Hockey
My election to Congress in 2009 provided me with the opportunity to fight for my constituents on some of the most pressing issues facing our nation. While I take those responsibilities seriously, my role in Congress has also given me a platform to take my enthusiasm for the world’s greatest sport, hockey, to Capitol Hill.
As a co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Hockey Caucus, I am dedicated to introducing the game to newcomers while promoting hockey as a way to combat childhood obesity and encourage exercise, teamwork, discipline, and commitment. As part of the National Hockey League’s Hockey Is for Everyone initiative, I’ve been proud to work with Chicago Blackhawks Charities and others to spread the game of hockey among youth throughout Chicago. Together, we have expanded access for at-risk youth at the Neighborhood Boys and Girls Club in Chicago and to the LGBT community through the Center on Halsted. Additionally, I’ve been proud to team up on numerous occasions with the USA Warriors, a team comprised of injured and disabled Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans, who play hockey as part of their physical recovery efforts.
From programs that bring children together to play in a safe environment, to adult programs that encourage a healthy lifestyle and an outlet for recovery, I truly believe hockey is one of the ways we can make our country stronger.
Rep. Quigley (left) handles the puck during the second period against the USA Warriors.
Rep. Quigley participating in the “Hockey on Your Block” program, which opens access to all local kids who want to play.
More on Hockey
Today, U.S. Representatives Mike Quigley (IL-05), Brian Higgins (NY-27), Tom Emmer (MN-06), and John Katko (NY-24) re-introduced legislation to award barrier breaking hockey legend Willie O’Ree with the Congressional Gold Medal. O’Ree, known as the Jackie Robinson of ice hockey, was the first black player in the National Hockey League (NHL) and is a Hockey Hall of Fame inductee.
Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05), co-chair of the Congressional Hockey Caucus, released the following statement in reaction to the announcement that Coach Neal Henderson will become the first African American inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame:
U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05) introduced legislation to award hockey legend Willie O’Ree the Congressional Gold Medal. O’Ree, who is known as the “Jackie Robinson of ice hockey,” was the first black player to compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2018. The Willie O’Ree Congressional Gold Medal Act is co-lead by Reps. Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), John Katko (NY-24), and Tom Emmer (MN-06).
A link to this article can be found here.
Legislation to award hockey legend WIllie O'Ree with the Congressional Gold Medal will be introduced in Congress in the coming weeks, Rep. Mike Quigley, D-Ill., said at a Black History Month celebration Wednesday.
A link to this article can be found here.
Legislation to award hockey legend WIllie O'Ree with the Congressional Gold Medal will be introduced in Congress in the coming weeks, Rep. Mike Quigley, D-Ill., said at a Black History Month celebration Wednesday.