[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1994, Book I)]
[May 6, 1994]
[Page 857]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



[[Page 857]]


Remarks to the NCAA Champion Lake Superior State University Hockey Team
May 6, 1994

    Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Just minutes before his team 
took the ice against the Russians--and some of these young people were 
too young to remember that thrilling Olympic victory in 1980--but Herb 
Brooks told his team that they were born to play the game. He said, 
``You were meant to be here at this time. This is your moment.''
    Well, Senator Levin and Congressman Stupak, I thank you for your 
help in making this event possible. And today I say to the players, the 
coaches, and the other supporters of the Lake Superior State hockey 
team, welcome to the White House. This is your moment.
    I want to give my best regards to Bob Arbuckle, the president of 
LSSU; Jeff Jackson, the head coach of the Lakers. And I want to talk a 
little about this team. But before I do, I have to say something about 
another Michigan moment. During this last winter, the coldest we'd had 
here in 100 years, a deep freeze struck the Upper Peninsula, causing 
extensive damage to the infrastructure of the region.
    The State of Michigan requested a major disaster declaration through 
our emergency management agency to provide assistance to 10 counties. I 
have just been advised by the Director of FEMA, James Lee Witt, that his 
agency is reviewing the State's request, and he expects to recommend to 
me on Monday that a major disaster declaration is warranted with a 
preliminary estimate of $7.1 million, which is expected to increase as 
the thawing continues. I want to thank Representative Stupak and Senator 
Levin and Senator Riegle for their interest in the matter and say that I 
hope the thawing continues in the Upper Peninsula, Mr. Stupak.
    Now, back to the school. It's relatively small, 3,400 students, and 
smaller than many of your competitors. And yet, by concentrating on the 
fundamentals, concentrating on quality, year after year you produce 
excellence: three national titles in 7 years, two in the last 3 years; 
three straight NCAA championship games.
    Be proud not just because you're champions but, more important, 
because of what made you champions: hard work, determination, 
discipline, loyalty, and teamwork. I hope each of you will take that 
example into your communities and on into your lives. There are too many 
young people in America who don't have the kind of hope you have, no one 
to push them forward or no one to cheer for them.
    Tonight and tomorrow, people all over this country will now see a 
picture of you here, and some child will be inspired to work harder. 
Because of you, he or she will believe that they can do more with their 
lives, make more of themselves, and make a difference.
    If I could leave one message today, it would be this: Never 
underestimate the impact of this achievement on other people, especially 
young people. President Kennedy once said, ``One man can make a 
difference, and every man should try.'' I hope all of you will do that.
    Again, welcome to the White House.

Note: The President spoke at 4:13 p.m. in the Rose Garden at the White 
House. In his remarks, he referred to Herb Brooks, 1980 U.S. Olympic 
hockey team coach.