[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 18366]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING PATRICK KANE ON BECOMING THE NUMBER ONE DRAFT IN THE NHL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 10, 2007

  Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate 
Patrick Kane, a native from South Buffalo, New York on becoming the No. 
1 NHL draft player of the year. Patrick Kane is an explosive player, a 
forceful scorer, and we are privileged to have such a reputable future 
NHL star player representing the City of Buffalo.
  Kane not only made Western New York proud by becoming the first draft 
choice for the Chicago Blackhawks, he made history as, for the first 
time ever, Americans were chosen to fill the number one and number two 
draft slots.
  Offensively, Kane's skills are unmatched. In 2006 Kane led Team USA 
to a gold medal at the 2006 World Under-18 Championship. This past 
season he continued his amateur hockey career with the London Knights 
of the Ontario Hockey League. During his time there he showed great 
potential, winning the league scoring title with 62 goals and 83 
assists in just 58 games. For his performance he received the Emms 
Family Award as OHL ``Rookie of the Year'' and was named to the Western 
Conference All Star Team.
  One of Patrick's greatest attributes is his speed and versatility. 
His swift moving hands around the net make him an unstoppable and 
dynamic scorer. With his offensive prowess and quick feet, Kane has 
been compared to hockey greats Martin St. Louis and Daniel Briere. His 
accomplishments are truly an inspiration for youth throughout Western 
New York.
  Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize and 
celebrate the achievements of Patrick Kane, the son of Patrick and 
Donna, the grandson of Donald, a fine young man respected on and off 
the ice. Traditionally Western New Yorkers are loyal and passionate 
fans of our local NHL franchise the Buffalo Sabres, but something tells 
me this season residents across the region will also tune in to root on 
the ``kid from the neighborhood'' our own Chicago Blackhawk Patrick 
Kane.

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