Mr. Speaker, nothing defines Canadians more than their love for the game of hockey and its colourful heroes who have brought so much joy to so many.
Long before words like arbitration and agent became part of the game's vocabulary, names like Bathgate, Howe, Mahovlich, Beliveau, Kelly and Richard were being claimed by runny nosed shinny players on rinks across Canada. I know because I was one of them, as were many of my colleagues in the House.
We may have lost our breakaway speed, but we will always remember the smooth stickhandling of a Jean Beliveau, the sure slapshot of Frank Mahovlich, the fierce intensity of Henri "Pocket Rocket" Richard, the clutch goal of Paul Henderson, the sharp elbows of Gordie Howe, the tenacity of Ted Lindsay, and the feared hip check of Pierre Pilote.
I am sorry Mr. Meeker, but I only remember how you taught the game on TV.
These individuals personify character, class and charisma. Most important, they made it fun for us to be kids. For that I thank these gentlemen.