[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 111 (Tuesday, July 27, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1430-E1431]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         RECOGNIZING USA HOCKEY

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                           HON. MIKE QUIGLEY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 27, 2010

  Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of USA Hockey 
and their support of disabled hockey programs. USA Hockey has proven 
that hockey truly is for everyone, and their efforts to share the 
wonderful game of hockey should be commended.
  USA Hockey supports four disciplines of disabled hockey, all serving 
players both young and old. This includes Standing/Amputee hockey, 
Deaf/Hard of Hearing hockey, Sled hockey, and Special hockey. These 
groups provide unique practices that enable the players to reconnect 
with a sport they love. For example, Deaf/Hard of Hearing hockey 
incorporates a special lighting system and allows coaches and players 
to communicate through sign language, lip-reading and interpreters. And 
Sled hockey provides paraplegics with the opportunity to enjoy the 
sport by using specially designed sleds on the ice.
  USA Hockey also proudly supports the USA Warriors Ice Hockey Program, 
providing wounded United States Military Personnel with therapeutic and 
recreational opportunities to play hockey. This program focuses on 
integrating disabled and non-disabled players in order to build self 
confidence and assist disabled veterans to reconnect with the 
activities they were involved with prior to their disability. While I 
can't begin to comprehend all that these brave veterans have 
experienced and what they've done in service to our nation, I can 
understand why they still want to play hockey.
  I believe that hockey is a tremendous game that teaches its players 
the value of hard work, discipline, and the benefit of playing as a 
team. Through the support of USA Hockey,

[[Page E1431]]

thousands of disabled participants of all ages are able to learn these 
important lessons that will help them be successful both on and off the 
ice.

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