Mr. Speaker, on Sunday in Rimouski, the Windsor Spitfires overcame tragedy, history and the odds to complete one of hockey's most sensational turnarounds: storming back from two opening round losses to decisively capture the Memorial Cup.
Their triumph was a powerful vindication for a team devastated last year by the tragic passing of their captain, Mickey Renaud. When the Spits gathered at centre ice for a victory photo, clutching the iconic No. 18 of their captain-in-spirit forever, Mickey was surely looking on, grinning in his unforgettable way, as this year's captain, Harry Young, hoisted the Memorial Cup in his place.
In overcoming this tragedy so fully, the team captured the spirit of an embattled community. They reminded us that whatever adversity the people of Windsor confront, they will persevere and ultimately triumph.
I know the House will join the member for Windsor West and me in thanking Rimouski for a world-class event and in congratulating the Spitfires on attaining, in unprecedented fashion, the highest pinnacle of Canadian junior hockey.