News Release

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

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PRIME MINISTER STEPHEN HARPER PAYS TRIBUTE TO CANADA'S NATIONAL HOCKEY TEAMS

June 25, 2007
CALGARY

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today paid tribute to Canada's three victorious national hockey teams. Attending the 2007 Canadian Hockey Foundation Celebrity Classic Gala Dinner, the Prime Minister praised the players in attendance for the sportsmanship and athletic excellence they demonstrated on the world stage.

"It's been another banner year for Canadian hockey," said the Prime Minister. "Thanks to the players we're honouring here tonight, Canada has three more world championships to add to its collection. Congratulations to all of you, you've done our country proud."

"I can't think of any other country where a single sport is such a big part of the history and the culture. Nothing unites us, nothing defines us, like the game of hockey."

The proceeds of the gala evening will go to the Canadian Hockey Foundation, which is helping sustain the future of our national game by funding Hockey Canada's many programs, projects, and activities.

"I'd like to thank Hockey Canada for all the work it does developing generation after generation of the best players in the world," said Prime Minister Harper.

"The success of your efforts is embodied not only in three world championship teams represented here tonight, but also in another great year that tens of thousands of children and their families had in rinks across Canada last season."

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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