Mr. Speaker, although we were saddened by the riots in Vancouver last night, I am very proud and very honoured, as the member of Parliament for Vancouver East, the home of the Vancouver Canucks, to congratulate the players, coaching staff and management on a remarkable play-off season and for nearly capturing the most coveted of all sporting prizes, the Stanley Cup.
Few predicted that the Vancouver Canucks would have reached the Stanley Cup finals. They demonstrated extraordinary maturity, talent and perseverance in overcoming numerous challenges, including stretching the finals to a seventh and deciding game.
I would also like to congratulate the New York Rangers. They were formidable opponents. On behalf of all Canadians, members of the House of Commons and especially the members from British Columbia and my constituents I would like to congratulate the Vancouver Canucks again for their outstanding performances.