(Ed. Note: It’s Thanksgiving in the U.S., a.k.a. “Real Thanksgiving”, which means it’s once again time to reflect on what we’re thankful for in the world of hockey. Here are the editors and writers from Puck Daddy and Yahoo Sports, offering their picks for this year. As always, we give thanks to you, the reader, for supporting this blog. Happy Turkey Day!)

Greg Wyshynski, Puck Daddy Editor

1. Outdoor Games.

There aren’t too many of them. OK, maybe there are too many of them that involve the Chicago Blackhawks. But if you go to one, you know what I’m talking about: 50,000 fans getting loaded and celebrating the game and, in some cases, just hoping the game doesn’t go to a shootout so they suffer hypothermia.

2. Barry Trotz

Simply one of the most dedicated, smartest and level-headed hockey guys I’ve ever come across and I’m thankful that he’s behind the bench for a Capitals team that might have this thing figured out finally. Would love to see this lifer lift the Cup.

3. Every Single Person That’s Purchased And Read And Hopefully Enjoyed My Book, TAKE YOUR EYE OFF THE PUCK.

I can’t thank you all enough. I’m so honored. Or if you bought it on Amazon.ca, honoured.

4. Hockey Podcasts

So many options now and so little time, from the ones beat writers are putting out to the new weekly ones to the podcasts that come around a few times a season from fans. As an American, hockey talk on the radio is a rare bird. Now we can take it with us!

Sean Leahy, Puck Daddy Editor

1. Jaromir Jagr.

I'll never not be thankful for him. And now that he's bringing back the mullet? Immortal.

2. Teemu Selanne.

He may be gone from hockey, but he sure is living the hell out of retirement.

3. Hilary Knight.

Unstoppable.

4. David Backes' pig.

Because it pooped in Ken Hitchcock's office.

5. Pranking rookies.

Tricking rookies to go out on the ice for warmups by themselves will never get old. It's even better when the kids realize the joke and keep skating.

6. Greenville Swamp Rabbits.

View photos Hockey More

Best logo in hockey.

7. The Nebraska-Omaha taco cannon.

We all need a taco cannon in our life.

8. Little hockey kids doing The Whip and Nae Nae

Josh Cooper, Puck Daddy Editor

1. John Tortorella’s return to the NHL

Tortorella is a rock star coach and the game feels more entertaining when he’s a part of it. I’m still waiting for his first viral video blowup with my friend Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch.

2. The Dallas Stars game ops team

When covering sports it’s easy to get bored with day-to-day monotony from athletes and management. And then you hear about how the Dallas Stars game ops group played Nickelback for an entire period in a hockey game to troll the Vancouver Canucks, and you’re then reminded about the joy and fun in-game entertainment brings to the lives individuals on a nightly basis. The Stars’ off-ice entertainment team is the best in the NHL and I’m thankful for their hilarity and creativity.

3. Jonathan Toews in his prime

Maybe it’s cliché to say you’re thankful for one player, but watching him is a joy and a treat. In a league full of talent and skill, he stands out. We always try to compare players to guys from earlier eras, and in my mind Toews is his own prototype. I’ve never seen a guy battle for pucks 200 feet up and down a rink the way he does. He’s my favorite player to watch and the NHL is a better league with him playing the lead role on its top franchise.

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