Merry Christmas from Barry the Blogger

 

 MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

 

 I have written many Christmas morning posts over the years and two themes are always included. One is to talk about all those that don't get to spend time with their family today and the second is to thank the Allen Americans' players and coaches for all they have done. 

 

- On this special day of love, compassion and hope, I want to say Merry Christmas to all from Barry the Blogger. My thoughts are with the first responders, health care workers, essential workers, those in the military, Allen players and others who will be working today or away from their family. Our daughter, Erin, is a labor and delivery RN at Parkland Hospital and has to work every other Christmas day. Luckily she is off today so we will be able to celebrate Christmas on the 25th. It will be difficult for some who will have empty chairs at the Christmas dinner having lost loved ones in the past year or are unable to spend time together. My thoughts are with you this morning. 

-  A special THANK YOU to all players, coaches and staff (and their families) past and present for what you have done for the fans of the Allen Americans both on the ice and in the community. There has been close to 400 players in Allen since the franchise started in 2009. It has been quite a ride. 

 

- There wouldn't be a blog without the cooperation and insights provided by coach and general manager, Steve Martinson the first 10 years and Chad Costello this season. Their openness, honesty and willingness to take my calls and answer all of the questions day or night, win or lose is what makes the blog special. 

- I thought today would be appropriate to post a video you may have already seen since I have posted it in the past. I am pretty sure it will bring a tear to your eye whether you have a child that plays hockey, you play hockey now, you played in your youth or are just a hockey fan. Even if you have seen this before take another look as it will lift your spirits when you think about the role your mom played along the way whether it was in hockey, another sport or other activities. It is called "So God Made a Hockey Mom."

 

- You can't have a Christmas post without some photos so I reached into the archives for this group of photos, mostly from the championship years. It has been fun to track these families as these kids have grown, families have gotten bigger, new families have emerged and the players have moved on to post hockey playing careers. It may just be me, but there seemed to be a closeness in the championship years that was special.  

 The following is a small sample of Christmas time with players and their families from the past.

The Allen Americans posted this greeting in 2015

This was posted in 2014 by the Allen Americans

Ashley, Chad, Cayne,Camden plus baby #3 on the way Costello - 2015

Costello's with Santa - Bet dad was on a road trip - 2015

London, Whitney, Harper & Bruce Graham - Nottingham, England 2012

The Grahams - 2015 with new addition Beckett

Nicole, Sawyer & Sutter Schaafsma - 2014

 

 

Sawyer & Sutter - 2015

The Pierro-Zabotel family's (Casey, Levi & Lane) first Texas Christmas - 2015

Aaron Gens, girlfriend Kellie, and their dog (Stella) to Kentucky for Christmas -2014

Aaron & Kellie are now engaged - 2015

Jackson Gill's first Christmas with Angie, Riley & dog Guinny -2015

Trevor, Lynden & Holly Ludwig back in Texas for Christmas - 2015

Lynden's first Christmas and skate with dad, Trevor Ludwig - 2014

The most famous dog in Allen history, Pearl (@Pearlilicious11), was Phil Fox's "wing dog"

Sydney Ludwig - Tyler & Taylor's daughter -2014

What a difference a year makes - Sydney with little sis Hayden - 2015

Greger & Andrea Hanson in their PJ's with Bella

Jarret Lukin with his nephew Dryden - Christmas 2015

Mike & Chantal Berube with daughter Ellyauna & Dolce 

 

 

- No better way put a smile on your face than with an Ice Angels Christmas performance. This one is from 2015. Enjoy!

Once again thank you, thank you, thank you to all of you for your support over the years. A special thank you to all players past and present for the sacrifices you have made to follow your dreams and the joy you have brought to the fans in Allen, on and off the ice. Your determination on the ice and kindness off the ice is both noticed and appreciated. May this Christmas day be a joyous one for you and yours!

Happy Holidays from Barry the Blogger