Every family has their own unique Thanksgiving rituals -- from special dishes prepared only for such occasions to games of all kinds played or watched.  Yet the best tradition we all share is taking a few precious moments to reflect on those people and things that make our lives so rich.

For those of us who lives seem to revolve around a 3-inch rubber disc, there's a few things to be thankful for that we don't always consider.

I'm thankful for early morning games.  No matter what time we rise, it never takes long for that gentle smile to emerge on my child's face knowing they will soon be out on the ice doing what they love.

I'm thankful for late night practices.  While other families often sit quietly at home watching tv or playing on their phones, I'm surrounded by the sounds of hard work, relentless dedication, and pure joy.

I'm thankful for seemingly endless road trips.  While being confined for hours in a small, enclosed space doesn't sound like much fun, somehow it leads to conversations you might never have had anywhere else.  Watching the countless miles roll across the odometer is like watching the memories pile up in our hearts.

I'm thankful for cramped, crowded, windowless locker rooms.  The stench that can exude from these young bodies after a four game weekend tournament could peel the paint off the walls!  But within this same small space is shared more joy, heartbreak, laughter, tears, and love than anyone can imagine.  The bonds of friendship that are formed within these cinderblock walls are far stronger and last longer than the pungent smell of fifteen sweaty pre-teen boys.

I'm thankful for the blaring sound of the goal horn.  This thunderous roar signals sweet victory for some and bitter defeat for others.  Without them both, sports wouldn't be as meaningful.

I'm thankful for clanging iron.  Mastery often means walking the razor's edge between success and failure.  Watching my children push their limits to conquer this game they love so much means they are also discovering their inner strength.  Regardless of whether it's a score or a near miss, nothing motivates a hockey player more than this tell-tale sound.

I'm thankful for slick ice and skinny skate blades.  Hockey is hard - thank goodness!  With every fall and rise, fall and rise, my children learn the meaning and value of perseverance.  Fall and rise... this is what life is all about.

I'm thankful for the selfless giving of others.  If it weren't for the boundless generosity of the coaches, officials, and countless volunteers, there would be no games... no practices... no hockey.

I'm thankful for the penalty box.  We all make mistakes - it's part of being human.  But reflection is the key to growth; a learned skill that takes time to master.  How much better would we all be if every time we screwed up, we had to sit down and think about it for two minutes before we could speak or act...

I'm thankful for opposing teams.  Regardless of what color jersey your kid wears, we ALL share a common bond -- a love of the game and the richness it brings to our lives.  We need this game, and as such we need each other.  Remembering this one simple fact can make it easier for us to get along.

I'm thankful for hockey families.  You are more than just 'hockey parents.'  Your children are more than just my child's teammates.  We are more than just acquaintances bound by crazy schedules.  We are more than just friends.  Hockey brings people together in unique and special ways.  Because of this game, your family is part of my family.

I'm thankful for hockey... in more ways than I can count.  This game may take more money and time than you could have ever imagined.  But what it give to my children and my family is priceless.

~ Peace and love to hockey families everywhere ~