Quigley state-of-hockey briefing in advance of Blackhawks White House visit

Rep. Mike Quigley, Sen. Dick Durbin and the Stanley Cup in Durbin’s Senate office. The Chicago Blackhawks are being honored at the White House on Friday, Quigley hosts a briefing on the status of hockey on Thursday. (Photo by Lynn Sweet)

Click below for information on Quigley briefing…

Release from Quigley…..

Quigley to Host Hockey Briefing, Join Blackhawks at White House for Reception, Street Hockey

Thursday, 03 March 2011 13:36

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Thursday, March 10, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05) and the Congressional Hockey Caucus will host a briefing to discuss the state of hockey in America and highlight the link between active, healthy children and educational achievement.

WHO: Congressman Mike Quigley, Caucus Co-Chair

Congressman Lee Terry (NE-3), Caucus Co-Chair

Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27), Caucus Co-Chair

Dave Ogrean, Executive Director of USA Hockey

Pat LaFontaine, Hockey Hall of Famer

Michael Kanters, Professor at North Carolina State University

SGT First Class (Ret) Joe Bowser, USA Hockey Wounded Warriors

Kirk Bauer, President of Disabled Sports USA

WHEN: March 10, 11:00 A.M-12:00 P.M. ET

WHERE: 2226 Rayburn House Office Building

WHAT: The speakers will examine the current programming in place to help grow hockey participation and review the potential policy implications as they pertain to academics, health and wellness, and veteran’s rehabilitation.

Quigley will also join the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday afternoon for a reception at the White House celebrating the Stanley Cup Champions. He will participate in a street hockey game following the reception on the South Lawn. The clinic for local youngsters, which will be conducted by members of the Blackhawks and Washington Capitals, is part of a new collaboration between the First Lady’s “Let’s Move!” initiative, the NHL, and USA Hockey to encourage American children to lead active and healthy lives. Media who wish to attend Friday’s events at the White House must contact media_affairs@who.eop.gov to request credentials by Wednesday, March 9.

Quigley attended the Blackhawks’ Cup-clinching game last June in Philadelphia and has been working with the White House and National Hockey League since then to bring his favorite team to Washington. Earlier this year, he brought the Stanley Cup to Washington for “Hockey Day on the Hill.” More information and photos are available here.

Last month, Quigley teamed up with the Chicago Blackhawks Street Team to help kickoff the floor hockey program at the Neighborhood Boys and Girls Club in Chicago.

About the Congressional Hockey Caucus

The Caucus, co-chaired by Rep. Mike Quigley (D-IL), Rep. Lee Terry (R-NE), and Rep. Brian Higgins (D-NY), recognizes the profound effect that ice hockey has on the development of children in our country. Many communities struggle to deal with issues related to education and youth violence. The Caucus recognizes that developmental youth hockey leagues offer a positive and meaningful outlet for children and young teens to learn, compete, and grow.

The Congressional Hockey Caucus is a bipartisan group of Members of Congress dedicated to advocating for the expansion of hockey programs in America, with special attention to programs for disadvantaged and disabled youth who might not otherwise be able to participate in the sport.

The Caucus concerns itself with the issues of childhood obesity by encouraging youth to exercise regularly, and emphasizing the positive role that ice hockey can have in a child’s development by instilling the values of discipline, hard work and commitment. Recreational ice hockey programs also provide a therapeutic experience to assist our wounded warriors in developing self-confidence, rehabilitation, and self-reliance.

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