Madam Speaker, it is with enormous pride that I rise in the House of Commons today as the MP for Plaster Rock, New Brunswick, home of the now famous World Pond Hockey Championship.
Plaster Rock is a small town with a whole lot of spirit and a whole lot of spunk. The townspeople have combined their love of the sport and their love of the community to turn a frozen lake into a field of dreams for hockey purists around the globe.
This year's tournament drew 96 four-man teams from 8 provinces, 16 states, England and the Cayman Islands, not to mention media interest from CNN, TSN, ESPN and the list goes on.
The tournament returns to the traditional roots of Canada's game, playing hockey as it should be played: with fun, fellowship and old fashioned values. It stirs fond memories of open air matches from earlier times, turning 40-year-old men into 14-year-old kids.
I have had the privilege to play in the World Pond Hockey Championship and to preside at its opening and closing ceremonies. I know firsthand the tremendous preparation and hard work that goes into organizing an event of this size and stature.
I want to congratulate the organizers on another hugely successful World Pond Hockey Championship and may they be rewarded for their efforts with a new arena.