Media Release - For Immediate Release
March 31 2010
MLAS LAUD HOCKEY HUSKIES
Premier Darrell Dexter with members of the Saint Mary's Huskie Men's hockey team at Province house on March 30. |
Members of the Saint Mary’s Men’s Hockey team visited Province House March 30 and received a standing ovation from MLAs in recognition of their CIS victory. Here is a transcript of the remarks made by Premier Darrell Dexter, Wayne Gaudet and Karen Casey.
DARRELL DEXTER
Premier
Mr. Speaker, it is truly a pleasure for me to rise in the House today and pay tribute to the newly crowned National University Men's Hockey Champions, the Saint Mary's Huskies. (Applause) I would like to welcome the coaching staff and those members of the team that were able to join us for a few moments from their studies, which I am sure is important at this time of year, to join us in the gallery. I thought I would just try and introduce the ones that are here, I hope I have everyone.
They are: Andrew Hotham; Justin Munden, who the Minister responsible for Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal says is one of his star students (Laughter); Kyle Doucet; Brandon Verge; Scott Brophy; also Steve Sarty, who is part of the coaching staff and Athletic Director; Trevor Stienburg, who is the Head Coach; alumni liaison Chris Larsen; Assistant Coaches Tom Lee and Tyler Naugler; and VP of Administration, Gabe Morrison. I hope I haven't left folks out, but if I have, thank you very much for being here.
For those who watched the game, I don't have to tell you about the extraordinary display of skill, determination and poise that was demonstrated by both the Huskies and the University of Alberta Golden Bears in Sunday night's final and while there were many remarkable plays and miraculous saves throughout the Huskies' journey to national supremacy, I want to take a moment to talk about this team off the ice.
Every day these university athletes perform a tricky balance of academic, athletic and social responsibilities. They are to be commended for their dedication both to their sport and their studies, because this goes beyond the hockey season, these young men are preparing for the rest of their lives.
It should also be noted that this team showed tremendous bravery and leadership with its decision, mid-season, to welcome Mike Danton into their family. This is an individual who made mistakes but who paid his debts and I want to acknowledge the team's courage in offering this man a second chance. (Applause)
I also want to thank these players for being such strong role models for their peers and for all Nova Scotians. The University of Alberta Golden Bears should also be commended for their outstanding performance, these 13 time national champions gave the Huskies a fantastic battle but in the end, after a gut wrenching overtime period, this extraordinary group delivered the first national hockey championship in Saint Mary's history. This is a significant accomplishment given the long and consistently successful program the Huskies have brought to the rink.
To Coach Trevor Stienburg, a two time CIS Coach of the Year, you have found your place in Saint Mary's University athletic history along side the likes of the great Bob Boucher, who coached Saint Mary's for many years but who came up just a little bit short in four national championship appearances.
To all the players - in particular the seniors - remember this journey, remember the days and weeks following and cherish these memories and this accomplishment for the rest of your lives. This is something you earned together and will be a bond for all of you forever - thank you for allowing us to share this moment with you.
On behalf of the Province of Nova Scotia, congratulations on your success. Thank you for being such wonderful ambassadors for your university and for your province. Thank you. (Applause)
WAYNE GAUDET
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise in this House as a proud Saint Mary's alumnus, to add my congratulations to the Saint Mary's University Men's Ice Hockey Team. As mentioned in yesterday's ChronicleHerald, Bob Boucher is up in Heaven, looking down proudly on these young men who won Saint Mary's first-ever CIS championship in men's hockey.
All season the Saint Mary's Huskies have impressed Halifax with their hockey talent and have demonstrated to all of us that this is a team who not only play with a great deal of passion, but act with a great deal of maturity. We, as members of the Legislature, cannot be prouder of these young men and what they have accomplished as a team. It has been 37 years since Saint Mary's played a Canadian university hockey final and they did not disappoint us - even sweeter, Mr. Speaker, they were able to win by defeating the Alberta Golden Bears, who entered the final game with a record of 13 national titles.
On behalf of our Liberal caucus, Mr. Speaker, I congratulate coach Trevor Stienburg and assistant coaches Tyler Naugler and Tom Lee for their successful season and, most importantly, I congratulate all members of the Saint Mary's Men's Ice Hockey Team. They worked hard and they have earned the right to be called national champions. So, on behalf of the Liberal caucus, we extend our best wishes to our national champs and wish them all the best in future endeavours.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (Applause)
KAREN CASEY
Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As a Saint Mary's University graduate, it gives me great pleasure to rise in response to the Premier's statement this afternoon and to congratulate the Saint Mary's University Huskies Men's Hockey Team on winning that first national Canadian inter-university sport hockey championship.
This year's team, built on resilience, heart, and talent, did something that has never been done before in the history of university's remarkable athletic history - they brought home the title and they made us proud. This victory is special in so many ways, Mr. Speaker. As we know, it takes more than talent to assemble a championship team. From training camp to the last overtime goal, the Huskies were determined. Their victory is a testament to the strength and perseverance required not only to defeat the favourite Alberta Golden Bears, but also to come together when it mattered most.
Mr. Speaker, much credit must be given to all players, to coaches and to staff, to the athletic director Steve Sarty - a former student of mine at Alice Street School in Truro - and the fans who supported the team throughout the year. Taught you everything you know, Steve. Each player, coach and fan can collectively take pride in this victory. The players, because of their commitment to the game and to each other and to the university - when the puck crossed the goal line at 9:15 of overtime, it was their moment to share and celebrate a year of hard work and effort; coaches and staff, because they commit so much to the building of the right team - they sacrifice time from their families, they patch wounded players and they willingly give back to the game they love; and the fans, because they carried the team throughout the season, supporting them and rejoicing in every goal, every save and every check.
Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Progressive Conservative caucus, congratulations to the Saint Mary's University Huskies for solidifying their rightful place in men's CIS hockey. You are the champions and, more importantly, you represented your province and your university well. Congratulations. (Applause)
-30-
For More Information:
Steve Proctor
External Affairs
Saint Mary's University
(902) 420.5513
E-mail: steve.proctor@smu.ca
www.smu.ca
This page last modified Monday, 10-Jan-2011 15:35:43 AST