The 12 days of christmas
Just a few more sleeps until the start of the 2009 NLL season…the 11th for my Rock….a chance to reflect on the past year and do something I have done since 2003….my 12 Wishes for Lax-mas…Christmas….Hanukah….Kwanza…Festivus….whatever holiday you celebrate. Of course I got looking at the ones I have already written, for inspiration mostly. A lot of the guys then are still around or, in some cases, back. A few of my favourites have retired and found other ways to be involved in the game. There are a couple of new guys. But, as always, I am grateful to have games to go to, great fans to hang with and a place to say my piece.
So…the 12th day of Laxmas is, as usual, twelve special guys….
“Whipper” Watson….for making his best fan proud
Peter Lough…..for his help on a very special project
“Shooter” Sanderson…for sharing another Mann Cup
Nenad Gajic….for being so gracious in defeat, with that ever present smile
Chris “C” Driscoll….for his leadership
Cam Woods….for sharing his joy
Tracey Kelusky….for being the competitor that never, ever quits
Anthony Cosmo….for that precious picture with his favourite fan
Blaine Manning….for just being himself
Brodie Merrill…for noticing his fans
Lewis Ratcliff….for his help on a very special project
…and Rob Marshall….for helping his best fan be part of the game
The 11th day can be none other than Johnny Who? Owner of the all-time scoring lead in the league; winner of yet another championship; with an ego that is so right sized he puts his team before his own accomplishments.
The 10th day belongs to Aaron Wilson…now a member of the %$#@*&%$#% Knighthawks….but still our Wils.
The 9th day Daddy, Kaleb, and the future #9, Deo. Proud as he should be!
The 8th day to the Stroup cheerleading section…and their new home in Portland.
The 7th day to a player who has become a leader on his team. Just hope Mr. Doyle has an off day when he and his Stealth come to the ACC this season.
The 6th day to one of the originals, Laddy. One of only two members of that very first Rock championship still in uniform. Works hard, does what the coaching staff asks of him and always has time for his fans. The kind of guy every team needs.
The 5th day is the five championship rings…and holding. Might this be the year my Rock get number six? The first for Clarky as a coach? Fingers crossed….I sure hope so.
The 4th day is reserved for a few of those retired guys. Pat Coyle played with an intensity that always made him a force on the floor. He conquered his challenges off the floor the same way. Dallas Eliuk was, arguably, the best ‘tender ever. Now he will teach others. Kevin Finneran has been off the floor for a few seasons now but….back and trying to grow the sport. And Gary/Paul Gait….retired, Hall of Fame…and now they are back and together as player and coach.
The 3rd day is for the Dawson boys….Dangerous Dan, Paul “Goaltender converted to Awesome Defender” and their best fan, Dad Joe. Something tells me the road trip to Boston is going to be a lot of fun.
The 2nd day is the Knighthawk Infirmary. Good luck from this fan to Junior & Scotty. The game needs both of you. And if the air of you attack your recovery the same way as you play the game, your return will be sooner than later for sure.
And…the 1st day belongs to….who else???? Jim “Scoop” Veltman retired from playing since the age of five. But he didn’t just walk off into the sunset thank heavens. He is now an assistant coach with my Rock. Will he be any good? Who knows but I would take the odds that he will.
And he didn’t just retire. He used this career milestone to bring to a community that has not had his advantages or opportunities. And stay tuned ‘cause he ain’t done yet.
There are lots more guys I have left out. Not on purpose, of course. Just not enough time and space to mention all of the friends I have made along the way in the past ten years. Please know that you all hold a special place in my heart and that one of these days, if I ever have enough hours in the day, I will find a way to write about you all.
In the meantime play safe. And remember that the Creator’s game was a gift. So take your gift and pass it along.