Senate Resolution No. 1681

BY: Senator KENNEDY

COMMEMORATING Brian Gionta upon the occasion of his 1,000th game

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to outstanding athletes who distinguish themselves through their exceptional performance, attaining unprecedented success and the highest level of personal achievement; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate Brian Gionta upon the occasion of his 1,000th National Hockey League game at a Ceremony on Monday, March 27, 2017; and

WHEREAS, A true Western New Yorker, Brian Gionta was born in Rochester, , in 1979; a graduate of Aquinas Institute, he went on to College where he finished a four-year career and won a national championship as their hockey team's Captain; and

WHEREAS, Upon graduation, Brian Gionta played in the for the before eventually being drafted by the in 1998, halfway through the season; and

WHEREAS, Brian Gionta played for seven seasons with the New Jersey Devils; in 2003, he led his team to win a ; in 2005, he played his best season with 48 goals and 41 assists; on July 1, 2014, Brian Gionta signed a three-year contract with the ; and

WHEREAS, Since the start of the 2014 season, Brian Gionta has served as team Captain, leading and mentoring a talented young group of individuals; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his impressive 15-year career, Brian Gionta has posted 289 goals, 297 assists, and a total of 586 points in his 1,000 games as a professional hockey player; and

WHEREAS, Brian Gionta is a true asset to society and a model for all professional athletes; with his success on the ice, he has brought enduring honor to himself, the Buffalo Sabres, the game of hockey, his teammates as well as the State of New York; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate Brian Gionta upon the occasion of his 1,000th National Hockey League game; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Brian Gionta.