Here's a list of New Years wishes for the players and personalities, teams and organization that make hockey the greatest game on Earth.
To the Canadian boys in Sweden at the WJC - another undefeated run to the Gold to launch their careers.
Former Flyers GM Bobby Clarke - a less stressful front office job while coming to grips with today's game.
For Wayne Gretzky - a healthy family and a ticket out of Phoenix before 20 years of hockey integrity is undone.
Pat Quinn - the opportunity to once again scream at NHL officials close up.
Brendan Shanahan - the 50 goal season this funnyman and astute hockey thinker's legend deserves.
Peter Forsberg - spare parts!
To Mario Lemieux and the Penguins fans - solid plans for a new arena that they will fill for decades.
Guy Carbonneau - A Jack Adams Trophy to place next to his Selke's.
To Gary Bettman and Colin Campbell - muzzles, disguises, and a goal scoring surge.
John Muckler, Harry Neale, and Don Cherry - a hastened and vile free ride off into the sunset.
Rory Fitzpatrick - peace of mind to concentrate on the task at hand and a playoff spot for the Canucks.
To the Blackhawks and Bruins - a return to the playoffs and a battle with another Original Six franchise.
Guillaume Latendresse - continued class, composure, and coolness under fire.
To Dave Lewis - a mirror and a razor.
For Sidney Crosby - an Art Ross and a hockey game in late April.
Charles Wang - perception and 25 good books on hockey.
To Sheldon Souray and Andrei Markov - lucrative multi year deals with the Habs that do not handcuff GM Gainey. (OK, that's for me also!)
Mats Sundin - hair, wingers, and a contract that keeps him in the blue and white.
To the Oilers and Flames - deep playoffs runs into the month of May.
For the Ottawa Senators - a head scout that can replenish their depleted talent base.
To Alexander Ovechkin - America wide recognition and a highlight reel goal that tops last seasons goal against Phoenix.
John Ferguson Jr. - A father in good health and free agent clarity.
To Pat Burns - A call come June from newly appointed Senators GM Bryan Murray.
To every hockey playing child, between the ages of 3 and 20 - government sponsored mandatory heart defribulators in every arena in Canada and the United States.
To Doug Gilmour - a first ballot induction to Hockey Hall immortality.
For Red Fisher - on a similar note, eliminating the "Honourees" distinction from the HHOF, and an invitation to return as a full fledged "Member."
To Jeremy Roenick - a killer second half, meals after games only, and a healthy family.
To Gordie Howe, Jean Beliveau, and Bobby Orr - the best health and all the adulation and love from the hockey world as it continues to not only recognize your player contributions, but also the special people you are.
David Aebischer - a starters job, anywhere!
Jose Theodore - a gossip free resurgeance to the netminding elite.
Ed Belfour - another contract well earned.
For Patrick Roy - another Memorial Cup run and a clue when to shut up when things are of no concern.
To the Capitals, Blues, Predators, and Panthers - fans in the seats.
Phil Kessel - a Lance Armstrong like recovery.
To the Zambonies rock group - a huge pop hit so good it replaces "The Hockey Song" in minds of fans for the next 30 years.
Lou Lamoriello and Claude Julien - hairpieces and cameos on "The Sopranos."
To all NHL goalies - less groin pulls unless self administered.
To the Blues and Predators - a game that's settled by a shootout lasting an additional hour featuring a ton of highlight reel goals and a complete turnover of the shooters order to make the sports story of the week.
For women playing hockey everywhere - the recognition they deserve and more TV time.
To Canada itself, a nation united around a puck - more squirts and tykes highfiving bewildered teammates after scoring on their own net, more parents of kids smiling in freezing arenas, more frozen ponds and lakes and outdoor rinks, volunteers unlimited, and a million boys and girls aspiring to be the next Sidney Crosby.
To Bob Gainey and family - good health and spiritual guidance from angels above for generations and beyond.
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