[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 124 (Monday, July 24, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1040]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING THE DEAF NATIONAL HOCKEY TEAM

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. PETER J. ROSKAM

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 24, 2017

  Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today in recognition of 
the Illinois members of the men's and women's U.S. National Deaf Ice 
Hockey Team. Both teams competed in the 2017 World Deaf Ice Hockey 
Championships in April.
   Members of the women's team from Illinois, Maddie Gagliano and 
Hannah Garcia, tried out for the U.S. National Women's Deaf Ice Hockey 
team in March and were selected along with 15 other girls to play 
against Team Canada. The U.S. team ended up losing two hard fought 
games to Team Canada and although the team has disbanded for now, head 
coach Jackie McMullin believes Maddie and Hannah have plenty of 
opportunities to play the game they love.
   Max Finley, Ryne Kruger, and Derek Struwing are all Illinois 
residents who participated for team U.S. in this year's championships. 
The tournament was held April 19-29, with teams from Canada, Finland, 
Czech Republic, Kazakhstan and the United States participating. The 
U.S. men's team finished first in the competition and won the gold 
medal in a thrilling 6-3 win against Team Canada. This important 
victory marked the first time the United States has won gold at the 
World Deaf Hockey Championships.
   Maddie, Hannah, Max, Ryne and Derek's participation in the U.S. 
National Deaf Ice Hockey Championships is truly inspirational. I know I 
speak for the entire state of Illinois and the country when I say 
congratulations and that we are all proud of them.
   Mr. Speaker and distinguished colleagues, please join me in honoring 
the Men's and Women's U.S. National Deaf Ice Hockey teams.

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