Editor’s Note: The following is a news release from Sen. Karin Housley (R-St. Mary's Point). Housley represents the Stillwater area in the new Minnesota Senate District 39.

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Thursday at the Capitol, Senator Karin Housley (R-St. Mary’s Point) introduced a resolution congratulating Team USA on their recent first-place finish at the International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship.

The National team defeated Sweden on Jan. 5 in Ufa, Russia to win the gold medal. In addition to Minnesotans Mike Reilly, defenseman, and Mario Lucia, forward, all three of the team’s coaches hail from Minnesota. This was the third time Team USA has won the gold medal since the tournament’s inception.

Sen. Housley stated, “I am honored to recognize the five Minnesotans who contributed to Team USA’s victory. Living in the State of Hockey, we should be proud of our state’s strong hockey tradition.”

Housley’s husband, Phil Housley, led Team USA to victory as the team’s head coach. 

“And, of course, I am particularly proud of my husband Phil. He helped lead the team to victory, but he could not have done it without assistant coaches Grant Potulny and Mark Osiecki,” continued Housley.

“The state of Minnesota was well represented on Team USA. The Minnesota State Senate recognizes the contributions of the five Minnesotans who helped win gold for the United States. Congratulations and thank you for making Minnesota proud.”

Housley welcomes comments and questions and can be reached by telephone at (651)296-4351, by mail at 21 State Office Building, St. Paul, MN 55155, or via e-mail at sen.karin.housley@senate.mn.