Happy Hockey Day!

Because most things Paul Kukla writes should be graven on stone tablets, I will gladly take up the banner for Happy Hockey Day.

Because, really, why not?

Because, to coin a phrase from Badger Bob, every day is a great day for hockey.

Because I can conjure up a visual and olfactory amalgamation of the sights, sounds and smells of the game at will.

Because ten NHL teams and countless international, junior, high school, youth and beer league teams will take to the ice tonight - all with the same goal: scoring more than the other team, and having a blast doing so.

Because of Alex Ovechkin. Hockey's a happier place with him in it, for sure.

Because of my not-quite-four-year-old daughter practically begging me to take her for her first skate of the year.

Because hockey promotes interesting, intellectual, non-partisan discussion and debate among it's fans moreso than any other sport.

Because it's a beautiful game.

Because I'm proud that part of my identity as a human and American is as a hockey fan. Can fans of other sports really say that?

So, yes, let Happy Hockey Day ring.

It's a great day for hockey.

NiNY