A story adapted from a version written for the 11/12 Atom Ae season.
‘Twas the night before Christmas and out on the ice
Not a player was skating, the hiatus was nice.
The jerseys were all hung in their closets with care
In hopes that some goals would soon be their fare.
The boys were nestled all snug in their beds
While the coaches were focused on resting their heads.
With Justin in his nightie and Jeff in his gitch
Jason was soothing Tom with his case of jock itch.
When up on the arena there arose such a clatter
Every one came to the ice to see what was the matter.
They could hear noises on top like blades of a skate
But knew that it couldn’t be that of Gretzky the Great!
But out of this world, it would certainly be
With the NHL lockout their time was more free.
Then all of a sudden a vision came into view
A sleigh on the roof driven by Gretzky plus two.
Yes, Sidney and Alex O it would certainly be
Pulling the sleigh for the Great One, Mr. Gretzky!
More rapid than anyone with speed down they came
And they whistled, and shouted the Novices by name!
"Now Dylan! now, Hardick! now, Hagan and Brush!
On, Priddle! On, Foster! on Tyler with a gust!
Now Petrie, Now Stewart, Now Casyn ! Now Logan!
On Turner, On Ticknor, On MacLean! Get a move on!
It is time to practice and time to play smart!
Now skate away! Skate away! Skate away hard!!
They knew that the boys were trying their best
But needed a little extra to pass the big test.
So up to the rafters the superstars flew
With a sleigh full of pucks and new composites too.
Gretzky was dressed in his stylish ninety-nines
And Ovechkin was handling his stick mighty fine.
Crosby kept smiling as he couldn’t forget
The Golden Goal of 2010 in the USA’s net!
And then, with a whistle, they showed how it was done
Keep your head up and go, never stop, always fun.
And just when you think that you have run out of gas
Never give up, keep going, and don’t fall on your a**!!
But out of the blue, a bad man could be seen
It was the Grinch and he wasn’t his usually green.
He shouted loudly “there will be no hockey for you”
Yes it was, Gary Bettman, unfortunately true.
The NHL stars said “take off, your place is not here
Go back to your office or better yet, disappear”.
Bettman screamed as he left and said with disdain
“I’m the Grinch, you boys need me to again play the game!”
Gretzky said to the team, forget him that nitwit
Keep focused on the game, concentrate, never quit.
The boys were amazed and still thought they were dreaming
As this was a great lesson of true hockey meaning.
It is too bad the Novices were starting to wear
The excitement tonight was too much to bear
But Gretzky and Alex and Sid sternly said
Keep practicing hard and listen when led.
Their time was up as they knew it would be
The Novices were tired and needed their sleep.
Wayne said let’s go, and Alex said to young Sid
You pull the sleigh, you’re still a kid.
Sid said take off. Alex you say you’re the best
Prove to me that you have so much of that zest.
Wayne got upset and said For Heavens Sakes
Would you both just come on, let’s go, can’t be late.
And with a snap of his stick, the sleigh disappeared
Gretzky had done it again, his magic he reared.
In the distance you could hear the shouts from the stars
Keep your stick on the ice and you will go far!!!!
Merry Christmas from the 12/13 Novice Tri-County Team!!
