[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 5 (Thursday, January 9, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Page S220]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                        HOCKEY WEEK IN FAIRBANKS

 Mr. BEGICH. Mr. President, I wish to recognize Hockey Week in 
Fairbanks, a terrific annual celebration that takes place every winter. 
It has become so popular it will run for 10 days, from January 31 to 
February 9, 2014. During our long Alaskan winters, we welcome 
entertainment that celebrations like this offer and the outdoor and 
indoor activity that hockey represents.
  Ice hockey has long been a popular sport all over Alaska, with 
leagues that run all year for players of all age groups. Due to the 
commitment and interest of players, coaches, and boosters, a Fairbanks 
Hockey Hall of Fame was established to honor those who helped develop 
the sport in Interior Alaska. Because of the foresight and enthusiasm 
of the hall's board, they also sponsor hockey week.
  The activities during 2014 hockey week are varied. There is the 
popular ``Wear Your Jersey to School Day,'' tournaments for youth, puck 
shooting, a contest for the best backyard rink, ice sculptures with 
hockey themes, and much more. Typical of the civic spirit of the 
organizers and partisans, they sponsor reading programs in elementary 
schools and conduct blood donation drives as well, during the week.
  This year, the organizers have attracted a major exhibit. The 
outreach program of the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto will send 
artifacts from its collection to be on display in Fairbanks and, later, 
in Anchorage. Fans will see jerseys, sticks, skates, and many other 
items belonging to some of the greats who have played professionally.
  Each year, the celebration seems to top the previous year's. One of 
the reasons it does is because of the major force behind the event: 
Randy Zarnke, the president of the Fairbanks Hockey Hall of Fame. The 
year after he wrote a book about Fairbanks hockey pioneers in 2005, he 
started this remarkable celebration. I am happy to add my thanks for 
his leadership.

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