There’s many legends told of those who tended to the nets Whose talents brought grown men to tears, made bookies hedge their bets. One man’s special gift was to make the goal lamp glow Therein begins the woeful tale of Red Light Racicot.
The story starts at Granby in Quebec’s junior ranks, Where pimply youths have slapshots which seem fired from tanks, And flashy cat-quick goaltenders will often steal the show; Alas, no such heroics came from Red Light Racicot.
The ease he was beat stick-side left his goalie coaches dumb. Granby supporters prayed as one that they would trade the *** They called him “Ancient Mariner” (stopping one in three or so), Surely Les Habitants would not sign Red Light Racicot.
But indeed, Les Canadiens dragooned him in the draft, Fully convincing one and all that Serge Savard was daft. Children throughout the province prayed Dear merciful God, No! Don’t let our Forum bear the taint of Red Light Racicot.
But then came a stretch where Patrick Roy’s work had been poor, And Hayward and Vinny Riendeau had each been shown the door. And Montreal fans heard the saddest words they’d ever know: …Starting in goal this evening is Red Light Racicot.
He flailed at wobbly wristers and wound up on his ****. And gave up much more five-hole than any village ****. Even cross-check befogged Savard knew it was time to go And mercifully, he released poor Red Light Racicot
In Heaven there’s a glowing rink where gods of hockey skate: Maurice Richard, Howie Lorenz, all of the truly great. In one net, Georges Vezina makes saves with stick and toe But someday they’ll all float soft goals past Red Light Racicot.
Sometimes my doggerel comes with some whimsy, albeit very little.