Festive Greetings

"'Twas The Night Before Hockey"

'Twas the night before hockey, and all around the pitch
The arena was stirring, it was the usual itch.
The shirts were hung in the changing rooms with care,
In hopes a good team would soon be in there.

The supporters were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of goals danced in their heads.
Settled in bed in my shirt and socks,
Hoping my goalie would make the usual blocks.

When there in the house there arose such a clatter,
I awoke from my bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the pitch, I drove like a flash,
Tore open the gates and sat on the grass.

The sound of balls on the green turf,
The sound of a shot, hitting a post once with curve.
When suddenly out of my eyes what appears?
But the team that I love, the team that I cheer.

With the forwards running, lively and quick,
Then the goalie, blocking the ball with his stick.
The defence fired shots from the white line,
The umpires called fouls to make players whine.

Supporters filled the pitch side to cheer on their teams,
New banners were hung from the highest of beams.
With each shot and screen, each play and block,
Supporters yelled as they count down the clock.

With Chloe, Peter, Sandra and Paul,
Wow us with goals, make the crowd roar.
Go Sally and Ed, Sarah and Kieth,
Block all those shots, just don’t lose your teeth!

The goalies will wow us with save after save,
With sturdy glove a clean sheet we crave.
Simon leads his team, Stephen uses his skills,
Becca and Kim will make other teams chill.

Players play for their team, play with all of their heart,
Hoping their team's around when the celebrations do start.
Eighteen wins in the spring for a team it will take,
To win promotion for their fans, who’s season it will make.

So the umpire signals time, to the teams gave a whistle,
Warned the players that their verbal’s would lead to dismissal.
Then he exclaimed, as the ball dropped from height,

"Happy hockey to all, and to all a good night!"