One of the most overused cliches in sports is “this team is a family”. Every team seems to throw that out there but it rarely rings true. However, this past weekend I got to see an example of not only a team, but a program that truly is a family.

It's the week before Christmas and writers everywhere are busily putting together the most hackneyed of columns. You know it, right? The one where they list what their favorite teams, players and coaches might want for Christmas? Not that I'm above clichd writing, but I thought I would at least attempt to go a different route.

Instead, I'd like to celebrate the gifts we Maine sports fans have already been given. We're pretty lucky to live in an area that has a passion for sports, both local and regional, and our interest has been rewarded with an abundance of great teams, memorable players and talented coaches. This week we say thanks for just a few: