82S11010 BPG-D
By: Raymond H.R. No. 265
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Terry Ruskowski concluded a decade-long tenure as
head coach of the Laredo Bucks hockey team, as well as his service
as general manager and president, in 2011, and it is indeed fitting
to recognize his outstanding accomplishments; and
WHEREAS, Appointed to lead the team for its inaugural season
in 2002-2003, "Coach Rosco" immediately guided the players to the
Central Hockey League playoffs; the following season, the Bucks
powered through a 21-game winning streak to record the league's
best regular season record and went on to win the CHL championship
and take home the President's Cup; after reaching the finals the
next season, the Bucks were champions once again in 2005-2006, and
Mr. Ruskowski was named Coach of the Year; under his direction, the
team won its division five consecutive times and made the finals in
eight out of the nine seasons that he was coach; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Ruskowski was named president of the franchise
in 2008 and also took on the role of general manager; he is known to
be generous and open-hearted, a lively conversationalist, and a
tireless ambassador for the team and for ice hockey; he gained the
true affection of Laredo fans with his friendly, approachable
demeanor and commitment to the community, which included sending
players to visit hundreds of classrooms to serve as role models and
to encourage students to stay in school; and
WHEREAS, A native of Saskatchewan, Mr. Ruskowski was also a
fan favorite during his 15 years as a professional hockey player; he
was drafted by the National Hockey League's Chicago Blackhawks in
1974 but chose to begin his career with the Houston Aeros, alongside
the legendary Gordie Howe, who led the team to the World Hockey
Association AVCO Cup in 1975; highly regarded as an intense and
fearless competitor with a ferocious work ethic, Mr. Ruskowski
became one of the top players in WHA history, winning another AVCO
Cup with the Winnipeg Jets; he played with several NHL teams after
the leagues merged, serving as captain of the Blackhawks, the Los
Angeles Kings, and the Pittsburgh Penguins, and he retired from the
Minnesota North Stars in 1989; and
WHEREAS, That same year, he moved into the coaching ranks,
and before joining the Bucks, he led four minor league hockey teams,
including the International Hockey League team that was also known
as the Houston Aeros; he was named United Hockey League Coach of the
Year in 2000-2001 while with the Knoxville Speed; and
WHEREAS, Terry Ruskowski has earned the respect, admiration,
and affection of Bucks fans and countless other Laredo residents,
and although his presence will be deeply missed, his contributions
to the community will continue to be appreciated for many years to
come; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas
Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby honor Terry Ruskowski for
his achievements as coach, general manager, and president of the
Laredo Bucks and extend to him sincere best wishes for continued
success as he embarks on the next exciting chapter of his life; and,
be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Mr. Ruskowski as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.