Slip lucky horseshoes into the Christmas stockings of Gophers hockey players and let Minnesota zoom back to the top of college hockey.
I know I am pushing the wish list now, Santa, but could you find the luckiest horseshoes in the world and send them to the Gophers football program? See the Gophers haven’t won a championship since 1967, way back when you and even the reindeer were a little friskier. Gophers football fans (the loyal ones and those who pretend they’re not fans but really are) are frustrated and weary after all these years.
Put something extra nice under the tree for Kevin Love this year. He’s only 21 but his annual coat drive to benefit Minnesota kids sets the right example for other athletes.
Send flattering postcards about our city and state every week to Ricky Rubio in Spain. (It’s okay to fudge a bit about our weather.) Tell Ricky he and Love could wake up the NBA fan base here with their passing and unselfish play.
And here’s a final thought, Santa. If you’re not too busy, write a little book on gratitude and send it to all the sports fans in our town. You’ll know what to include but here are a few ideas:
Remind folks that TCF Bank Stadium, Williams Arena, Mariucci Arena, Xcel Energy Center and Target Field are really special places and provide great fan experiences.
Encourage fans to be grateful for a fall to remember by the Vikings and a one-for-the-ages summer comeback by the Twins.
For just a moment tell fans not to agonize about favorite players who left town to play for other teams. Instead appreciate the likes of Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau, Brett Favre, Adrian Peterson, Jared Allen, Niklas Backstrom, Mikko Koivu, Kevin Love, Al Jefferson, Eric Decker, Blake Hoffarber and Jordan Schroeder.
Let fans know, too, that there’s a lot of fun to be experienced at high school sports events. The price is right and the environment is priceless.
Mostly remind each of us to be grateful for what we have.
Happy holidays.