Mr. Speaker, today I rise to celebrate two outstanding hockey stories from Bow River.
First, I congratulate the community of Taber on being named the 2026 Kraft Hockeyville national champions. Through adversity, and with remarkable fortitude, the people of Taber came together and earned this well-deserved victory. It stands as the latest chapter in the proud culture of hockey excellence that the people of Bow River continue to build. Taber's win provides $250,000 to rebuild its arena after it was destroyed, along with the exciting opportunity to host an NHL pre-season game next fall. I look forward to attending this much-anticipated game.
Second, I would like to give a huge shout-out to the Brooks Bandits. Three more graduates signed NHL contracts this past week, providing further proof of the world-class development program the Bandits have built. We look forward to their potential NHL debuts.
Hockey is thriving in Bow River, and these stories make us all proud. Go, Taber, and go, Bandits!