'Twas the Night Before Christmas

Twas the night before Christmas when all through the Dome,
Not a creature was stirring, not even Jarome.
The Jerseys were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Stanley soon would be there.

The Flames were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of hockey pucks danced in their heads.
And Sutter in his ‘kerchief, and King in his cap,
Had just settled their brains for a long winter’s nap.




When atop the Dome there arose such a clatter,
They sprang from their beds to see what was the matter.
Away to Dutton’s they headed for a beer,
Tore open the doors for some good Christmas cheer.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When, what did their eyes suddenly view,
A Tiny zamboni, with the Fire ‘n Ice crew.

With a little old driver, his face all lit up,
They knew it was Stanley, Lord of the Cup.
More rapid than eagles the players they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!

"Now Iggy! Now Dion! Now, Reggie with joy!
On Kipper! On, J-Bo! On Boyd and Conroy!
To the end of the bench, to the edge of the rink!
Skate away! Skate away! Fast as a wink!"

With X’s and O’s from their pre-game plans,
They readied to play in front of their fans.
So out on the ice, the players they flew,
All with their sticks and St. Stanley too.

And then from the PA, they heard a dull whine,
It was announced the return of famed #9.
They drew their heads up to the roof in a flash,
Down from the rafters came that red ‘stache.

He was wearing a tux, he was all dressed up,
To tell them all about Lord Stanley’s Cup.
A bundle of stories he had in his head,
The glory of winning, to the players he spread.

Of Vancouver, LA and Chicago he talked,
Facing Montreal that year, it was the Cup they stalked.
“Play as a team,” he said, “giving your best,
Not until June will you be able to rest.

“The New Year will come, and your games will improve,
With each passing win, you’re finding your groove!
That is my gift, to each of you now,
When you win the big trophy, take a big bow!"

He sprang to the roof, to the girls gave a whistle,
And away they all flew fast as a missle.
But they heard him exclaim, ‘ere he flew out of sight,
“Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!”