(Updated June 23, 2006)

H.Res. 881
Congratulating the National Hockey League Champions, the Carolina Hurricanes, on Their Victory in the 2006 Stanley Cup Finals

Floor Situation

The House is scheduled to consider H.Res. 881, under suspension of the rules, the week of June 26, 2006. The bill is debatable for 40 minutes, may not be amended, and requires a two-thirds majority vote for passage.

Summary

H.Res. 881 congratulates the National Hockey League Champions, the Carolina Hurricanes, on their victory in the 2006 Stanley Cup Finals.

Background

On Monday, June 19, 2006, in Raleigh, North Carolina, the Carolina Hurricanes won the National Hockey League (NHL) Stanley Cup with a 3-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers in the decisive seventh game of the championship series. The Edmonton Oilers proved worthy opponents and should be congratulated for a hard-fought Stanley Cup series.

The Hurricanes' win marked their first Stanley Cup title in franchise history. The Hurricanes' win marked the first major professional sports championship won by a team from the State of North Carolina. Owner Peter Karmanos and general manager Jim Rutherford have created a model franchise, assembling a team that rose from last place three years ago to the pinnacle of its sport today. The Hurricanes were ably led by head coach Peter Laviolette, also the head coach of the 2006 United States Olympic team, and assistant coaches Kevin McCarthy, Jeff Daniels, and Greg Stefan.

Hurricanes team members Craig Adams, Kevyn Adams, Anton Babchuk, Rod Brind'Amour, Erik Cole, Mike Commodore, Matt Cullen, Martin Gerber, Bret Hedican, Andrew Hutchinson, Frantisek Kaberle, Andrew Ladd, Chad LaRose, Mark Recchi, Eric Staal, Cory Stillman, Oleg Tverdovsky, Josef Vasicek, Niclas Wallin, Aaron Ward, Cam Ward, Doug Weight, Glen Wesley, Ray Whitney, and Justin Williams are all worthy of praise and admiration for their contributions to the resilient championship team.

Cam Ward, the Hurricanes' goalkeeper and a 22-year-old rookie, was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player of the NHL post-season.

The Carolina Hurricanes represent a new future for the NHL, introducing hockey to additional regions of the country and creating new fans of the sport's high level of athleticism and competition. The entire Hurricanes organization has contributed considerably to the community it represents, generously donating time and resources to a variety of charitable and educational programs for children throughout the State of North Carolina.

Raleigh, the Triangle region, and all of North Carolina are proud of the accomplishment and dedication of the Carolina Hurricanes' team, organization, and fans.

Legislative History

H.Res. 881 was introduced by Rep. Price (NC) on June 20, 2006. The bill was referred to the Government Reform Committee, but was not considered.

For additional information or questions, please contact Rep. Price's office at 5-4501.