the Official 2011 Congressional Hockey

Members of Congress & Federal Lobbyists Face Off
In Third Annual Charity Hockey Game
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, Former NHLer Kevin Weekes, Hockey Hall of Famer Pat LaFontaine, and NHL Legend Willie
O’Ree To Appear at March 10 th Verizon Center Clash Benefiting Fort DuPont Ice Hockey Club
Washington, DC – Members of the U.S. Congress and congressional staff will once again face off against
registered lobbyists at 5:30pm on Thursday, March 10, 2011, in the 2011 Congressional Hockey Challenge
charity ice hockey game. Due to overwhelming attendance at the previous two match-­‐ups, this year’s
Congressional Hockey Challenge will be played at Verizon Center, home of the NHL’s Washington Capitals, in
downtown Washington, DC. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, Hockey Hall of Famer Pat LaFontaine, NHL alumni
Kevin Weekes, and NHL pioneer Willie O’Ree are scheduled to attend.
Proceeds from the event will benefit the Fort DuPont Ice Hockey Club, an award-­‐winning and nationally-­‐
recognized ice hockey program for inner-­‐city youth that is based in our nation’s capital, and the Fort Dupont Ice
Arena in Anacostia, the home rink of the Fort DuPont Ice Hockey Club. Further event details, rosters and
information on supporting the charities can be found at www.CongressionalHockeyChallenge.com.
As in years past, the roster for the Lawmakers squad includes Senators and Congressmen as well as staff from
both the legislative and executive branches. The Lobbyist team will feature representatives from a diverse group
of industries and interests. The spirited competition between the two teams has produced one victory for each
side. Two goals by U.S. Congressman Brian Higgins (D-­‐NY) and spectacular goaltending by U.S. Congressman
Anthony Weiner (D-­‐NY), the game’s co-­‐MVP, lifted the lawmakers to a surprising 6-­‐4 victory in the inaugural clash
in 2009. The lobbyists avenged that defeat last year by riding two goals from left wing Nelson Litterest of the C2
Group and a goal and two assists from defenseman Sean O’Neil of the Associated General Contractors of America
(AGC) to a 7-­‐2 victory.
Lawmakers currently scheduled to return for the 2011 game include U.S. Senator John Kerry (D-­‐MA), U.S.
Congressman Brian Higgins (D-­‐NY), U.S. Congressman Anthony Weiner (D-­‐NY), veteran centerman and U.S.
Congressman Mike Quigley (D-­‐IL). Making their debut this year are two freshman congressmen: U.S. Congressman
Pat Meehan (R-­‐PA) and U.S. Congressman Larry Bucshon, MD (R-­‐IN).
Following his team’s practice on Monday, Bucshon commented, “It’s great to work across the aisle to promote
sportsmanship and to support the Fort DuPont Ice Hockey Program. I just hope that the lobbyists are quick
enough to get out of the way of the lawmakers’ slap shots.”
U.S. Senator John Kerry (D-­‐MA), a lifelong ice hockey player who tallied an assist in 2009, looks forward to making
his return to the ice following dual hip replacement surgeries in 2009 and 2010: “It’s hard to believe that more
than 40 years have passed since I took my first real cuts on Turkey Pond playing in high school. I’m grateful to the
doctors at Mass General for the new hips that got me back on the ice and I’m looking forward to the chance to do
my Bruins proud and raise some money for a great cause,” stated Kerry.
Congressman Quigley, Co-­‐Chairman of the House Ice Hockey Caucus, commented: "We're raising money for a
wonderful cause -­‐ giving every child the opportunity to play the greatest sport in the world. Hockey is for
everyone and all kids – from Ft. DuPont to Chicago – should be able to lace up skates, stay active and healthy, and
FORT DUPONT ICE HOCKEY CLUB
P.O. Box 63505 | Washington, D.C. 20019 | www.fdihc.org

dream of one day accomplishing what the Chicago Blackhawks did last June: raising Lord Stanley's Cup. As for the
game, all I can say is, ‘we're puttin' on the foil.’”
Congressman Higgins, Congressman Quigley’s House Ice Hockey Caucus Co-­‐Chair, continued: “Some of my best
memories include rounding up the kids from the neighborhood for a game at Caz Rink in Buffalo. It's great to be
involved in a program that provides the next generation the same opportunities to learn valuable life lessons like
teamwork, discipline, and initiative. Speaking of initiative: watch out Lobbyists, this year is ours.”
Thanks to the generosity of many organizations and individuals, these games have raised more than $100,000 for
the Fort DuPont Ice Hockey Program, which was founded in 1978 by Neal Henderson.
“I am delighted that hockey will see the continuation of this fierce rivalry between lawmakers and federal
lobbyists and that the National Hockey League can join in to support the Fort Dupont Ice Hockey Club,” NHL
Commissioner Gary Bettman said. “As evidenced by his having won the 2010 Bridgestone Mark Messier Youth
Leadership Award, Neal Henderson has done remarkable work with the boys and girls who have been introduced
to our game through the Fort Dupont Ice Hockey Club. We value our long association with Neal and his program.”
There will be a suggested donation of $10 at the door on the day of the event. Proceeds will benefit both the Fort
Dupont Ice Hockey Club and the Fort DuPont Ice Arena.
“My kids are thrilled to be part of this incredible event,” Henderson said. “And to have Commissioner Bettman
and in attendance is a thrill. This event will truly help the Fort DuPont program continue to give children from all
backgrounds the chance to benefit from this wonderful game.”
Founded in 1978 by Neal Henderson, The Fort DuPont Ice Hockey Club is a developmental program that provides local and
inner-­‐city youth in Washington, DC, the opportunity to participate in an organized ice hockey program. Participants have a
wide range of experience in skating and game play, and ages range from 8 to 17. The Club’s goal is to teach young people
discipline, via sports activities, to establish self-­‐esteem, a sense of purpose, and to offer an incentive to excel academically. The
benefits of organized sports extend far beyond the rink: the girls and boys who join the Fort DuPont Ice Hockey Club learn life
skills. As these children grow, they will become better citizens and will learn to give and anticipate respect.
Additionally, the Fort DuPont Ice Arena, the home rink of the Fort DuPont Ice Hockey Club, is facing a serious funding shortfall,
putting a critically important community center at risk of closing. By attending the Congressional Hockey Challenge on March
10th, you will also be supporting the rink itself. For additional information on saving the Fort DuPont Ice Arena, please contact
Executive Director Julie Brunton at (202) 584-­‐5007.
CONTACT: Jeff Kimbell (Lobbyists)
(202) 494-­‐3420; JKimbell@Kimbell-­‐Associates.com
Brad Dayspring (Lawmakers)
(202) 225-­‐2402; Brad.Dayspring@Mail.House.gov
Rob Wooley (NHL)
(212) 789-­‐2644; RWooley@NHL.com
THIRD ANNUAL CONGRESSIONAL HOCKEY CHALLENGE
A CHARITY ICE HOCKEY GAME
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Game: 6:00 – 9:00pm
The Verizon Center
601 F Street, NW
Washington, DC 20059
For more about the Fort Dupont Ice Hockey Club: fdihc.org
For more about the Congressional Hockey Challenge: www.CongressionalHockeyChallenge.Com