[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 42 (Friday, March 9, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E291-E292]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             RECOGNIZING HOCKEY'S DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOHN KATKO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 9, 2018

  Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a member of the Congressional 
Hockey Caucus, and as an avid fan of the game, to recognize hockey's 
Declaration of Principles.
  Those who love hockey know that it requires teamwork and 
perseverance, instills integrity and a sense of humility, strengthens 
character and brings communities together. On September 6th, 2017, the 
National Hockey League and the National Hockey League Players' 
Association issued a joint statement signaling the end to a two-year 
discussion between seventeen major worldwide hockey organizations 
including: American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA); American 
Hockey League (AHL); Canadian Hockey League (CHL); Canadian Junior 
Hockey League (CJHL); Canadian Women's Hockey League (CWHL); College 
Hockey Inc.; ECHL; Hockey Canada; International Ice Hockey Federation 
(IIHF); National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA); National 
Women's Hockey League (NWHL); North American Hockey League (NAHL); U 
SPORTS; United States Hockey League (USHL); and USA Hockey.
  As part of the group's reaffirmation to the game, these seventeen 
hockey organizations have collectively issued a set of eight key 
principles--the Declaration of Principles--aimed at rededicating the 
game at every level to the group's core values and beliefs. The 
Principles are meant to serve as an internal compass to help guide 
decisions and shift behaviors of hockey organizations, as well as 
players, parents, coaches, fans, partners and all those who represent 
and care for the sport of hockey.
  These Principles are:
  1. Hockey should be an enjoyable family experience; all 
stakeholders--organizations, players, parents, siblings, coaches, 
referees, volunteers and rink operators--play a role in this effort.
  2. Hockey's greatest value is the role it plays in the development of 
character and life skills.

[[Page E292]]

  3. All hockey organizations--regardless of size or level of 
competition--bring value to players and families in their ability to 
deliver a positive family experience.
  4. Physical activity is important for a healthy body, mind and 
spirit.
  5. There are significant benefits of youth participation in multiple 
sports.
  6. Hockey programs should be age-appropriate for all players, 
accounting for each individual's physical, emotional and cognitive 
development.
  7. There is great value in all forms of hockey, both on and off the 
ice.
  8. All hockey programs should provide a safe, positive and inclusive 
environment for players and families regardless of race, color, 
religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation 
and socio-economic status. Simply put, hockey is for everyone.
  This set of principles serve as a powerful platform for participants 
to build character, foster positive values and develop important life 
skills that transcend the game. Moving forward, the adoption of this 
declaration of principles will advance policies, programs and 
initiatives, while inspiring fans, players and communities to create 
the best possible experience for the entire hockey community.
  It is my distinct honor to recognize hockey's Declaration of 
Principles, and thank the National Hockey League, National Hockey 
League Players' Association, and all groups involved in this 
declaration for their continued dedication to the improvement of 
Hockey, and by extension the lives of millions of Americans who watch, 
play, and love the sport.

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