SR0703 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0703 LRB104 21345 ECR 36219 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, It is highly fitting that the State of Illinois recognizes individuals who represent our State and nation with excellence, determination, and integrity on the world stage; and

WHEREAS, Tessa Janecke, a native of Orangeville in the 45th State Senate District, played a pivotal role in leading the United States Women's Olympic Ice Hockey Team to a gold medal victory at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan, Italy; and

WHEREAS, Tessa Janecke comes from a strong, multigenerational hockey family, including her father, Andrew, her grandfather, Tom, her brothers, Cade and Beau, and her uncles, Dennis and Brett, all of whom have played the sport and helped shape her growth as an athlete from an early age; and

WHEREAS, Tessa Janecke began playing hockey at a young age with the Monroe Youth Hockey Association in Monroe, Wisconsin, where she competed against older boys, including engaging in full-contact play by age 12, accelerating her progress and preparing her for elite levels of competition; and

WHEREAS, Tessa Janecke further developed her hockey skills through elite competition with Team Wisconsin AAA, where she competed at the national level and gained recognition from collegiate programs; she later trained at the North American Hockey Academy, an elite preparatory program that helped prepare her for Division I competition; and

WHEREAS, Tessa Janecke advanced through USA Hockey development programs and earned selection to the United States Under-18 National Team, further establishing herself among the nation's top young players; and

WHEREAS, At Penn State University, Tessa Janecke earned All-American honors and was named a finalist for the Patty Kazmaier Award, which recognizes the top player in NCAA Division I women's hockey; and

WHEREAS, Tessa Janecke recorded five assists during the 2026 Olympic women's tournament, tying for fourth on Team USA and sixth overall among all women's ice hockey players at the Olympic Winter Games; and

WHEREAS, Tessa Janecke tallied two assists in Team USA's 5-1 Olympic-opening victory over Czechia on February 5, 2026, setting the tone for a dominant tournament performance; and

WHEREAS, Tessa Janecke added assists in three consecutive victories against Italy, Sweden, and Canada, demonstrating consistency, vision, and playmaking ability under the brightest lights in international competition; and

WHEREAS, Centering the fourth line for the undefeated squad, Tessa Janecke helped power one of the most dominant Olympic runs in women's ice hockey history, as Team USA outscored its opponents 33-2 en route to the gold medal, marking the third time the United States has claimed Olympic gold in women's ice hockey since the sport became an Olympic event in 1998; and

WHEREAS, Tessa Janecke is no stranger to international success, having previously scored the overtime, game-winning goal against Canada to secure gold for Team USA at the 2025 International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Women's World Championships; and

WHEREAS, Tessa Janecke's dedication, work ethic, and leadership serve as an inspiration to young athletes throughout Orangeville, Warren, and communities across the 45th State Senate District; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Tessa Janecke on winning a gold medal as a member of the United States Women's Olympic Ice Hockey Team, and we commend her for representing Illinois and our nation with distinction; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we wish Tessa Janecke continued success, including in her pursuit of achieving a national championship at Penn State University; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Tessa Janecke as an expression of our esteem and respect.