Whereas, Michigan has nearly 70,000 registered hockey players, coaches, and official, and nearly 5,000 registered teams, which, according to USA Hockey’s 2004-05 Final Registration Reports, is more than any other state in the nation; and,

Whereas, The Little Caesars Amateur Hockey League, with 15,000 players, and 850 teams, is the largest hockey league in America; and,

Whereas, Michigan has celebrated 10 Stanley Cup championships won by the Detroit Red Wings, more than any state in the country, and the University of Michigan has captured 9 NCAA national championships, more than any school in the nation; and,

Whereas, The man universally recognized as “Mr. Hockey,” Gordie Howe, permanently resides in Metro Detroit, otherwise known as “Hockeytown”; and,

Whereas, 10 Michiganians are on the rosters of the U.S. men’s and women’s Olympic teams that will go for gold in February in Torino, Italy; and,

Whereas, The world record attendance at a hockey game, 75,544, was set in East Lansing, Michigan, at a match between Michigan State University and the University of Michigan, on October 6, 2001; and,

Whereas, More people watch hockey on television in Michigan than any other state; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim January 28, 2006, as Hockey Day in Michigan and I encourage citizens to celebrate with any one of the activities taking place, including: the Best Outdoor Rink Contest, the “Hockey is Fun” clinic at Joe Louis Arena, High School Hockey featuring Brother Rice vs. Royal Oak, U-D Jesuit vs. Grosse Pointe North, and FSN Detroit’s ‘Hockey Day Doubleheader’ featuring Northern Michigan vs. Western Michigan and the University of Michigan vs. Michigan State.