Just wanted to put this out there:

There's a lot of charities who may be feeling the pinch because of the lockout. They are not getting money from 50/50 draws, or charity fundraisers where they can auction off game tickets, or food drives to go the food bank. With Christmas coming up, many may be looking for donations.

Last year, for example, I think the Sens raised about $700,000 through 50-50 draws, they held a food bank fundraiser during a December game (it was scheduled for Dec. 15 against the Kings this year), and a Rogers House Telethon with Sportsnet during a game in the winter (Note: I'm not picking on Sens, but I live in Ottawa, so I'm more familiar with their fundraisers than I would be with ones in other cities). This is only stuff during the games. When you throw in the fact that during a season, there would be more stuff going on outside of games, there's a lot of money that charities are losing out on.

I've asked my Kris Kringle to make a donation on my behalf to the food bank instead of asking for hockey memorabilia like I normally would. Several others have now asked for the same thing.

This is one of those issues that isn't being covered enough. Screw the millionaires versus billionaires thing. There are people in need that could do with a little more holiday cheer.

If you're able, try to give a little bit more this season to the charities that may be affected by your local NHL team not playing.

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12-team Keeper pool, straight points for forwards & dmen. Goalies get: 2 points per win, 3 per shutout, 1 point per assist & 1 point per shootout loss.

Top 8 forwards, 5 dmen and 2 goalies count.

We keep 8 forwards, 5 dmen, 2 goalies & 1 rookie.

Forwards: Malkin, Stamkos, Getzlaf, Hall, Kunitz, St. Louis, Pavelski, Kadri, Purcell, Hartnell, Brunner, Weiss, Bouchard, McDonald
Defence: Letang, Enstrom, Schultz, Markov, Keith
Goalies: Price, Niemi, Brodeur

My personal blog: http://theryancokeexperience.wordpress.com