Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Last evening, I had the opportunity to play with a number of minor hockey players from Yellowknife. We played against the Edmonton Oilers Alumni hockey team.
I mentioned to the young, aspiring teammates of mine that I would make a Member's statement congratulating them on their fine effort. Mr. Speaker, I recollect my youthful days as an athlete, looking up to idols of the past.
I sensed a similar emotion in the dressing room last night, as the young aspiring hockey players prepared to go on the ice. These young players displayed a good sense of sportsmanship, and I could see the hard work they put into trying to defeat the alumni team.
I apologize to the Members for losing my line-up card, but I am sure they know who I am talking about.
I especially want to say thanks to my defence partner, master Zeb Fournier, for bailing me out on a few occasions, as I lost more than a step or two. I would also like to thank Grand Chief Billy Erasmus for arranging my participation in this game. I should also mention that Mr. Harold Cook also played on the same team. Mr. Cook and I were teammates on the National Junior Cross-Country Ski team in 1968-69. That tells you how old I am.
Mr. Speaker, I am sure that as future fundraising activities for smaller communities, we can introduce such events at that level. As the Minister responsible for Youth, I am looking forward to working with other Members to find ways of bringing teams such as the Edmonton Oilers Alumni to their communities to broaden this interest level. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
-- Applause