“Madam Speaker, to borrow a catch-phrase from Hall of Fame hockey announcer Mike Lange, you can buy Sam a drink and get his dog one, too because Lord Stanley’s Cup is making a return visit to the City of Champions.  Pittsburgh now becomes the first city ever to be home to both the defending Super Bowl and Stanley Cup champions at the same time.

“This past weekend, the Pittsburgh Penguins won their third Stanley Cup –and they did it the hard way, by coming from behind in the final series to win Game 7 on the road against last year’s champion Detroit Red Wings.  

“Regular season scoring champion Evgeni Malkin won MVP honors by leading all playoff scorers, and goalie Marc-Andre Fleury once again proved he belonged among the game’s elites with his dominating performance in net.

“Head Coach Dan Bylsma took over in mid-season when the team was out of playoff contention and led them not only to the playoffs but to a championship. And in winning the title Sidney Crosby became the youngest team captain to hoist the Stanley Cup in its 115 year history.

“As in all successful organizations, the leadership of the Penguins starts at the top. The incomparable Mario Lemieux will now have his name engraved on the Cup for the third time, this time as team owner.  Just as he did when he came into the league as a player, Mario Lemieux took control of a last place team threatened by bankruptcy and relocation. From that he built a championship team that leads the league in television ratings, merchandise sales and sellouts.

“Yes Madam Speaker, these Penguins truly can fly.  Congratulations go out to the entire organization for completing the hat trick of championships – winning their third Stanley Cup.  The 2009 Pittsburgh Penguins have earned their well-deserved place alongside the greatest sports legends in the City of Champions.”