View From the Legislature

On Tuesday I had the pleasure of welcoming members of the Steinbach Pistons to the Manitoba Legislature.

Players Braden Purtill, Darby Gula, Will Koop, Mark Taraschuk, Drew Worrad and Bradley Schoonbaert along with Coach and General Manager Paul Dyck and video coach Graham Pollock joined me as we honored the 2017-2018 Manitoba Junior Hockey League Champions in the Legislature. They also brought along the 100-year-old Turnbull Cup which was held up high over the Assembly as MLA’s applauded the Pistons in attendance.

All Canadians have come together over the past several weeks both in grief and in solidarity following the terrible accident involving the Humboldt Broncos. Hockey is as much a part of the Canadian identity as our long winters, the Rocky Mountains and our open spaces. And so the tragedy touched Canadians in a very profound way as evidenced by the many expressions of support from across Canada.

For the Pistons, they are fortunate to be surrounded by a supporting community and families who have welcomed them into their homes. They are also supported by a tremendous ownership group and staff and management. Coach and General Manager Paul Dyck understands that part of the role of the community team isn’t just to produce good players and winning teams but to develop great citizens and character that will extend beyond sports. That has been evident in the way the Pistons are a part of the community.

But of course, for the players and all those involved, it is also about competition and the Pistons were worthy champions after another great year and successful playoff run. As they prepare to take the next step by competing against the winners of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League, they know that they have a community of fans supporting them.

But they should also know, perhaps like never before, that they have hundreds of thousands of Canadians behind them cheering them on not just as players, but as individuals. Because while the sport is important and the outcome matters, we have all been reminded that there are things bigger than the game and greater than our own individual pursuits.

Congratulations Pistons on winning the Championship and good luck as you take on your next opponent. We are proud of your accomplishments both on the ice and off of it.