Hartley Miller's Slap-Shots December 21st Edition

By Hartley Miller

The festive season is nearly here, and with it, an opportunity for everyone to appreciate their blessings, rather than to wish for more.

I am very fortunate because I have been with the Prince George sports media for over 28 years. During this time a large number of people have made my work easier and more enjoyable. An integral part of my position is dealing with a wide range of contacts and personalities, many who don't always share my point of view. However, with Christmas around the corner, I will overlook these slight differences.

To save on a stamp (I promise to put those 52 cents to a good cause), for the second straight year,
I would like to extend Season's Greetings to the following 2007 sports contributors:

Al Erricson, Al Heinz, Al Loring, Al Manderson, Al Tong, Al Work, Allan Bristowe, Aline Strasdin, Alistair McInnis, Andrew Aucoin, Andy Wilson, Ann Oishi, Anne Pousette, Barb Boese, Ben and Elaine Meisner, Bill Littlejohn, Bill Mahood, Bill Van Halvert, Blaine Hawkins, Bob Pegues, Brad Crossan, Brandi Brodsky, Brenda Benson, Brent Stone, Brian Martinson, Brian and Madelaine Crandell, Bruce & Rae Kamstra, Cam McAlpine, Carol Dennison, Carter Hickey, Chris Kinch, Chris Kaban, Christine Hausot, Chuck Leblanc, Cindy Treasure, Connie Ratkaj, Crystal Nohr, Dallas Thompson, Dan Foster, Dan Rogers, Dana Larsen, Dave Barry, Dave Gray Jr, Dave & Louise Holmes, Dave Koch, Denis Dunkley, Derek Wilken, Doug Dalziel, Doug Waller, Drew Schoneck, Ed Dempsey, Emily King, Frank Balazs, Frank Rossi, Gaetano Mauro, Gale Russell, Gary Allbee, Gary Barone, Gary Russell, Geof MaGrath, George Asay, Glen Scott, Glen Thompson, Glenn Wong, Grant Erickson, Greg Jonuk, Harley Chingee, Harold Mann, Howard Foot, Ian Wells, Ivor Berg, Janice and Don Schaffer, Jane Newman, Janice Hough, Jason Peters, Jason Smith, Jay Guillet, Jeff Goodrich, Jeff Hill, Jeff Wiggins, Jeremy Greenfield, Jim Costley, Jim Swanson, Jim Young, John Heffell, John Kazakoff, Kap Manhas, Kathy Lewis, Kelly Sharp, Ken Wood, Kevin Gillespie, Kirk Siemens, Kurt Ottesen, Laurel Patterson,  Laurie Pierce, Len McNamara, Leo Durau, Linda Glover, Loralyn Murdoch, Lyle Wiltzen, Lyn Hall, Mark Lafleur, Meredith Spike, Michelle Parker, Mike Davis, Mike Jenkins, Mike Tait, Murray Laidlaw, Nancy Condon, Nancy Wilkinson, Natalie Nguyen, Nathan Prince, Neil Ballantyne, Nevio Rossi, Nino and Lorry Fabbro, Pam Toth, Pat and Nancy Harris, Patty Wadson, Paul Clermont, Paul Collard, Paul Robilliard, Paula Van Horlick, Penny Roze, Randy Byman, Randy Potskin, Ray Bourque, Rayna Howard, Reid Roberts, Renee McCloskey, Renzo Berra, Richard Mintenko, Richard Bruce, Rick Gibb, Rob Niedermayer, Rob Van Adrichem, Roger Knox, Ron Edgar, Ron Gallo, Sean Lebrun, Sergio DiBianchi, Shawn Tyacke, Sheldon Bjorklund, Sue Steel, Sue Swanson, Suzanne Dallman, Sylvia Hausot, Ted Clarke, Terri Pfliger, Todd Doherty, Todd Jordan, Tom Dawson, Tom Masich, Tracey Jones, Trevor Sprague, Tuppy Hoehn, Vern Martel, Virgina Sprangers, Wayne Sponagle, Warren Cullum and Zane Robison.

On behalf of my wife, Brenda, and teenage kids, Lucas and Lexine, I would like to extend to you (the very patient readers) and yours, the best of the festive season. Have a “SAFE” holiday season.

From the quote rack:

“So San Francisco beat Cincinnati 20-13, behind Shaun Hill, a third string quarterback who prior to last week had never thrown a pass in six years in the NFL. Usually when the Bengals are this embarrassed, police officers are involved.” Comedy writer Janice Hough (www.leftcoastsportsbabe.com) of Palo Alto, California.

“There's a billboard congratulating Alex Rodriguez on his 2007 AL MVP Award along I-95 in Miami. Cars driving by it are reportedly having clutch problems.”Contributor Bill Littlejohn of South Lake Tahoe, California

“Florida starting defensive end Jermaine Cunningham and a former teammate were charged with misdemeanor battery after they hit a restaurant employee with a sandwich. Cunningham calls the charge a bunch of baloney.” Bill Littlejohn

“We had better signs, but Belichick stole them.” Sign from a fan in the stands in Baltimore's 27-24 loss to the New England Patriots.

“The hospital is expected to move to St. Louis next week.” Drew Curtis of fark.com, after St. Louis Rams owner Georgia Frontiere was taken to a hospital in LA.

“Calgary Flames coach Mike Keenan won his 600th game this week and to celebrate the team had a party in which he pulled the caterers half way through it.”
Contributor Derek Wilken of Calgary (http://smacksport.blogspot.com)

“Ho, Ho, Ho.” Santa

And in case you missed it:

There are 72 bowling lanes at the Red Rock centre in Las Vegas which is open seven days a week, 24 hours per day.

And how was your week?

Hartley Miller is the sports director for radio stations 94X and the Wolf@97fm. He also writes for the PG Free Press. Send along a quote, note or anecdote to hmiller@94xfm.com

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