12/24/2025
'Twas the night before hockey, and all through the rink,
The Zamboni was stirring, ice was made in a blink.
The jerseys were hung in the lockers with care,
In hopes that a good team would soon be there.
The fans were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of Lord Stanley danced in their heads.
Settled in bed in my jersey and toque,
Hoping my goalie won’t let in a fluke.
When there in the barn there arose such a clatter,
I awoke from my bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the rink, I flew like a flash,
Tore open the doors and sat on the glass.
The sound of skates on white and fresh ice,
The sound of a shot, hitting a post once or twice.
When suddenly out of my eyes what appears?
But the team that I love, the team that I cheer.
With the forwards, skating, lively and quick,
Then the goalie, blocking the puck with his stick.
The defense fired slap shots from the blue line,
The refs called penalties to make players whine.
Fans filled the arena to root on their teams,
New banners were hung from the highest of beams.
With each shot and screen, each play and block,
Twenty thousand yelled as they count down the clock.
On Crosby, MacKinnon, McDavid and Hall,
Wow us with goals, make your cellys wow all.
Go Letang and Karlsson, Subban and Keith.
Block all those shots, just don’t lose your teeth.
The goalies will wow us with save after save,
Hellebuyck’s glove will greet pucks with a wave.
Rask leads his team, Fleury uses his pad,
Holtby and Rinne will make other teams sad.
Players skate for their team, play with all of their heart,
Hoping their team's around when the playoffs do start.
Sixteen wins in the spring for a team it will take,
To win the Cup for their fans, who’s season it will make.
So the ref sprang to his feet, to the teams gave a whistle,
Warned the goons that their fights would lead to dismissal.
Then he exclaimed, as the puck dropped from his height,
"Happy hockey to all, and to all a good night!"
