SW Indiana News

On June 9, 2023, U.S. Representative Larry Bucshon, M.D. (R-Ind.-08), along with Representatives Pete Stauber (R-Minn.-08), Mike Quigley (D-Ill.-05), and Brian Higgins (D-N.Y.-26), announced the Congressional Hockey Caucus has been re-launched for the 118th Congress.

The Congressional Hockey Caucus serves as a bipartisan forum for members of Congress to come together, exchange ideas, and collaborate on matters related to hockey's cultural, social, and economic significance. Further, the Caucus will look to address policy matters impacting the hockey community.

“I am proud to join my colleagues Representatives Stauber, Quigley, and Higgins in re-launching the Congressional Hockey Caucus. Having coached Hockey in Evansville for many years, I know firsthand the dedication and commitment it takes to excel and thrive in this sport and the benefits it yields for those who participate. I look forward to continuing to bring awareness to this sport,” said Dr. Bucshon.

“Hockey is more than just a game, it’s a major part of our way of life in northern Minnesota,” said Congressman Stauber. “As a former hockey player, I know that on the ice is where kids learn the values of sportsmanship and teamwork, as well as the importance of physical fitness. I look forward to promoting what I believe is America’s pastime in Congress.” 

“Hockey has played an important role in my life and the lives of so many around the world,” said Congressman Quigley. “To this day, I still make a point to get on the ice every Saturday morning. I’m excited to continue the Hockey Caucus’s work this Congress to spread awareness about the benefits of playing hockey and ensure the sport is accessible to all who want to play it.”  

Congressman Higgins said, “As a kid, there was nothing better than lacing up my skates and hitting the ice with friends. Hockey provides valuable lessons in teamwork, perseverance, and goal setting. As home to the Buffalo Sabres and an active youth hockey community, in Western New York we also recognize the role hockey plays in the local economy. Through the bipartisan Hockey Caucus, we work to grow youth access to hockey and explore ways to enrich communities through the sport.” 

“At the National Hockey League (NHL) we believe that hockey is for everyone, and that’s why we commend the launch of the Congressional Hockey Caucus and its objective to promote and support the growth of the game of hockey,” said Commissioner Gary Bettman.  “We look forward to collaborating with members of the caucus to leverage the power of hockey as a force for good by bringing greater awareness of the sport to communities across America.”

“The positive impact of hockey on communities and people who are actively involved with the game in America continues to grow year over year,” said NHLPA Executive Director, Marty Walsh. “The re-launch of the Congressional Hockey Caucus is fantastic for the continued growth of the sport, and we are excited to work with the members of the caucus to further the reach that our game has on people and places all over the country.”

“We are thrilled to have a group like the Congressional Hockey Caucus that is passionate about our sport and the values it brings to communities across America,” said Pat Kelleher, executive director of USA Hockey. “The re-launch of the Caucus certainly contributes to the positive momentum our sport enjoys. We’re thankful for the leadership of Congressmen Stauber, Quigley, Buschon and Higgins and look forward to engaging with them to promote hockey in our country.”

"The Premier Hockey Federation (PHF) and Congressional Hockey Caucus are both committed to advancing our sport and improving accessibility at all levels, including professional women's hockey where the momentum is significant," said Reagan Carey, PHF Commissioner. "The PHF is proud to engage with leaders who recognize teamwork as a fundamental part of hockey and driving force to grow the game faster."

Original source can be found here.