LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Matthew Gilroy of North Bellmore,
New York, upon the occasion of receiving the 2009 Hobey Baker Award, the
highest honor in collegiate hockey

WHEREAS, Excellence and success in competitive sports can be achieved
only through strenuous practice, team play and team spirit, nurtured by
dedicated coaching and strategic planning; and
WHEREAS, Athletic competition enhances the moral and physical develop-
ment of the young people of this State, preparing them for the future by
instilling in them the value of teamwork, encouraging a standard of
healthy living, imparting a desire for success and developing a sense of
fair play and competition; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay
tribute to those young people within the State of New York who have
inspired and brought pride to their community by achieving outstanding
success in athletic competition; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratu-
late Matthew Gilroy of North Bellmore, New York, upon the occasion of
receiving the 2009 Hobey Baker Award, the highest honor in collegiate
hockey; and
WHEREAS, A senior team captain at Boston University, Matthew Gilroy
played in 145 consecutive games and was the top-scoring defenseman in
Hockey East and ranked third in the nation with eight goals and 28
assists; the former St. Mary's High School captain was also named the
COLLEGE HOCKEY NEWS Player of the Year; and
WHEREAS, To complete his golden season, Matthew Gilroy notched an
assist on the game-tying goal with 17 seconds left in regulation while
leading the Boston University Terriers to a thrilling 4-3 overtime
victory over Miami of Ohio in the 2009 NCAA Championship Game; and
WHEREAS, Loyally and enthusiastically supported by family, fans,
friends and the community at large, Matthew Gilroy has proven himself to
be an unbeatable combination of athletic and academic talents and stands
as a sterling example and inspiration to all who would aspire to
success; and
WHEREAS, Poised eagerly with enthusiasm and determined purpose,
Matthew Gilroy now stands honorably, with just pride in his accomplish-
ments and in eager anticipation of future challenges, understanding and
appreciating the caring counsel and support provided by his coaches,
family and friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Matthew Gilroy of North Bellmore, New York, upon the occa-
sion of receiving the 2009 Hobey Baker Award, the highest honor in
collegiate hockey, and to extend to him its best wishes for a future of
purposeful success and well-being, fully confident of his response to a
promising future and appreciative of the model he represents for all
aspiring young people of the Empire State; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Matthew Gilroy.