Lawmakers Blowout Leads to Fifth Straight Congressional Hockey Challenge Win Over Lobbyists

Rep. Tom Emmer, PWHPA’s Haley Skarupa Power Lawmakers to 8-3 rout in 13th annual charity game

ARLINGTON, Va. – The Lawmakers put on an absolute scoring clinic in the 2023 Congressional Hockey Challenge, securing their fifth straight win over the Lobbyist team. The Congressional Hockey Challenge is an annual charity hockey game between lawmakers, administration officials, and staff versus lobbyists.

The Lawmakers jumped out to a quick, four-goal first period thanks to the dynamic play of Rob MacGregor, a Professional Staff Member on the Committee on Natural Resources, and Truman Reed, a Legislative Assistant in Rep. Monica De La Cruz’s (R-Tx.) office. Despite a late third period push from the Lobbyists fueled by co-captain Nick Lewis, the Lawmakers held on to win, with Reed notching a hat trick on a late penalty shot to seal it.

"Absolutely unbelievable," said Tim Regan, Lawmakers captain and Congressional Hockey Challenge board member. "Last year was tight until the end, so we knew we needed to get out in front early to send a message. I'll say that message was received. Five straight for the Lawmakers!"

While Representative Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) whips votes on Capitol Hill, he’s also a force to be reckoned with on the ice. Rep. Emmer recorded an assist on a strange angle goal by 2018 Olympic Gold Medalist, Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association’s (PWHPA) Haley Skarupa. Skarupa, a native of Rockville, Md., piled onto the scoreboard with a two-goal night. The game also featured Olympic Medalists representing the PWHPA, Megan Keller and Hayley Scamurra, who both joined the Lobbyist squad.

"While we're bummed about the result, having the chance to play out there with three Olympic medalists was surreal," said Michelle MacGregor, Lobbyist co-captain and Congressional Hockey Challenge board member. "Every player on that ice has such a passion for the game of hockey, and this event allows us to inspire and give back to the community to help grow the sport. We’re so grateful that Haley, Megan, and Hayley joined us tonight. Their participation brings us that much closer to achieving our goal."

"I am thrilled to see how much this game has grown since we first hatched the plan in a hockey locker room in 2008 after a late-night skate. We couldn't do this without the support of the NHL, the Washington Capitals and our generous sponsors," said Congressional Hockey Challenge Co-Founder Nick Lewis. “No matter what the scoreboard says, we are proud to continue to raise significant resources for our charitable partners.”

Since 2009, the game has raised over $1.3 million for charities including the Fort Dupont Ice Hockey Club, USA Hockey Warriors Ice Hockey Program, Capital Warriors Beltway Hockey Program, and the Tampa Warriors Hockey Heals event. And new for 2022, the game now supports the Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association to support the growth of women’s and girl’s hockey in America.

Three Stars of the Game:

First Star: Truman Reed (Lawmakers)
Second Star: Rob MacGregor (Lawmakers)
Third Star: Nick Lewis (Lobbyists)

Contact:
Kevin Coroneos
congressionalhockeychc@gmail.com
856-237-7050

About the Congressional Hockey Challenge

The Congressional Hockey Challenge is an annual ice hockey game for charity featuring federal lawmakers, congressional staff and administration officials from across the political spectrum against lobbyists representing a broad array of interests. The Congressional Hockey Challenge is committed to the advancement of the sport of ice hockey, ensuring that this incredible and dynamic sport is accessible to everyone who wants to play. Since 2009, the game has raised over $1.3 million for charities including the Fort Dupont Ice Hockey Club in Washington, DC, Capital Beltway Warriors Hockey Program, USA Warriors Hockey, Tampa Warriors annual “22 hours of Hockey” event, and the Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association.