For those who have not read or seen the video of Roch Carrier's wonderful story, "The Sweater", this is a perfect time of the year to do so. It reminds me of the request my brother and I made during the days of "the original six." Both of us requested Leafs shirts, but they were sold out, and under the tree my brother got a Montreal shirt while I received a Rangers shirt.

Growing up in Winnipeg, Al Neale (former Salmon King David Neales father) remembers the Rocket Richard jersey he got. Christe, 50/50 person for the Jr B Cougars liked her #24 Bryan McCabe Toronto Maple Leafs jersey. Kelly Czuy of the Stockton Thunder liked a Starter Anaheim Mighty Ducks jacket. VIJHL Victoria Cougars coach Mark Van Heivort grew up in Prince George where his family billeted a player. He was delighted when their billet player brought home a BCJHL Prince George Spruce Kings jersey autographed by the whole team.

Hockey equipment was a popular choice. Replacing the old tube skates with the newer model made Gary, Salmon Kings season ticket holder and former Fighting Sioux happy. Riley Emmerson, exBCHLer and current Stockton Thunder player noted that Bauer Air 90s skates he found under his tree. San Franiciso's Max Pelzner, goalie for the Jr B Cougars got his first set of goalie pads for Christmas.

Lacrosee referee Darcy Tygat vividly remembered when 10, getting a Wayne Gretzky Red/White Titan hockey stick. Peninsula Panters Jr B players Gerry Fitzgerald and James Kellington had the same choice, a Synergy composite hockey stick. Their teamate Wilf Maquis got a lot of use out of his street hockey net. The little hocky sticks with an orange ball that you could play with in the kitchen were the favourite choice of Brett Clarke, Cougars Jr B rookie.

Assistant Coach Suneil Karod fondly recalls that just after Christmas, in time for a tournament when he was 8, getting his first namebar. The coach had gotten namebars for the team.

Jen Holmwood smiled as she recalled getting a skate shaped stocking with the laces painted on it. Booster club member Denis and Cougars director Gary Boyer liked the table hockey games they received.

As this is a hockey related gift list, the last is a special one. Former WHL Cougar Jackson Penny said his favourite hockey related gift was playing for Team Canada in the Spengler Cup.

May the true spirit of Christmas be felt and shared by all.