David Price: “I, too, rise to honor the Carolina Hurricanes, the proud winners of an outstanding seven-game Stanley Cup series with…”

“I, too, rise to honor the Carolina Hurricanes, the proud winners of an outstanding seven-game Stanley Cup series with the Edmonton Oilers. You know, the skeptics said that hockey would never work in North Carolina. Who would ever watch this northern sport in a southern city? Even if some small crowd showed up, could they even follow the rules of the game? Some doubted we could put ice to any purpose beyond cooling sweet tea. Well, I stand here this evening to report that those early skeptics were wrong. Hockey has found a welcome home along Tobacco Road. Although I represent a constituency that I have to admit is more familiar with Tar Heels and Blue Devils, and the Wolfpack, we North Carolinians have found another winter sport in which to place our pride. We are proud of the Hurricanes and the Stanley Cup they have brought to our State. We are proud of Cam Ward, the 22-year-old rookie goalkeeper who was recognized as the post-season most valuable player. Also veterans like Rod Brind'Amour, Glen Wesley, and Bret Hedican, who played a combined 49 NHL seasons before winning the Stanley Cup. We celebrate every team member as well as Coach Peter Laviolette and the rest of the Hurricanes' management and staff. We are proud of the newfound energy and excitement that the Hurricanes have brought to their sport following that 2004-2005 lockout and the lost season.…”