Congressional Hockey Challenge raises funds, is 'a good time'

ARLINGTON, Va. -- U.S. House Majority Whip Tom Emmer wondered if the wind and the legs would still be there.

The Republican from Minnesota said he hadn't played a serious game of hockey since last April when his team of Capitol Hill Lawmakers defeated a squad of Lobbyists 4-2 in the Congressional Hockey Challenge.
Emmer looked no worse for wear Wednesday and neither did the Lawmakers who defeated the Lobbyists 8-3 in the 13th annual fundraising game at MedStar Capital Iceplex, the practice facility of the Washington Capitals.
"There's nothing that beats winning," Emmer said. "The greatest part about this sport is it doesn't matter who you are, where you're from, it doesn't matter what your background is, what your title is. Once you're on the rink, you're all the same. And it's a good time."
The game was supported by the Capitals, the NHL, the bipartisan Congressional Hockey Caucus and other sponsors. The event has raised more than $1 million since 2009.

Proceeds from the game are going to the Fort Dupont Cannons, a Hockey Is For Everyone affiliate that's the oldest minority-oriented program in North America; the capital Beltway Warriors; the Tampa Warriors; and the Professional Women's Hockey Players' Association.
It was the second consecutive year that the Hockey Challenge included the PWHPA.
"Helping the Fort Dupont kids, adding the Warriors and what they're doing and adding the women, that's huge," said Tim Regan, a Lawmakers forward and senior assistant tally clerk in the House.
Three PWHPA and U.S. women's Olympic team members skated with the Lawmakers and Lobbyists: defenseman Megan Keller and forwards Haley Skarupa and Hayley Scamurra.
"It was so much fun to be out here, and we're honored that they wanted us to be here," said Skarupa, who grew up in nearby Rockville, Maryland. "They're supporting us. The partnership is such an amazing partnership. And so, we're super-thankful for them and all their involvement."