NHL players are doing plenty of things they normally dont have time to do while theyre busy playing out an 82-game schedule, and that will continue for Bruins enforcer Shawn Thornton on Wednesday night.

The fourth-line tough guy and full-time Charlestown resident will continue the honored tradition of narrating Twas the Night Before Christmas on the opening night of the Holiday Pops at Symphony Hall in Boston. Thornton confirmed his involvement to CSNNE.com and said the opportunity was something that just recently popped up for a professional athlete thats become part of the fabric in the Boston community over the last five years.

Thornton is one of the few Bruins remaining in Boston while 12 of his teammates have fled to Europe at different points amid the NHL lockout, so hell be looking to bring a little holiday cheer to whats been a humbug couple of months.

The Holiday Pops runs through Christmas Eve, according to their website:

A holiday season celebration with Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops. You and your family are invited to historic Symphony Hall December 5-24 when it will be transformed into a magical place for all ages. Be part of the traditional Pops sing-a-long, and enjoy a visit from jolly old St. Nick! Join together with the thousands of others and order your tickets early for upcoming concerts which include special kids matinee performances.

Hopefully the Holiday Pops doesnt bring any hockey-themed twist to this years festivities because Im not sure the kids could handle Thornton dropping the gloves with Santa Claus given the expectations when No. 22 walks into the room.

Heres a link to Thornton doing the Twas the Night Before Christmas duties last year along with a number of other Boston area pro athletes.