Senate Resolution No. 1683

BY: Senator KENNEDY

CONGRATULATING the United States Women's National
Hockey Team upon the occasion of winning the 2017
International Ice Hockey Federation Women's World
Championship

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
those exemplary athletes who excel in professional athletics,
distinguishing themselves through notable achievements and representing
the great Empire State with pride and determination; and

WHEREAS, Athletic competition enhances the moral and physical
development of the people of this State, preparing them for the future
by instilling in them the value of teamwork, encouraging a standard of
healthy living, imparting a desire for success and developing a sense of
fair play and competition; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to join
the community to congratulate the United States Women's National Hockey
Team upon the occasion of winning the 2017 International Ice Hockey
Federation Women's World Championship on Friday, March 31, 2017 at the
USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth, Michigan; and

WHEREAS, The United States Women's National Hockey Team defeated
Canada, 3-2, in the gold-medal game at the 2017 International Ice Hockey
Federation Women's World Championship; and

WHEREAS, This auspicious moment would have been declined by the
United States Women's National Hockey Team if they were not able to come
to a conclusion about fair compensation, which would include any
compensation in non-Olympic years, as well as more investment in
development of the women's game and better marketing; and

WHEREAS, After a long deliberation on the equal compensation of
women in the sports field, the American Women's Hockey Team was able to
come to an agreement, ready to return to the ice and defend their Gold
Medal at the International Ice Hockey Federation Women's World
Championship; and

WHEREAS, This illustrious victory gives the United States Women's
National Hockey Team its fourth consecutive World Championship and
seventh in the past eight competitions; Team USA was undefeated at the
tournament for its third consecutive year and has won eight world
championships; and

WHEREAS, Family, friends, and the community at large loyally and
enthusiastically supported the USA Women's National Ice Hockey Team
throughout their journey as they ended their season with an impressive
5-0-0-0 overall record; and

WHEREAS, In a sport such as ice hockey, which demands athletic
prowess, speed and agility, Head Coach Robb Stauber and his skilled
coaching staff worked hard to hone the skills of this championship team,

teaching these outstanding athletes lessons which will prove invaluable
both on and off the field; and

WHEREAS, The United States Women's National Hockey Team's skill,
training, hard work and their willingness to stand for what they believe
in, as well as their dedication to change the face of women's hockey in
the United States should be justly commended; and

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

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate the United States Women's National Hockey Team upon the
occasion of winning the 2017 International Ice Hockey Federation Women's
World Championship; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the members of the United States Women's National Hockey
Team and Head Coach Robb Stauber.