[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 7]
[Senate]
[Page 9439]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   RECOGNIZING TIM THOMAS HOCKEY LLC

  Ms. SNOWE. Mr. President, last night, the Boston Bruins completed a 
stunning comeback to win the Stanley Cup for the first time since 1972. 
This monumental victory is a testament to the team's workmanlike 
approach to the game, and there is much praise to go around. But one of 
the key players who contributed to the inspired game 7 win was Tim 
Thomas, Boston's fantastic goaltender. Winner of the Conn Smythe Trophy 
of Stanley Cup Final Most Valuable Player--at age 37, the oldest player 
to win this honor--Thomas posted a .967 save percentage in the series, 
stopping 238 of 246 shots, and stopping a record 798 shots in the 
entire playoffs. More than just a team player on the ice, Tim Thomas is 
also involved in the community with his Tim Thomas Hockey Camps. Today, 
I rise to recognize Tim Thomas and his endeavors to promote both hockey 
and sportsmanship throughout New England.
  Incorporated in Portland, ME, Tim Thomas Hockey Camps got their start 
4 years ago to help players of all ages participate and develop skills 
in the exciting sport of hockey. Camps are held during the summer 
across Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts, and campers 
have expressed tremendous appreciation of the dedication of the camps' 
staff to teaching the fundamentals of the game. Tim leads a team of 20 
experienced staff members, from former National Hockey League players 
to college standouts and coaches, who impart their vast knowledge on 
camp attendees. Aside from the technical aspects of hockey, the camps 
also teach players about teamwork, camaraderie, and the importance of a 
strong work ethic. Additionally, the Tim Thomas Foundation helps both 
hockey players and organizations in need of assistance, and supports a 
number of groups and charities from the Greely Hockey Boosters in 
Cumberland, ME, to the Hunger Mountain Children's Center in Waterbury, 
VT.
  Tim's desire to help others attain their goals in hockey comes from 
his own moving story, which is a case study in hard work, patience and 
perseverance. A star goalie at the University of Vermont, he was 
drafted 217th overall in 1994 by the now-defunct Quebec Nordiques. 
After spending several seasons in the minor leagues and in Europe, Tim 
made his debut with the Boston Bruins when he was 28 years old and 
became the team's starting goaltender 3 years later. Tim has racked up 
numerous accolades and All Star Game appearances over the course of his 
career, including winning the Vezina Trophy in 2009 as the NHL's best 
goaltender. He is almost certainly a lock to win it again this year. 
Furthermore, what makes this year's accomplishment so special is that 
Tim had off-season hip surgery last summer.
  Tim Thomas' remarkable road to the Stanley Cup is truly noteworthy 
for aspiring hockey players across New England, and indeed the country. 
To many, he is a hero who helped bring the Cup back to Boston for the 
first time in 39 years. But to many more, Tim Thomas is also a role 
model, who inspires children of all ages to pursue their goals and 
dreams in the hopes that, one day, with hard work and resolve, they too 
can attain the ultimate prize. I thank Tim Thomas and everyone who is a 
part of the Tim Thomas Hockey Camps for their superb work, and offer my 
congratulations to the Bruins organization on its stellar victory!

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