communities where they live.
  For this, they have gained the respect and admiration of their North 
Carolina neighbors and fans.
  When I go to a game, I am always so impressed by how many families I 
see cheering together for the Hurricanes, who we have welcomed into our 
communities and into the North Carolina family.
  Their hard work, talent, and teamwork have been an incredible gift to 
loyal fans across the state.
  There is a saying that a successful team beats with one heart.
  Now, Mr. Speaker, with the team's Stanley Cup victory, it is without 
a doubt that the Carolina Hurricanes beat with one heart--the heart of 
a champion.
  I am proud that the Hurricanes call North Carolina home and I 
congratulate their hard-earned success.
  Mrs. SCHMIDT. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentlewoman from Ohio (Mrs. Schmidt) that the House suspend the rules 
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 883.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________