[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 9]
[Senate]
[Page 12622]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                    TRIBUTE TO THE PROVIDENCE BRUINS

 Mr. REED. Mr. President, for the first time since the 
America's Cup left Newport for Fremantle in 1983, Rhode Island is home 
to a championship trophy. With a 5-1 victory over the Rochester 
Americans last night, the Providence Bruins won the esteemed Calder Cup 
as the 1999 Champions of the American Hockey League. The P-Bruins have 
won the hearts of sports fans in Rhode Island since professional hockey 
returned to the state in 1992 after a 16-year hiatus.
  But this victory was much deserved for a team that truly turned 
itself around. In winning the Calder Cup, the 1999 Providence Bruins 
became one of only four teams in AHL history to have gone from last 
place to first in one season. Under the able leadership of Coach Peter 
Laviolette and assistant Bill Armstrong, the Providence Bruins amassed 
a 56-20-4 record--tops during the regular season--then ran off a 
perfect 10-0 record at home in the playoffs. In winning the Calder Cup, 
this Bruins team can rightly boast that they are among the best in the 
history of the league.
  While this championship was very much the team's victory, a special 
acknowledgment belongs to Peter Ferraro, who, as the Providence Bruins' 
leading scorer in the playoffs with nine goals, won the Most Valuable 
Player honor for the 1999 series. The Providence Bruins' determination 
and great Championship victory exemplify the dedication of the entire 
team, and their efforts have been appreciated by the people of Rhode 
Island, who have flocked to their games throughout the season. All of 
Rhode Island takes justifiable pride in the Providence Bruins' victory, 
and we wish them continued success as they strive to repeat as winners 
of the Calder Cup next year.

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