Congressman Dale Kildee honors Stanley Cup MVP Tim Thomas

By Adam Biggers | The Flint Journal The Flint Journal

FLINT, Michigan — Congressman Dale Kildee (D, Mich.) honored Davison grad Tim Thomas' accomplishments Wednesday night in the U.S. House of Representatives Congressional Record.

Kildee cited Thomas' humble beginnings and drive to succeed — praising the Davison native for his challenging quest to attain Lord Stanley's Cup — as actions worthy of high recognition.

Thomas posted a 37-save shutout Wednesday night in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals against the Vancouver Canucks. It was his fourth shutout of the playoffs. Thomas was named the playoff MVP, becoming only the second American-born player to earn the coveted Conn Smythe Trophy. Brian Leetch won it in 1994 with the Stanley Cup champion New York Rangers.

Thomas led the Bruins to their first Cup since 1972. His road to the top came riddled with obstacles including injury and loss of his starting job in net to Tuuka Rask last season. Despite the setbacks, Thomas rose to the top, claiming one of the most sought after trophies in all of professional sports Wednesday. 

Kildee's statement is as follows:

 

"I rise today to congratulate Stanley Cup winner, playoff MVP, Flint Native and Davison High School graduate Tim Thomas.

Tim's road to the championship is a tale of perseverance and staying true to your dreams.  Tim was born in my hometown of Flint, Michigan, graduating from high school in nearby Davison. From an early age, he dreamed of playing in the NHL as a goalie. His family was so supportive of his dreams, that his parents sold their wedding rings in order to pay for him to go to hockey camp.

During his four years of college hockey at the University of Vermont, he was the 217th player drafted in 1994 and turned down an offer to play for the NHL's Quebec Nordiques. After graduation, he spent nine years playing for minor league teams in the United States and for leagues in Canada and Finland. It seemed that his dream of playing in the NHL would not be realized.

But finally, after years of perseverance he finally got the call to the big leagues, becoming a full-time goalie for the Boston Bruins in the 2005-2006 season. He continued his uphill battle to keep his place on the team, fighting through critics who wanted him traded and a hip injury that required surgery during the off season. But last night, he showed that all those years of hard work were worth it. Tim helped lead his team to playoff victory, blocking 37 shots to post his fourth shutout of the series.  At the age of 37, Tim is only the fourth goalie in history to post a Game 7 shutout in the Stanley Cup finals.

Tim's story is an inspiration to everyone who has been told that they're not good enough and who has struggled to achieve success. He is proof that if you work hard, greatness can be achieved and that dreams do come true.

I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Tim Thomas for helping to lead the Boston Bruins to the Stanley Cup victory and winning the title of Most Valuable Player."