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Home , Brad Richards, Dave Andreychuk, Jay Feaster, John Tortorella, Vincent Lecavalier

H3904 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 14, 2004 CONGRATULATING TAMPA BAY GENERAL LEAVE personnel who worked tirelessly on and LIGHTNING FOR WINNING 2004 Mr. PUTNAM. Mr. Speaker, I ask off the ice all year to make their unanimous consent that all Members dreams become a reality. Mr. PUTNAM. Mr. Speaker, I move may have 5 legislative days within Most importantly, I congratulate the to suspend the rules and agree to the which to revise and extend their re- fans who have given so much to this resolution (H. Res. 668) congratulating marks and include extraneous material team. Through years of suffering, the the for winning on the resolution under consideration. Lightning fans’ determination and pa- the 2004 Stan- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there tience have paid off. This is truly a vic- tory for the fans. ley Cup championship and for their objection to the request of the gen- I commend the champion Tampa Bay outstanding performance during the tleman from Florida? There was no objection. Lightning for a wonderful and magical entire 2003–2004 season, as amended. run this year and for all their achieve- The Clerk read as follows: Mr. PUTNAM. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. ments this season. The people of Flor- H. RES. 668 I want to thank my good friend and ida and the entire Tampa Bay region Whereas the Tampa Bay Lightning hockey colleague from Tampa, Florida (Mr. are proud of them. They have dem- team has been in existence for 12 seasons; onstrated to us all that hard work, per- Whereas on June 7, 2004, the Tampa Bay DAVIS) for authoring this resolution Lightning won their first National Hockey and on behalf of the entire Florida del- severance, and unity are the founda- League Stanley Cup championship by defeat- egation and frankly the entire State of tion of success. ing the hockey team, 4 Florida, we are delighted to be here to Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of games to 3; honor an outstanding team. my time. Whereas head coach led Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay trib- Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. the team to the pinnacle of success; ute to the Tampa Bay Lightning orga- Whereas John Tortorella was awarded the It is my great pleasure to take the nization, Coach John Tortorella, gen- as the National Hockey time today to congratulate the Tampa League’s coach of the year after guiding the eral manager , owner Bill Bay Lightning for winning the 2004 Na- Tampa Bay Lightning to the Southeast Divi- Davidson and the entire team on their tional Hockey League Stanley Cup sion title and a top seed in the Eastern Con- victory in the . championship and to salute them for ference with a franchise-best record of 106 b 1615 their outstanding performance points; Whereas team player was They all deserve credit for this re- throughout the season. awarded the as the markable achievement, made all the Though only in the league for 12 sea- most valuable player of the 2004 Stanley Cup more remarkable by the fact that it is sons, the Lightning have quickly as- playoffs, leading all scorers this postseason a hockey team in Florida, Mr. Speaker. cended to the pinnacle of their sport by scoring 12 goals and assisting on 14 oth- The Stanley Cup is North America’s and won the hearts not only of their ers; hometown fans in Tampa Bay but of Whereas Brad Richards, who was the tenth oldest professional trophy, but this year’s final belonged to the NHL’s fans all over the world. Tampa Bay highest scorer in the National Hockey fans respect that the team plays hock- youngest generation. The Tampa Bay League’s regular season, scoring 79 points ey the way it is supposed to be played, with 26 goals and 53 assists and incurring Lightning had won just one playoff se- with hard work, discipline, and team- just 12 minutes, also was awarded ries before this season and is the first work. the Lady Byng Trophy for combining sports- of the eight franchises added since 1991 manship with a high standard of play; Special mention must be made of to win the coveted cup. team . After Whereas team captain Dave Andreychuk is The Tampa Bay Lightning entered a symbol of inspiration and greatness to the playing in one of the roughest profes- entire Tampa Bay Lightning organization the National Hockey League in 1992; sional leagues in the world for 21 years, and fans everywhere by winning the Stanley and 12 years later, through hard work, retiring must have seemed the logical Cup for the first time during his 22 years in class, a strong work ethic, and deter- step to take. Instead, this true team the National Hockey League; mination, they are Stanley Cup cham- leader rejoined his teammates for an Whereas team player Martin St. Louis was pions. outstanding 22nd season. awarded the Hart Trophy as the National Two years ago, few could have imag- It is not always the case in sports Hockey League’s 2003–2004 most valuable ined the Lightning making the play- that the most deserving team wins. player during the regular season and the Art offs, much less winning the cup. Before Ross Trophy as the League’s highest scorer Fortunately, the Lightning of Tampa during the regular season, amassing 94 last season, Sports Illustrated rated Bay have been awarded the Stanley points with 38 goals and 56 assists; Tampa Bay as the worst of the NHL’s Cup for their valiant play. The Tampa Whereas the Tampa Bay Lightning hockey 30 teams. Defying the experts, the area is famous for its scorching light- team is the first hockey team from the State Lightning went on to win the South- ning and the Tampa community sure of Florida to win the Stanley Cup; and east division and accumulated the sec- hopes this Lightning will strike twice. Whereas the entire Tampa Bay community ond most regular season points in the Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he is proud of the Tampa Bay Lightning and NHL. Now the Lightning has proven may consume to the good gentleman their extraordinary season and tremendous itself to be the best team in all of accomplishment: Now, therefore, be it from Florida (Mr. DAVIS), the author of Resolved, That the House of Representa- hockey. the resolution. tives— Many deserve credit for this remark- Mr. DAVIS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I (1) congratulates the Tampa Bay Lightning able achievement and for turning this am here with the gentleman from Flor- hockey team for winning the 2004 National team into world champions: Coach ida (Mr. PUTNAM) on behalf of several Hockey League Stanley Cup championship John Tortorella for his brilliant leader- representatives from the Tampa Bay and for their outstanding performance dur- ship and ensuring the team remained area to add a few words of pride and ing the entire 2003–2004 season; focused, motivated, and prepared; satisfaction at this remarkable (2) recognizes the achievements of the owner Bill Davidson for having in- Tampa Bay Lightning players, coaches, own- achievement. Yes, we heard that right. ers, and staff who were instrumental in vested the resources necessary to put a A Florida hockey team in the Tampa bringing the Stanley Cup to Tampa Bay; and winner on the ice; Captain Dave Bay area is taking the Stanley Cup (3) congratulates the Tampa Bay commu- Andreychuk, who at the age of 40 had home, a truly remarkable feat. nity as it celebrates its second major sports played the most games in the NHL The Tampa Bay area is also consid- championship in less than two years. without winning the cup; Brad Rich- ered the lightning capital of the world. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- ards, who won the Conn Smythe Tro- Not many people know that. And this ant to the rule, the gentleman from phy as the playoffs’ most valuable victory in the Stanley Cup confirms Florida (Mr. PUTNAM) and the gentle- player; tender , that we are a capital of the world now woman from the District of Columbia also known as the Bulin Wall, for his in hockey because of the Tampa Bay (Ms. NORTON) each will control 20 min- countless saves; Martin St. Louis, for Lightning. In just 12 seasons, this team utes. winning the Hart Trophy as the has succeeded after 23 games in a play- The Chair recognizes the gentleman league’s Most Valuable Player; and all off series in 2 months in winning the from Florida (Mr. PUTNAM). the Tampa Bay Lightning players and Stanley Cup.

VerDate May 21 2004 02:41 Jun 15, 2004 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14JN7.051 H14PT1 June 14, 2004 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3905 I would like to also highlight some of The answer to these questions is a re- The players, coaches and staff not the remarkable individual feats that sounding yes. The Lighting has shown what only provide the fans with a great the gentleman from Florida (Mr. PUT- can be accomplished when you combine skill sense of community by uniting them NAM) alluded to: the sensational saves with hard work, determination, and an and providing entertainment, many of of goalie Nicolai Khabibulin to main- unyielding will to win. Tampa Bay won the them give back to the community by tain a one-goal lead in one of the key Eastern Conference championship this year, volunteering in schools, hospitals and games; the work of Dave Andreychuk, posting a stellar 46–22–8–6 record along the other community centers. who was mentioned, he played for 22 way. Then they defeated perennial hockey On behalf of the thousands of loyal years, waited this long to win the powers , Cana- Lightning fans I represent in the sub- Stanley Cup, setting a tie in terms of dians, and to reach the urbs north of Tampa, I am delighted to the longest amount of service before Stanley Cup finals. recognize the Tampa Bay Lightning for winning the Stanley Cup; Brad Rich- The Lightning then endured a grueling winning the Stanley Cup last week. ards, the MVP of the Stanley Cup play- seven game final against a talented Calgary Mr. PUTNAM. Mr. Speaker, I have no offs with 12 goals and 14 assists; the team which used its physical-style of play to further requests for time, and I yield scoring touch of , batter and bruise the boys from Tampa Bay. back the balance of my time. who scored both goals in Game 7 Goalie Nikolai Khabibulin posted one strong The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. against Calgary; Martin St. Louie, who game in goal after another. The under-sized PETRI). The question is on the motion is only 5 foot 9 inches tall, but makes but over-achieving Right Winger, Martin St. offered by the gentleman from Florida up for that with tremendous height and Louis—once a Flame—rifled after shot by (Mr. PUTNAM) that the House suspend heart, scored the thrilling goal in the and around Calgary defenders. His remark- the rules and agree to the resolution, second overtime in Game 6 with Cal- able season ended with being named league H. Res. 668, as amended. gary. MVP. Center played with a The question was taken; and (two- Many of these players I mentioned toughness which inspired his teammates, as thirds having voted in favor thereof) and others received awards. Our Coach did Left Winger Ruslan Fedotenko, who de- the rules were suspended and the reso- Tortorella was honored with the Jack spite being slammed head-first into the boards lution, as amended, was agreed to. Adams Award as the National Hockey in game five, returned to score both of Tampa A motion to reconsider was laid on League’s coach of the year based on Bay’s goals in . the table. this record. There are many teams that I want to congratulate Tampa Bay’s coach, f have played in the NHL far longer than John Tortorella, for devising a winning strategy the Tampa Bay Lightning who have and keeping his charges together during the HONORING FORMER PRESIDENT yet to obtain the Stanley Cup. That is season’s many tough times. I also want to GEORGE HERBERT WALKER what makes this victory all the sweet- commend Brad Richards, winner of the Conn BUSH ON HIS 80TH BIRTHDAY er. Smythe Trophy for finals MVP, and Dave Mr. CARTER. Mr. Speaker, I move to I would just close by saying that the Andreychuk, the team’s captain, who finally suspend the rules and agree to the reso- Tampa Bay Lightning did not just win hoisted the Cup after an exemplary 22 year lution (H. Res. 653) honoring former the Stanley Cup. They won with class, career. President George Herbert Walker Bush with style, with grace, which I might I am proud that Tampa Bay’s players won on the occasion of his 80th birthday, as add is hard to do sometimes in the with class and its fans celebrated with sports- amended. fiercely competitive world of hockey. manship. The Lightning refused to engage in The Clerk read as follows: They reflected on the outside what all the thuggery and cheap shots which contrib- H. RES. 653 of us in the Tampa Bay area knew was uted to Calgary’s demise. Their fans showed Whereas President George Herbert Walker on the inside, that we represent a com- that you can celebrate victory and revel in Bush served as the Forty-First President of munity with a lot of heart, a lot of de- championship without the rioting, looting, and the United States and brought to the White termination, a lot of perseverance, and lawlessness in which fans in other so-called House a dedication to traditional American I want to join the gentleman from big-time sports cities engage. Let there be no values and a commitment to use American Florida (Mr. PUTNAM) and other rep- doubt; Tampa is a big-time sports city, one strength as a force for good; resentatives in the Tampa Bay area in whose teams and fans set a standard which Whereas, during his Presidency, the Com- munist empire dissolved, the Soviet Union congratulating the owner, Bill David- others would do well to follow. ceased to exist, and the Berlin Wall fell; son; the general manager, Jay Feaster; Mr. Speaker, I am proud to represent the Whereas, during his Presidency, American the coach; the players; the entire hard-working men and women of the Tampa troops overthrew the corrupt regime of Gen- Lightning organization; and all the Bay area in Congress. I am especially gratified eral Manuel Noriega; fans of Tampa Bay for a job well done. that two of its professional sports teams, the Whereas President George H.W. Bush ral- Mr. PUTNAM. Mr. Speaker, I reserve Buccaneers and now the Lightning, have lied the United States people, the United Na- the balance of my time. reached the pinnacle of their professions and tions, and Congress and sent over 500,000 Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield shown the spirit, determination, and sports- American military personnel, who were back the balance of my time. joined by approximately 200,000 military and manship that have come to exemplify Tampa other personnel from allied nations, as part Mr. PUTNAM. Mr. Speaker, I yield Bay, or as others should call it, Titletown. I of Operation Desert Storm, to defeat Iraqi myself such time as I may consume. commend the Lightning on winning the 2004 President Saddam Hussein’s million-man On behalf of a very proud Tampa Bay Stanley Cup and for capturing the imagination army which invaded Kuwait and threatened area, an area that has been growing an and hearts of a city along the way. I wish to move into Saudi Arabia; awful lot of champions in a variety of them well in next season’s title defense. Whereas President Bush and his very able sports over the last several years, I Ms. GINNY BROWN–WAITE of Flor- Secretary of State secured military and fi- urge adoption of House Resolution 668. ida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to praise nancial support from the United Nations, re- Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to con- the Tampa Bay Lightning hockey sulting in many nations participating, for gratulate the Tampa Bay Lighting for winning the first time ever, in paying their share of team, coaches and staff as 2003–2004 the cost of a major war; the 2004 Stanley Cup. champions of the National Hockey Whereas, during World War II, George H.W. The Lighting is a remarkable success story. League. Bush answered the call to duty by enlisting Many people, including me, wondered whether One week ago today, the ‘‘Ning’’ in the armed forces on his 18th birthday, be- this expansion team could compete against skated to a game seven victory and coming the youngest pilot in the Navy when traditional hockey powerhouses when they won the coveted, 112-year-old cham- he received his wings, and flying 58 combat joined the league 12 years ago. We wondered pionship trophy: ‘‘Lord Stanley’s Cup.’’ missions, including being shot down by Japa- whether a sport played primarily in I’d also like to recognize the out- nese antiaircraft fire and rescued by a and the northern-most regions of America standing, devoted fans of the Tampa United States submarine, for which he was awarded, among other decorations, the Dis- could survive in an area where sand and sun Bay area. tinguished Flying Cross for bravery in ac- are the two top attractions. We wondered This year’s team showed the spirit, tion; whether the community would embrace a work ethic, tenacity and sportsman- Whereas George H.W. Bush continued his team dominated by foreign players playing a ship that is illustrative of the Central commitment to public service by serving two sport with rules unfamiliar to many of us. Florida community they live in. terms as a Representative in the United

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