The Man Behind The Gift That Keeps On Giving

from Stan Fischler of The Hockey News, When we become adults we're supposed to not believe in Santa Claus. At least that's what my Mom told me a long time ago. But, as we all know, there's an exception to every rule and I have found one – The genuine Santa Claus of the Hockey World. He doesn't really look like a Santa Claus, nor does he talk like one but he sure acts the part 'way down in Boca Raton, Florida. The man's name is Len Gould and – in real life – he's a successful businessman. Ah, but it's his other life that's so much fun – for him and retired Rangers, among other NHL players. Here's the story: For the past 26 years, Gould, 55, has been collecting and archiving extraordinary hockey film and video. When it comes to the Rangers, he has found families who have been recipients including the son of 1940 Stanley Cup-winner Alex Shibicky. Gould sent Alex Shibicky, Jr. a live film of his father scoring a 1939 overtime goal at old Madison Square Garden. "When he saw it," Gould recalled, "there were tears of joy." Perhaps, equally joyful is the fact that when he finds a hockey family linked to a specific video, he sends them to the family free of charge. "I've never asked for a penny from anyone," Gould asserted. "I do this all for free. Over the years the number of families I've helped is more than a hundred." When The Maven asked Shibicky, Jr. what he thought of this video version of a hockey Santa, Alex didn't hold back. "He continues to be the best and I thank him for all he's done. Glenn not only is a credit to hockey but a credit to the human race." continued