T’was the night before Christmas, when all through the rink
No equipment was dirty, not even a stink.
The jerseys were hung in the stalls with care,
In hopes that Coach Galati soon would be there.
Stuart was nestled all snug in his bed,
While visions of championships danced in his head.
And Jodi in her ‘kerchief, and Candy in his cap,
Had just settled their brains for a short holiday’s nap.
When out on the ice there arose such a clatter,
Coaches Spencer and Vincent sprang from the room to see what was the matter.
Away to the glass they ran in a dash,
Tore open the door and skated out like the Flash.
The lights in the arena on the fresh-flooded ice
Gave the lustre of game-day, it was paradise.
When, what to the wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature whiteboard, and twenty-four in full gear.
With a Coach at centre ice, so lively and full of skill,
You knew in a moment it must be a drill.
More rapid than jocks his athletes they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called some by name!
“Now, Shane! now, Owen! now, Ryan and Ben!
On, Lanni! On, Bondy! on, Barkley and Ashton!
To the top of the circle! to the top of the slot!
Now snipe away! Snipe away! Snipe away that shot!”
As Josh and Green and Piper looked on,
William, Aiden and Ethan skated circles around pylons.
So up to the bench the players they rested,
With the bottles full of water, and Coach Galati tested.
And then, in a twinkling, Joseph heard from the arena seats
Jason shouting “scores” like feats.
As Ray drew in his head, and was turning around,
There was Christopher, Gavin and Tan sprinting like greyhounds.
Quizi and Sebastian were dressed all in gear, guarding the crease,
And their leathers were flashing like windmills, it was a masterpiece.
A bundle of pucks Clayton had flung on his back,
He, Brody and Seany looked like peddlers, just opening their packs.
Now Galati’s style-how it flourished! his team how complete!
His superstitions like credo, his interviews such a treat!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the look of his chin, well not quite a weirdo.
The lip of a whistle he held tight in his chops,
And the tweet it encircled the rink, echoing like in mountaintops.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!
He was fit and jacked, a right jolly old soul,
And Mark laughed when he saw him, in spite he was a troll!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave Zach, Ireton and Whelton to know they had nothing to dread.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the lines, then returned his room with a smirk.
With Jeff noting stats, and Bree attending the injured,
And giving a nod, Rino tweeted away like a blizzard!
He sprang off the ice, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all skated, the Holidays were here how grateful.
And Rob closed over the P.A, ‘ere they drove out of sight,
“Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!”
