#Canadian Market Entry

[freyrnigeria]

The Importance of Cosmetic Product Notifications in Canada: A Guide to Compliance

In Canada, cosmetic products must adhere to strict regulatory standards to guarantee consumer safety and product quality. Health Canada requires the submission of the Cosmetic Notification Form (CNF) for all cosmetic items prior to market entry. This guide highlights the significance of cosmetic product notifications and offers a detailed step-by-step approach to help brands remain compliant. The Importance of Cosmetic Notifications The CNF is Health Canada’s mechanism for ensuring the safety of cosmetic products and confirming that ingredients do not pose health risks. Through cosmetic notifications, Health Canada can monitor products and their ingredients, identify potential hazards, and conduct market surveillance as needed. Compliance with notification requirements is vital for brands to safeguard their reputation, avert legal issues, and sustain consumer trust. Essential Regulations for Cosmetic Compliance in Canada Canada’s Food and Drugs Act: Cosmetics are governed by this act, specifically through the Cosmetic Regulations it encompasses. It broadly defines cosmetics, including makeup, skincare, haircare, and dental hygiene products. Prohibited and Restricted Ingredients: Health Canada maintains a detailed list of substances that are prohibited or restricted in the Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist. Manufacturers must ensure products exclude banned substances and comply with concentration limits for restricted ingredients. Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP): While not mandatory, following GMP standards is strongly advised to ensure product safety and quality. Compliance with GMP reflects a dedication to quality control, which benefits companies during Health Canada’s monitoring processes. Steps for Submitting a Cosmetic Notification Form (CNF) Fill Out the Cosmetic Notification Form (CNF): The CNF requires crucial details such as the product’s brand name, intended use, ingredient list, and whether it is a rinse-off or leave-on product. For each ingredient, the specific concentration and range of concentration must be indicated, enabling Health Canada to assess product safety effectively. Submission Timeline: The CNF must be submitted to Health Canada within 10 days of launching a product in Canada. This is applicable to all new launches, reformulations, or rebranded items. Electronic Submission: Health Canada mandates electronic submission of the CNF through the Cosmetics Notification System. Companies receive a confirmation upon successful submission, which serves as proof of regulatory compliance. Post-Submission Compliance and Monitoring After submitting the CNF, companies must uphold compliance with Health Canada’s standards and be ready for post-market evaluations. Health Canada performs inspections and may request documents such as safety data, product labels, or formulation re-evaluations to confirm compliance. Companies need to report any adverse effects linked to their products promptly and maintain records of complaints, which could be audited during inspections. Conclusion Submitting a Cosmetic Notification Form goes beyond a regulatory requirement; it signifies a commitment to consumer safety and brand integrity in Canada. By adhering to Health Canada’s regulations and fostering transparency, brands can confidently position themselves in Canada’s dynamic cosmetics market. Reach out to our regulatory specialists at Freyr for guidance on CNF submissions and regulatory assistance for a smooth entry into the Canadian 

[abhishekdigi-blog]

Navigating Opportunities: A Comprehensive Guide to Jobs in Canada from India

Canada has emerged as a prime destination for Indian professionals seeking better career opportunities and a high quality of life. The country's thriving economy, multicultural environment, and favorable immigration policies make it an attractive option for many. If you're an Indian professional considering making the leap, this guide will provide you with essential information on how to secure jobs in Canada from India.

Why Choose Canada?

1. Robust Job Market

Canada boasts a diverse and robust job market, with numerous opportunities across various sectors. Industries such as Information Technology, Healthcare, Engineering, and Finance are actively seeking skilled professionals to fill roles that are critical to their growth. With an aging population and an increasing demand for skilled labor, now is a great time to explore job opportunities in Canada.

2. Immigration Pathways

One of the significant advantages of seeking jobs in Canada is the clear pathway to Permanent Residency (PR). Programs such as Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) allow skilled workers to transition from temporary work permits to permanent residency, offering long-term security and benefits. This is particularly appealing for Indian professionals looking to establish a stable future in Canada.

3. High Quality of Life

Canada consistently ranks high in global quality of life indices. The country is known for its universal healthcare system, excellent education, and strong social security programs. Moreover, Canada’s commitment to diversity and inclusion makes it a welcoming place for immigrants from all backgrounds.

Key Industries with Opportunities

1. Information Technology (IT)

The IT sector in Canada is booming, with a high demand for professionals skilled in software development, data analysis, and cybersecurity. Cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal are hubs for tech companies, offering numerous job opportunities.

In-Demand Roles:

Software Developer

Data Scientist

Cybersecurity Analyst

Salary Range: CAD 70,000 - CAD 120,000 per year.

2. Healthcare

As Canada’s population continues to age, the need for healthcare professionals has skyrocketed. This sector is a top choice for Indian professionals, especially those with nursing or medical qualifications.

In-Demand Roles:

Registered Nurse

Physiotherapist

Medical Technologist

Salary Range: CAD 60,000 - CAD 130,000 annually.

3. Engineering

Canada’s infrastructure projects and focus on sustainability have created a high demand for engineers. Skilled engineers in fields like civil, mechanical, and electrical are needed across the country.

In-Demand Roles:

Civil Engineer

Mechanical Engineer

Electrical Engineer

Salary Range: CAD 70,000 - CAD 120,000 annually.

Steps to Secure Jobs in Canada

1. Research and Identify Opportunities

Start by researching the job market and identifying industries and roles that match your skills. Utilize online job boards like Indeed, Glassdoor, and the Canada Job Bank to search for openings.

2. Customize Your Resume and Cover Letter

Ensure your resume meets Canadian standards. Highlight your skills and experiences relevant to the position you're applying for. Your cover letter should convey your enthusiasm for the role and why you are a suitable candidate.

3. Networking is Key

Networking is a vital component of job searching in Canada. Leverage platforms like LinkedIn to connect with industry professionals and recruiters. Joining Canadian professional associations can also help you gain insights and expand your network.

4. Prepare for Interviews

When you get an interview, be prepared to showcase your skills and experiences effectively. Familiarize yourself with the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses to behavioral interview questions. This method helps you articulate your experiences in a clear and compelling way.

5. Understand Visa Options

Once you receive a job offer, you will need to apply for the appropriate work visa. The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and Global Talent Stream are two popular options for skilled workers. If your long-term goal is to obtain PR, consider pathways like Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).

Challenges to Anticipate

While the prospect of finding jobs in Canada from India is promising, challenges exist. Competition can be fierce, especially in popular cities. Understanding Canadian workplace culture and adapting to new environments are essential for a smooth transition.

Conclusion

finding jobs in Canada from India in 2024 is a viable and rewarding endeavor. With the right preparation, networking, and understanding of the job market, you can successfully navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities available. Canada offers not only a chance to advance your career but also a chance to enjoy a high quality of life in a diverse and welcoming country. Begin your journey today, and open the door to a promising future in Canada.

[little-p-eng-engineering]

Navigating the Complexity of CRN ABSA Application with Little P.Eng.

In the realm of engineering and industrial processes, safety and compliance are paramount. The proper functioning of boilers, pressure vessels, and other equipment is not only essential for operational efficiency but also for the safety of personnel and the environment. This is where regulatory bodies like ABSA (Alberta Boilers Safety Association) come into play, ensuring that the design and fabrication of pressure equipment meet rigorous safety standards. To operate in Alberta, Canada, manufacturers and suppliers of pressure equipment must obtain Canadian Registration Numbers (CRNs) from ABSA. However, the application process can be intricate and demanding, requiring a deep understanding of both engineering principles and the regulatory framework. That's where Little P.Eng. steps in - offering CRN ABSA application services that streamline the process and ensure compliance.

Understanding CRNs and ABSA

Before delving into the services provided by Little P.Eng., it's crucial to comprehend what CRNs are and the role of ABSA in the safety and regulation of pressure equipment.

Canadian Registration Numbers (CRNs)

CRNs are unique identification numbers issued by Canadian provinces and territories for the design and construction of pressure equipment. These numbers signify that the equipment complies with the relevant safety codes and standards. In the case of Alberta, CRNs are issued by ABSA, which serves as the provincial authority responsible for boiler and pressure vessel safety.

ABSA (Alberta Boilers Safety Association)

ABSA is an independent, not-for-profit organization that administers the safety codes and standards in Alberta. It plays a pivotal role in ensuring the safe design, construction, installation, operation, and maintenance of boilers, pressure vessels, and pressure piping systems. ABSA's authority extends to various industries, including oil and gas, petrochemical, manufacturing, and power generation.

The Complexity of CRN ABSA Applications

Obtaining a CRN from ABSA is a multi-faceted process, and the complexity of the application often poses challenges for manufacturers, fabricators, and suppliers of pressure equipment. This complexity stems from several factors:

Diverse Equipment Types: Pressure equipment comes in various forms, including boilers, pressure vessels, heat exchangers, and more. Each type may have distinct design and fabrication requirements.

Regulatory Landscape: ABSA follows a comprehensive set of safety codes and standards, including CSA B51, ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, and others. Navigating these regulations requires expertise.

Design and Documentation: Detailed engineering drawings and calculations are essential for demonstrating compliance. These documents must align with the safety codes and standards.

Provincial Jurisdiction: CRNs are specific to provinces or territories, and manufacturers must secure CRNs for each location where they plan to operate pressure equipment.

Quality Assurance: Manufacturers must establish and maintain quality control programs to ensure that their equipment meets safety standards throughout its lifecycle.

Timely Processing: Delays in the application process can impact project timelines and market entry. Efficient processing is crucial.

Little P.Eng.: Your Partner in CRN ABSA Applications

Little P.Eng. Engineering Consultant is a trusted name in the engineering industry, renowned for its expertise in pressure equipment design and CRN ABSA applications. With a team of seasoned professionals and a commitment to excellence, Little P.Eng. provides comprehensive services that simplify the complexities of obtaining CRNs from ABSA. Here's how they do it:

1. In-Depth Knowledge of Codes and Standards

Little P.Eng. possesses an in-depth understanding of the Canadian safety codes and standards, including CSA B51 and ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. This knowledge is foundational in guiding clients through the regulatory landscape.

2. Engineering Expertise

The firm's team of engineers brings years of experience to the table. They are well-versed in the design, fabrication, and quality control requirements for a wide range of pressure equipment, ensuring that designs align with safety standards.

3. Comprehensive Documentation

Successful CRN ABSA applications hinge on meticulous documentation. Little P.Eng. assists clients in preparing detailed engineering drawings, calculations, and other necessary documents, adhering to ABSA's rigorous standards.

4. Equipment Types

Little P.Eng. caters to a diverse clientele, including manufacturers and suppliers of boilers, pressure vessels, heat exchangers, and other pressure equipment. Their expertise spans various equipment types.

5. Provincial Considerations

Understanding the nuances of provincial jurisdiction is crucial. Little P.Eng. helps clients navigate the intricacies of securing CRNs for specific regions, including Alberta.

6. Quality Assurance

Quality control is an integral part of pressure equipment safety. Little P.Eng. assists clients in establishing and maintaining effective quality assurance programs, ensuring that equipment complies with safety standards throughout its lifecycle.

7. Efficient Processing

Timeliness is a critical factor in project execution. Little P.Eng. prioritizes efficient processing, minimizing delays and ensuring that clients can enter the market promptly.

The Benefits of Partnering with Little P.Eng.

Collaborating with Little P.Eng. for CRN ABSA application services offers numerous advantages:

Regulatory Compliance: Little P.Eng. ensures that all pressure equipment designs align with ABSA's safety codes and standards, guaranteeing compliance.

Streamlined Processes: The firm's expertise simplifies the application process, reducing administrative burdens and minimizing potential delays.

Risk Mitigation: By adhering to safety standards, clients mitigate the risks associated with pressure equipment operation, ensuring the safety of personnel and the environment.

Market Entry: Obtaining CRNs expedites market entry, enabling manufacturers and suppliers to provide their products and services in Alberta with confidence.

Efficiency and Cost Savings: Efficient processing and compliance translate into cost savings and optimized project timelines.

Conclusion

Navigating the complexities of CRN ABSA applications for pressure equipment can be a daunting task, but with the expertise and support of Little P.Eng. Engineering Consultant, the process becomes more manageable. As a trusted partner, Little P.Eng. brings a wealth of knowledge, engineering acumen, and a commitment to safety and compliance, ensuring that clients can operate their pressure equipment with confidence and peace of mind. With Little P.Eng. by your side, the path to CRN certification with ABSA becomes clearer, safer, and more efficient.

Tags:

Regulatory Compliance

Engineering Expertise

Little P.Eng. Engineering Consultant

Risk Mitigation

CRN ABSA Application

Pressure Equipment Compliance

Alberta Boilers Safety Association (ABSA)

Canadian Registration Numbers (CRNs)

Safety Codes and Standards

Pressure Equipment Design

Boiler and Pressure Vessel Safety

Complexities of CRN Applications

Design and Documentation Requirements

Quality Control Programs

ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code

CSA B51 Standards

Efficient Processing

Provincial Jurisdiction

Market Entry

Safety and Environmental Protection

Streamlined Application Process

Timely CRN Certification

Meticulous Documentation

Quality Assurance Programs

Equipment Types

Compliance with Safety Standards

CRN Issuance

Engineering Drawings and Calculations

Efficient Project Execution

Little P.Eng. Benefits for CRN Applications

Engineering Services

Pressure Vessels Design Services

Located in Calgary, Alberta; Vancouver, BC; Toronto, Ontario; Edmonton, Alberta; Houston Texas; Torrance, California; El Segundo, CA; Manhattan Beach, CA; Concord, CA; We offer our engineering consultancy services across Canada and United States. Meena Rezkallah.

​

[laurenairay]

we’re lost and found - A. Beauvillier

Summary: “It’s always going to be you, Bells.”

One visit to Vancouver changes everything for the friendship of Anthony Beauvillier and Isabella Thornton.

A/N: This is my entry for @wyattjohnston​‘s birthday bingo!! I really hope you enjoy this Demi – I cycled through various combinations and players before I was happy with the following for Beau: trade angst, friends to lovers, playlists as a love language, “it’s always going to be you”, the morning after the night before. I haven’t written a full fic for Beau before so this was a fun challenge! And yes, I fudged the last game in the Canucks schedule for creative licensing. Happy birthday my dear 💛

Title from Wings, by Birdy. Here is the final playlist mentioned in the story. 

Words: 14k

Warnings: angst, miscommunication, sappy sweetness, idiots in love.

Thank you @cellythefloshie​ for being the most amazing beta and cheerleader while I was writing this!

*

“Cabin crew, prepare for landing. Ladies and gentlemen, we will shortly be arriving in Vancouver. Please ensure all hand luggage is stowed, tray tables are folded away, and your seatbelts are fastened.”

Even as her stomach swooped with the slow descent of the airplane, Isabella couldn’t stop the smile that spread across her face. She’d been up since the crack of dawn. Her first flight from JFK airport leaving at 7am, and with the layover stop in Seattle lasting one and a half hours, she was more than ready to be done with travelling for the day. It wasn’t that Isabella disliked flying though – she just wanted to be on solid ground. This trip was to be a mixture of business and pleasure; her work wanted her to go to an industry conference to support a couple of the Sales guys giving speeches, her marketing role allowing her that first-hand experience; the conference was scheduled from Tuesday 11th April to Thursday 13th April, but she had decided to fly in on the Saturday before, also taking a vacation day either side of the conference, to extend her time in Vancouver.

Why? Because one of her closest friends had moved from New York to Vancouver only a couple of months ago, and she missed him more than words could describe. It seemed like he felt the same way, because the moment Isabella had mentioned the conference and that she was able to take a couple of vacation days around it, he’d immediately offered for her to stay at his apartment, giving them the time to catch-up, to spend the time together like they hadn’t been able to in so long.

There was no universe in which she would ever say no to Anthony Beauvillier.

So here she was, Saturday 8th April, ready to spend some time with one of the most important people in her life. Soon enough the plane landed and made its way to the gate, allowing everyone to exit. Thankfully Isabella’s suitcase arrived quickly and her journey through security was smooth, so in no time at all she was walking out into the arrivals hall, eyes scanning the crowd of people.

And then she spotted him.

The moment Anthony noticed her too, smile spreading wide across his face, it felt like a breath of fresh air. Finally. Isabella wasted no time in rushing over to him, dropping her suitcase to throw her arms over his shoulders, Anthony hugging her just as tightly too. It was all she could do to bury her face in his neck, breathing in that familiar cologne as well as the scent that was just Anthony himself while he buried his face in her long dark hair.

She’d missed him. She’d missed him so much. Talking to him over the phone just wasn’t good enough. It wasn’t even close to replacing what it felt like to see and hold him in person. After what felt like eternity and yet somehow not long enough, she let him go, dropping her arms from around his neck, taking a single step backwards to look him up and down.

“Damn, you look good Beau! West-Coast Canadian air clearly does wonders for you,” she grinned, hamming up the compliments to make him squirm just as she liked.

A familiar light flush dusted his cheeks as he shook his head fondly. “Says the New York fashionista gracing us with her presence.”

Her tanned cheeks flushed too at his compliment, but she just laughed and batted at his chest before picking up her suitcase from where it had fallen on the floor. Flattery would always work with her and he knew it.

“I missed you,” Anthony said suddenly, smiling softly as he took the suitcase without saying a word.

Such a sweetheart.

“I missed you too. 10 weeks without you and my life is poorer for it,” Isabella said with a dramatic sigh.

Anthony blushed heavily this time, ducking his gaze, making her smile as she laughed. So cute.

“I know I’m mainly here for work, really, but I’m looking forward to spending the rest of my time with you,” she said, threading her arm through his.

“Me too. You’re going to have a great time, I promise.”

She knew she would, even just by being in his company, but she didn’t need to say that out loud.

With her arm still linked with his, Anthony guided her back to where he’d parked his car, lifting her suitcase into the trunk like the gentleman he was.

“Thank you for the new playlist for my flight, by the way,” Isabella said, wiggling her phone to show what she meant as she got into the front passenger seat.

“No problem, Bells, you know that. It’s our thing, right? It’s not like I could let you travel out here for the first time without a new list to listen to,” Anthony shrugged, starting the engine.

From the small smile on his lips, she knew he was far from nonchalant. He was right too – making playlists for each other really was their thing. When she’d started hanging out with him and Mat and some of the other Isles boys, Isabella and Anthony had bonded over their shared love of music, sharing recommendations on Spotify almost immediately. Making playlists started with creating background music for parties held at their various apartments, but, for whatever reason, over time it grew into the two of them making playlists just for each other. She’d lost count of the number of playlists she’d made him for his long travels on the road, and the amount of study playlists he’d made for her were in the dozes over all her college years. Then there were birthdays, holidays, vacations abroad as a group, and just general ‘you seem down, let me cheer you up’ playlists.

Making playlists for each other was something that Isabella and Anthony had made into something that was just theirs, and she treasured it.

“I loved the Twenty One Pilots songs you chose,” she said, smiling.

“Catchy, right?” Anthony mused, “I wasn’t sure about those Bastille songs though.”

The vibes of these playlists of important, they both knew that. But like always, he’d nailed it.

“They were perfect. The whole list was great, I promise,” Isabella insisted.

This time, his pleased smile shone through. She loved that he loved putting together all these songs just for her – the same way that she loved doing it for him. Was it wrong to cherish something with him that was hers and hers alone?

The drive to Anthony’s apartment felt like it flew by as they continued to talk about the music they’d both been listening to lately, and soon enough she was walking through the front door of his apartment.

“We’ve got a couple of hours before I need to leave for the arena and then you’ll still have a few hours before you should leave to head down too, so plenty of time for you to settle into the guest room and unpack your stuff. I’ve got a fabric steamer if you need them for your conference clothes?” Anthony explained, locking the front door behind them.

The thought he put into everything was astounding.

“I probably will need to steam out some creases at some point,” she mused, thinking of the three blazers she’d packed, “But that can wait until Monday night. How about you give me a tour?”

There was no way she wanted to think about anything to do with work until she absolutely had to. The next couple of days were all about relaxing. Sure, Anthony would be flying out for two games in California tomorrow, but that just meant she wanted to make the most of the time she had with him.

As he showed her around the two-bed apartment, Isabella could admit that it was pretty sparse. At least compared to the apartment he had in New York – but he’d only been here just over two months, so she knew she couldn’t expect him to have fully settled in yet. She could only hope that he was going to give himself the chance to settle in properly, especially since the Canucks season was technically over.

Sure, they still had four games left to play, including tonight’s, but mathematically they were already out of the playoffs. Isabella could only imagine how that felt for him. It was something that they hadn’t really discussed, if she was being honest. The trade was a sensitive subject in their friendship group, and she hadn’t known how to ask how Anthony felt about it when the trade had first been announced. But she worried about him, being out here all by himself. How could she not?

At least there were elements of his personality in the apartment, a framed poster here, photos of his family there, silly polaroids of their friendship group in New York on the fridge with magnets. It was enough to settle the worst of her concerns, and by the time she’d dumped her bags in the spare bedroom he’d declared was hers for the week, she noticed that the edge of tension had melted away from him too.

“I know it’s not much yet but…”

“But nothing, Beau,” Isabella interrupted, smiling as she leant against the doorframe, “You’ve only been here a short while – you’ll make this a home in no time.”

“You think?” he asked, his hesitance obvious.

Well that wouldn’t do.

“I know. Now come on, feed me before you need to leave for the game,” she said firmly.

“That’s the Bells I know,” he snickered.

Isabella just laughed at the accuracy – he really did know her - before sticking out her tongue at him and making him laugh. There was the smile she loved.

Isabella took a quick shower while Anthony cooked them lunch, an easy healthy chicken stir fry, and all too soon it was time for him to leave her alone. While she felt a tiny sense of trepidation about being in a new city all by herself, she knew that she only had a little time to kill before she was going to see him again anyway, so she pushed it down as much as she could.

“You’ve got the phone numbers of people at the arena to call if there’s an emergency, right?” Anthony asked, pulling on his suit jacket.

“I can 99% guarantee you that there will be no emergencies in the two hours before I leave here too. But yes I have them – so go, Beau!” Isabella giggled.

He held up his hands in surrender but smiled down at her anyway, kissing her on the cheek before he walked out the door. Isabella sighed softly, fingers rising to brush over the same skin his lips had brushed, smiling fondly. That was a particular tradition she’d missed as well, the casual affection he’d always shown her. She didn’t know if it was a Québécois thing, or just an Anthony thing, but she’d missed it all the same. It was sweet, just like everything he did.

As she settled in on the sofa, she sent out a few text messages to let various people know she’d arrived safely; some of her friends at work, Mat, her mom. She’d fully intended on ignoring the replies, knowing nothing urgent would be coming through, but when she saw 5 notifications from Mat, she opened up their text thread out of curiosity.

~

From: Mat Bells! You made it! Beau has been buzzing all morning. Give him a kiss from me. After he’s kicked some Flames ass obvi.

~

This guy. Isabella rolled her eyes fondly, smiling at the energy she could read even in his words, before biting her bottom lip. Anthony had been buzzing? He hadn’t seemed that way to her – sure, he was happy to see her, all smiles and long hugs, but buzzing? Hm.

~

From: Isabella I’ll pass along your kiss, weirdo. He seemed pretty chill to me?

~

From: Mat That’s because he got all of his crazy energy out by texting me. You know he wants your trip to be amazing. You are going to his game tonight, right?

~

From: Isabella If you say so Barzy. I wouldn’t miss his game for the world.

~

Mat didn’t text back again, so Isabella just chalked down the strange exchange to him missing his friend too. Still…no. Barzy was being Barzy, and that’s all there was to it. The two hours after Anthony left flew by, Isabella just getting herself lost in a good book, and it wasn’t long before she was walking towards her seat in the arena. Along with leaving a new Canucks jersey (with his name on the back, of course) for her in the hall closet, Anthony had left her ticket at will call, which she picked up easily after the uber she took dropped her right out front. Just as she’d requested when he had asked, she was in the bottom tier but at the back – she didn’t want anything ostentatious – and with an overpriced beer in hand, she took her seat.

Right from the start, the game was a nail biter. She cheered at the top of her lungs as Pettersson and McWard scored for the Canucks with all the supporters around her. Only for her to be left wincing when Lindholm and Kadri scored for the Flames in the third period, on the edge of her seat as the game finished out at 2-2. She could see the frustration in the team’s faces, let alone in their body language, and the moment that the shootout started her heart was pounding in her chest.

As soon as Kuzmenko scored the winning goal, Isabella leapt to her feet yelling in celebration with the crowd around her, the biggest smile on her face as the team celebrated on the ice. What a way to end of the game.

There was no rush she’d ever felt like watching a hockey game live in person - and now she was lucky enough to go congratulate her friend face to face rather than over text. Arriving early ahead of her conference really had been such a good idea. Anthony had texted her the instructions for how to get down to the tunnel to wait for him, so she followed those after the stands had emptied out a bit, not wanting to fight through the crowd. At the very least it meant she didn’t have to wait as long in the tunnel by herself, and soon enough Anthony was walking out to meet her, shy smile on his face.

Shy? No, that wouldn’t do.

“Beau! Congratulations!” she said cheerfully, loudly enough to draw a bit of attention to them and to get that familiar blush she loved to see rising on his cheeks.

“You enjoyed it then?” he mused.

There was enough hesitance in his voice to let her know he needed her reassurance, and she wasted no time in hugging him tightly, smiling as he immediately hugged her back.

“I had the best time. Talk about a nail biter!” she laughed, pulling back just far enough to look up at his face, “You know I love watching you play.”

The rosiness of his cheeks let her know that her honesty had been the right thing to say.

“I’m just glad you’re here,” Anthony murmured, squeezing her slightly before letting his arms drop.

“Ooh, wait, there’s something I need to give you,” she said quickly, clutching at his hands.

Anthony froze slightly, but made the most interesting gasping noise as she leaned up on her tiptoes and pressed a big wet smacking kiss on his cheek.

“W-What?”

Isabella just grinned, letting go of him. “That is from Barzy.”

Anthony’s smile seemed to falter slightly before he huffed out a laugh. “Of course. That sounds like him. I’ll have to text him to say thanks.”

Isabella snickered. At least their mutual friend couldn’t say she didn’t pass along his message. That’s what friends were for!

“What’s the plan now then?” she asked, tilting her head slightly.

“It’s up to you, really. A few of the guys are going out for drinks if you wanted to go too? It’s not going to be a crazy one because we are flying out to LA tomorrow, but it might be fun for you to meet some of the team? But if you’re tired from travelling then we can absolutely just head back to my place,” he explained.

The hopeful look in his eyes made her smile. He really wanted her to meet his new team, didn’t he? He wanted her to like them – it was important to him, she could tell. So there was only one answer she could give.

“Let’s go out for a couple of drinks then! Maybe if jetlag finally hits we could leave early?” she suggested.

She had been awake since 3.30am after all, having left for the airport at 4am. Relaxing for a couple of hours ahead of the adrenaline of the game had helped keep her going, but she knew it would hit her at some point. But meeting his new team was important to Anthony, so she wanted to do what she could, even if it wasn’t her at 100%.

“Perfect. You just let me know whenever and we can head out,” he said firmly.

Such a sweetheart.

In the end, she lasted around two hours before she felt her social battery dipping into dangerously low levels, starting to space out of conversation even though she’d only had two vodka sodas, and in no time at all Anthony was guiding her through the front door of his apartment all over again. His teammates had been so sweet – at least the ones that she’d met tonight – and seeing the smile that all their interactions put on Anthony’s face filled her heart. Even after 10 weeks, it was clear that he’d found a good space for himself here, just as he deserved to and just as she’d hoped. Brock, Petey, Quinn, Thatcher, Travis and Ethan, along with their partners (those that had them) were all so friendly and welcoming, and she’d enjoyed telling stories about her time in New York with Anthony, as well as hearing how well he was settling into the team in Vancouver.

It had been everything she’d wanted for the first day of her visit – what more could she have asked for?

“Okay I’ve got cold bottles of water in the fridge or I picked up that brand of peppermint tea that you like,” Anthony said, breaking her out of her thoughts.

Peppermint tea?

“You don’t drink peppermint tea, Beau,” she frowned, “you bought it especially for me?”

“Well, yeah, Bells. Of course I did,” he shrugged, although a light blush hit his cheeks.

This guy.

“Peppermint tea would be great,” she said softly, still a little stunned that he went through the trouble for her.

What a perfect way to wind down. The two of them sat on the sofa while she drank her tea and he drank a bottle of water, talking about all the things Anthony wanted to buy for the apartment when he came back next season (a couple of throw rugs, art for the hallway walls, a new smoothie maker, and so on). It felt like they were back in New York, like no time had passed and nothing had changed, which only made her heart pang a little more when it was eventually time to go to bed. She was flagging, hard, and he had an early start tomorrow, as much as she didn’t want this little bubble to end.

“Good night, Bells,” Anthony murmured, leaning against the doorway to the spare bedroom.

“Good night, Beau,” she murmured back, not wanting to break the moment as those blue eyes caught with her own dark brown ones.

He smiled softly, leaning forward to press a kiss to the top of her head before he walked down the hallway to his own room, leaving her feeling like she was floating on air.

What a first day indeed.

*

“Wakey wakey eggs and bakey!”

Isabella groaned at the loud sound of her best friend’s voice, eyes blearily looking over to where he was standing in the open doorway.

“What?” she groaned, “What are you doing?”

“First of all, I tried knocking, like, three separate times. Second, I made eggs and bacon and toast, duh. Breakfast, remember? Before I fly out with the team?” he teased.

Oh fuck, yeah of course. How could she forget? Anthony took one look at the expression on her face and burst out laughing.

“There’s also coffee. Clearly you need some,” he snickered.

Rude. Accurate, but rude. Isabella flipped him the bird, making him laugh harder, but at least he left her alone to deal with her bedhead. Her natural curls were a pain in the mornings, especially without taking a shower to deal with them properly, so she just threw them up on top of her head into a loose bun while she headed to the bathroom. She’d already decided she would be straightening her hair for her conference, for ease through those long days, but for now this would have to do. It wasn’t like Anthony hadn’t seen her looking worse.

After quickly washing and dressing into leggings and an oversized sweater, Isabella headed out into the kitchen, wordlessly accepting the coffee mug that Anthony pressed into her hands with a smile. Mmm perfect.

“Thanks for this, Beau. You’re amazing,” she murmured happily.

Interestingly, the back of Anthony’s neck flushed red, his back turned to her as he plated up their food.

“It’s just coffee, Bells,” he said, shrugging.

No it wasn’t and he knew that.

“Okay, scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and wholemeal toast, bon appétit.”

“Merci beaucoup.”

Anthony grinned at her attempt at French, Isabella just grinning back.

“So what are you going to do today and tomorrow? Your conference doesn’t start until Tuesday, right?” he asked, scooping up some eggs with his toast.

“I’m not going to do much, I won’t lie,” she mused, earning a grin, “I might take a walk around your neighbourhood today, maybe find a coffee shop or something? And then just a chilled night in, probably with take-out. Tomorrow though…hm, I probably need to do my nails before the conference so I’ll either pop out to buy some nail polish or I’ll book an appointment in a salon? If the weather is nice I might get lunch out, have a walk in downtown, see the sights? And I do want to get a bit of preparation work done before everything starts on Tuesday, ahead of watching your game against the Kings.”

She’d had enough time on her flights to plan at least a few things at least anyway. What? Isabella liked to be prepared.

“You don’t have to watch my game if you’re busy with work,” Anthony frowned.

What?

“Beau, in what world would I not watch one of your games?” she asked, confused.

“I just…I mean, I…”

He trailed off, rubbing the back of his neck, only confusing her further.

“It’s hard enough that I don’t get to see you anymore. Watching your games is the closest thing I have,” she said, frowning.

The look that passed across his face could only be described as devastation. “Fuck, Bells, you can’t just say things like that,” he said softly.

“Why not? I mean it, Beau. You’re one of my best friends. I love watching you play, you know that,” she said simply.

Anthony smiled slightly at her, but it looked strained. “I know you are. And I appreciate that more than you know.”

“But?” she prompted.

He hesitated for a moment, before letting out a shaky laugh and shaking his head. “But it’s too early and neither of us have had enough caffeine,” he deflected.

Isabella narrowed her eyes but took a big gulp of her coffee in response, making him laugh and roll his eyes fondly.

“Never change Isabella Thornton,” he mused.

“Oh ouch, full name. Definitely too early for that,” she said, grimacing dramatically.

Anthony just laughed louder.

In the end, the rest of her Sunday was spent exactly as she described to him. After he left, giving her a long lingering hug in the hallway after leaving her a spare key, she did in fact wander around his neighbourhood, taking in the cutesy local park and little shops, spending a couple of hours in a coffee shop with the book she’d started reading the previous afternoon. It was a good way to spend a time, nice and chilled exactly how she liked her downtime.

Before he’d left too, Anthony had given her the rundown of his favourite local restaurants, including an amazing Thai place that she knew she had to try – so that night, before taking a shower to sort out her wayward hair, she placed a takeaway order. Isabella hadn’t been able to decide between the panang beef curry with jasmine rice and the tofu pad see ew, so in the end she’d ordered both. Whatever she didn’t eat, she would eat tomorrow after her first day at the conference finished, ahead of watching Anthony play against the Kings. It was just logical, right?

By the time she had her curls plopped up in an old t-shirt, ahead of straightening them when they were fully dry in the morning, the food had arrived. The smell of both dishes was heavenly – she’d have to thank Anthony for his recommendation for sure.

Her phone buzzed twice. Beau 💛. Speak of the devil.

~

From: Anthony Heading out to team dinner soon. Hope you didn’t get lost wandering around today?

~

Isabella barked out a laugh at the very idea of her just wandering around lost and not telling him, but found herself smiling anyway. He was concerned about her – so sweet, as always.

~

From: Isabella No I didn’t get lost. Thanks for checking though. Just ordered myself some take-out actually!

~

She included a selfie of her holding up one of the take-out boxes, pulling a ridiculous duck face pout to hopefully make him laugh. It was far from the first time the two of them had exchanged silly photos, and she doubted it would be the last. While she waited for a response, she forked some noodles into her mouth, clicking on the TV to find some entertainment for the rest of her evening.

Three buzzes.

~

From: Anthony The Thai place! Great choice! Kinda wish I was eating that with you rather than the steakhouse we’re heading too lol. You look very cute and comfy.

~

She found her cheeks heating up with a light blush at his last words, quickly shaking her head to rid herself of any ridiculous thought. He didn’t mean it like that. He just didn’t.

~

From: Isabella Thank you for recommending the place, it’s SO good. Nah you enjoy the steakhouse Beau!

~

She didn’t expect to hear back from him, not with the game starting so soon, but the simple ‘xxx’ he sent her made her whole body warm. This guy, seriously.

Isabella knew how lucky she was to have a friend like him in her life. Unapologetically kind and sweet, always had her back, never failed to make sure that she was happy. Anthony was one of a kind, a true gentleman, and the fact that their chance friendship had turned into such an important part of her life was something she cherished.

She’d still been in college when they’d met, a mutual friend dragging her along to a party, and ever since that first night they’d just clicked. It didn’t make sense, not really, their worlds having very little crossover. But Isabella knew back then that all of that didn’t matter, proven by the fact that they stayed closed when she graduated college, stopping going to 99% of the parties, and Anthony stayed up in the show, proving himself night after night.

And now she was here – in his home in Vancouver while he was away, curled up on his sofa with his blanket draped around her. If anyone had told her five years ago that this is where she would be, she probably would’ve laughed – in what dreams was she going to build such a strong friendship with a handsome young NHL player? But this was her reality, it did happen, and there was no way she was letting him drift away, especially now that he’d moved so far away.

Isabella sent Anthony a text before she turned herself in for an early night, knowing she’d need to be up early to give herself the time to straighten her hair properly in the morning. It took less than 30 seconds to get a response back from him, making her laugh softly at his eagerness as she slipped into the guest bed.

~

From: Anthony Sweet dreams! 💛

~

She tried not to think too hard about how the little heart gave her butterflies.

*

Monday passed quicker than Isabella thought it would. Just as she’d told him – just as she’d planned – she treated herself to a manicure in a salon downtown as well as treated herself to a lunch out near the Quayside Marina, going for a walk along the waterfront before she did some prep work for her conference. It was only last minute checks of the presentations she would be part of, but she knew it would allow her to sleep easier without the what-if anxiety playing on her mind.

Along with eating the remaining Thai take-out and taking the time to straighten her thick curls ahead of the conference the next day, Isabella also watched Anthony play against the Kings on his stupidly big TV. The 3-0 loss made her ache inside, especially with how dejected the team looked even through the screen, and the moment that he texted her to ask if he could call, she didn’t hesitate to call him first.

His patented Sad Beau face made her ache even more, and it was all she could do to try to comfort him. She hated when he looked as sad as he did after this loss, the wear and tear of the season bearing down on him, but she wasn’t going to miss the chance to at least attempt to make him feel better. If she could help just a little bit, ease that sadness, then she would – seeing him look all soft with his fluffy hair and glasses in his hotel room was motivation enough.

The sweet smile she managed to drag out of him by the time they said goodnight was everything she could’ve hoped for.

All too soon, Tuesday 11th rolled around, and Isabella walked into the hotel the conference was being held in with her work laptop and an air of confidence she only partially-felt. Usually she had no problem talking to people – give her a bar or a party or a restaurant or even a casual barbecue and she could chat away for hours. But when it mattered? When the opinions of the people she talked to about their impression of her would be a deciding factor in whether her company would get their business in the coming year? It was terrifying.

But she was dressed the part, wearing her grey bodycon dress and black blazer like armour, her hair pin straight and her make-up perfect, and that gave her the boost to be able to fake her she was feeling.

At least her two Sales colleagues couldn’t tell how nervous she was when the three of them set up the company booth. By the time they were finished setting up, people were still walking in, so Isabella volunteered to grab them all a coffee. She hadn’t had time for her usual caffeine intake before she’d left for the conference – something she was definitely going to make sure she did ahead of Day Two – so this was more of an excuse to be able to wake herself up properly, to make sure she stayed at her best on this opening day.

Just as she returned to the booth and passed out the requested coffee, her phone buzzed. Beau 💛

~

From: Anthony Good luck today! Kick some ass!

~

Oh how sweet. Even though he undoubtedly had a late night after playing the Kings yesterday and travelled to Anaheim today at some point too, he was thinking about her?

~

From: Isabella I will do my best to kick ass, metaphorically. Good luck to you too! And kick some actual ass yourself! I’ll be watching the game tonight at yours again.

~

From: Anthony 💛 💛 💛

~

Again, his response came through incredibly quickly, making her think he was just waiting for her to text him. Why would he do that? Surely he had better things to do than wait around for her to text him?

And why did he only text three hearts?

Isabella found herself completely lost in thoughts, overthinking everything he could mean and everything he likely didn’t mean, and everything in between. It wasn’t like her to overanalyse every interaction with Anthony, but maybe it was the Vancouver air, or the fact that they’d been separated for the longest time in years. She honestly didn’t know where it was coming from, and she hated how uncertain it all made her feel. What was he playing at? Why was he acting like this, now? Was she just reading too much into it?

“Uh, Isabella?”

A deep voice to her left broke her out of her spiral, and she jumped slightly at the hand awkwardly waving in front of her face.

“Sorry Jerry, the caffeine hasn’t kicked in yet,” she said, forcing a laugh, “What’s up?”

He just laughed, taking her lie without question. “We need to go set up for the presentation. We’re up first today, remember?”

“Of course, let me grab my laptop,” she nodded.

It was simple enough to set-up and get the presentation going, if she was being honest, just clicking through the presentation slides while he was talking on stage (and their other colleague was manning the booth), and it allowed her to drift along on auto-pilot, only needing to focus on his talk and the screen in front of her. Thankfully she only needed to give input on one question he was asked in the Q&A portion, and she found herself smiling as everything finished to a hearty applause, accepting Jerry’s subtle high-five with a laugh.

The rest of the conference went smoothly, Isabella mainly able to listen to the other speeches given and take notes to feed back to the executive board while her Sales colleagues focused on schmoozing other attendees. It was one of the perks of being a marketing team member at a conference – outside of the presentations, the pressure really was off her. And at least her two colleagues this time were decent guys, rather than some of the assholes she’d been paired with before, so she didn’t hesitate to accept joining them at the after-drinks. With the conference finishing at 3pm, she allowed herself a few hours to relax and drink a couple of cocktails, but as soon as it hit 6pm she was in an uber on the way back to Anthony’s apartment. There was no way she was going to miss his game, not even if she’d had one of the best cranberry martinis she’d ever drank.

By the time the game started at 7pm, Isabella was dressed in her pyjamas was a bowl of pasta in her lap, willing the team to have a better result than the night before. For Anthony’s sake, if nothing else. And what a game it was. The moment that the buzzer sounded, ending the game with a 3-2 win over the Ducks, Isabella’s face hurt from smiling, and she wasted no time in reaching for her phone and thumbing open her message thread with Anthony.

~

From: Isabella YESSSSSS! Go Canucks! I’m so proud of you Beau. What a great game. 3-2 baby! I know you’re probably going out for drinks or dinner or whatever with the team. But call me when you get back to your hotel?

~

Isabella lost track of time while she waited for him to respond, distracting herself with washing up all the things she’d used to make dinner as well as doing her night-time facecream routine, so by the time her phone buzzed with a video call request, she was sitting on her bed up against the pillows. The moment that his smiling face appeared on her screen, something settled in her chest that she didn’t realise she was holding onto. He already looked so much happier than when they spoke the night before, and she found herself sinking against the headboard with a smile of her own.

“Hello Beau,” Isabella said fondly, “That’s the smile I like to see.”

“Hey Bells. You like my smile?”

She blushed at his teasing words, but powered through. “You know I do. Happy Beau is much better than Sad Beau.”

“I wasn’t Sad Beau.”

“You were sad enough,” she mused.

He just huffed out a laugh, shaking his head.

“No-one else calls me out like you do.”

Her breath hitched in his throat at his words, making her hesitate slightly before answering. “Is that a good thing?”

“It’s a very good thing. You help remind me to keep the bad balanced with good, that there’s still positive things in my life even when everything feels like shit. I appreciate that more than you know.”

She resolutely ignored the butterflies flaring in her stomach, the smile spreading across her face again conveying more than enough.

“Well that’s what friends do, right?”

“Yeah. Friends. Exactly.”

The way his smile flickered at that must’ve been a technical glitch in the call, surely.

They continued to talk for nearly another hour, losing themselves in easy conversation as they always did, until Isabella noticed Anthony started yawning, even as subtle as he was attempting to be in hiding it behind his hand.

“Hey, Beau, I’ll let you get some sleep yeah?” she murmured.

“What? No, I’m fine, really.”

Isabella laughed softly, shaking her head with a fond smile. “You played an intense game today and you have an early flight tomorrow. Get your beauty rest.”

He smiled through the screen, eyes half-lidded with tiredness.

“Okay, if you insist. I’ll see you after your conference finishes, yeah?”

“Absolutely. I can’t wait,” she grinned.

“Me too. Goodnight, Bells.”

“Goodnight Beau.”

When the call ended, Isabella took a moment to indulge in the sweetness of his smile before shaking herself out of her silly thoughts. Was it so wrong to enjoy the way he looked at her sometimes? Surely not. Besides, he wouldn’t smile at her if he didn’t mean it – he’d said as such, how much he appreciated her. She could always work with that. With a b out of inspiration, Isabella grabbed her personal laptop and opened up spotify, ready to make Anthony a playlist for his flight home in the morning. He deserved to have his good mood continue, to arrive back with nothing but positivity in his veins. This was something she’d done dozens of times before, and it didn’t take her long to put together a list of songs nearly two hours long that would hopefully put a smile on his face. She put a few final touches to the playlist with Shake it off by Taylor Swift, Shut Up and Dance by WALK THE MOON, and Come on Eileen by Dexy’s Midnight Runners, finding herself smiling at the good mood she had curated. Done. Perfect.

~

From: Isabella Sleep well Beau. Looking forward to seeing you again tomorrow! I made you a playlist for the flight – positive vibes only.

~

From: Anthony You’re the best. See you tomorrow. 💛

*

Day Two of the conference – Wednesday 12th – found her dressed in a pretty lilac shift dress with a grey blazer of the top, another immaculate set of armour allowing her to get stuck into the networking that was happening in between all of the speeches and presentations. Isabella mostly let the Sales guys do their thing, but she was able to contribute a bit more with people who approached their company booth, supporting the discussions by using examples of the campaigns she’d personally ran. At least, she felt confident enough with the approving nods and the handshakes exchanged with potential clients. Anthony’s flight had landed mid-morning, right on schedule, and he'd very sweetly messaged her the moment he arrived home. So instead of attending drinks again when the conference finished, she headed straight back to Anthony’s apartment. She didn’t feel bad skipping out of the social time, mainly because it mattered more for the Sales guys to be there, but also because she desperately wanted to spend her limited time with Anthony while she still could.

“Bells!”

Anthony’s happy shout combined with the way he rushed over to her and lifted her up in his arms, spinning her around seconds after she shut the front door behind her let her know she’d made the right decision.

“Anyone would think you were happy to see me, Beau,” she giggled, clutching at him tightly.

Anthony just grinned, shrugging apologetically as he lowered her back down to the floor, although his cheeks had a light flush to them.

“Of course I’m happy to see you. It felt weird knowing you were finally in Vancouver but I wasn’t actually there myself,” he said simply.

Yeah she could understand that.

“I missed you too,” she murmured, shrugging off her blazer and hanging it up on the coatrack.

Isabella raised an eyebrow as Anthony’s ran over her formal lilac dress, taking her in like he’d never seen her before.

“I suppose it’s not the clothes you’re used to, hm?” she mused.

Strangely, her words made him jump slightly, as if she broke him out of his thoughts.

“What?”

“The dress?” she teased, “I know I don’t usually wear them this formal, but come on it’s not that bad.”

“No, uh, not bad at all. Definitely not used to you wearing them,” he said quickly, nodding as he blushed a little heavier, “You look great though.”

“Thanks Beau,” she grinned.

What a sweetheart. Even if he was still blushing.

“Thanks for the playlist by the way. It really helped me get through the flight this morning,” Anthony said, heading towards the kitchen.

Isabella followed him with a smile, that smile widening as he wordlessly handed her a cold bottle of water from the fridge, nudging him with her shoulder in thanks.

“It was the least I could do. Besides, the good vibes in the songs gave me good vibes too,” she shrugged.

“Great vibes – especially that last song,” he grinned.

“Come on Eileen is a classic for a reason,” she said seriously, making him laugh just like she knew it would.

They talked about day two of her conference as they chose what take-out to order for dinner – they settled on Vietnamese, including summer rolls, beef brisket phở, and tiger prawn curry noodles, settling on the sofa while they waited for it to arrive. It was only then that the conversation took a heavier turn, as Anthony suddenly looked exhausted down to his bones, and not just physically.

“What’s going through your head? What’s wrong?” Isabella asked softly, resting her hand on his forearm briefly to capture his attention.

“I feel like I failed this year,” Anthony said quietly.

What?

“I’m sorry, what?” Isabella asked, confused.

“The team didn’t make the playoffs. The season is over and I just…I failed, right? The Canucks haven’t made the playoffs for the 8th year in a row and the Islanders did make it, so clearly they were right to trade me, and I just…I don’t know what to do.”

His rant flew from his mouth faster than she had ever heard him speak before, and the sadness entrenching every word made her heart ache in the worst way. He really felt like this? Like he was a failure? How long had he been hiding his self-deprecating emotions like this?

“You did not fail. You are not a failure. You’re just one guy, Beau,” she said firmly. “You didn’t ask for this trade, not in the slightest, and you’ve made a good solid start for yourself here. The Canucks needed you and you gave them a boost of course, but it is so not on you. Do you think Petey and Brock and Quinn and literally everyone else feel like you let them down?”

“No,” he admitted softly.

“Then don’t let yourself feel like that. Yeah, it sucks. Not making the playoffs is everything you didn’t want to happen. But you guys are way too talented for it not to build up for next season. You are far too talented, Anthony Beauvillier, and it will work out,” she finished.

“Ouch, full name,” he said with a weak smile.

She just batted his shoulder lightly with a hand, pursing her lips. “I mean it, okay? You worked hard and this year it just didn’t work out. I have full faith that things will click for you next year.”

Anthony hesitated for a second, before letting out a shaky sigh.

“I might just have to let your faith be the only faith for a little while,” he said softly.

Her frown softened to a gentle smile, and she squeezed the shoulder that she batted only moments before.

“If that’s what you need, then that’s fine. My faith in you isn’t going anywhere. You have one final game to play, right? So you go out there and you show them what you’ve got. Show yourself. I’ll be watching with imaginary pompoms,” she mused.

“Can I get you real pompoms? Maybe a cheerleader skirt too?” he grinned.

That was the Anthony she knew.

“You are pushing your luck. Keep that in your dreams,” she snickered.

Interestingly, he blushed furiously at her words, making her laugh. What a reaction.

It didn’t take much longer for their Vietnamese take-out to arrive and they settled as easily as ever next to each other on the sofa, sharing all the dishes in a way that felt so effortless, a reminder of the life they led back in New York. Anthony switched on an old favourite action movie while they were eating, just something to play in the background while they ate and talked and enjoyed each other’s company, and Isabella didn’t hesitate to seamlessly transition that into cuddling on the sofa when the take-out boxes were empty.

She did ignore the butterflies in her stomach flaring up as his thumb brushed her bare shoulder though. No, tonight was about Anthony, giving him comfort, not about her ridiculous notions.

*

The last day of her conference, Day Three – Thursday 13th – started with Anthony joining her for coffee and breakfast. She knew he had no real reason to get up early with her, but she appreciated the sweet gesture nonetheless. As she caught an uber over to the hotel conference hall, her mind was reeling from the sleepy smiles he sent her way, even more so with the soft parting kiss he pressed to her cheek as she said goodbye to him.

Why now? Why were all the feelings she’d fought so hard to bury surfacing out now?

But Isabella didn’t have time to get lost in her thoughts. She wouldn’t let herself – couldn’t let herself. No, all she allowed herself to do was to brush her shaky hands down her navy blue sheath dress and matching navy blazer as she walked into the hotel before she threw up her confident walls, greeting her colleagues with a practiced smile.

She already knew that the last day of the conference would be mostly final presentations and speeches, so she let them consume her, taking notes as diligently as she was able to be able to report back to her bosses. It was a blessing in disguise really, letting her work monopolise her mind, and she found herself swept up in the last rounds of networking with a genuine smile on her face. In all honesty, the conference had been a success – her Sales colleagues had garnered all of the business and attention they were meant to, and her contributions had been smooth and fruitful. That didn’t mean she stayed around for the final night of drinks though.

No, when the conference talks finished at 3pm, she caught an uber straight back to Anthony’s apartment, ready to go to the final Canucks game tonight. The game started at 7pm so she had more than enough time to shower, eat a little something while she dried her natural curls, and change into comfy jeans and Anthony’s jersey. He was already at the arena by the time she’d arrived back at his after packing up the company stand, so she caught an uber down to the game again.

Same as last time, he had left her a ticket at will call. She had asked for a ticket in the stands rather than in the box. It was just the atmosphere she wanted to surrounded by, the sight of him upclose being a welcome bonus. By the time she was heading down to her seat with an overpriced beer in her hand, it was time for warmups, and as she watched the Canucks skate out to excited cheers, she found her seat right by the glass.

Of course, of course he got her glass-side seats. Isabella rolled her eyes softly but found herself smiling anyway. Anthony always was so thoughtful, and this evening was no different. She caught his eyes as he skated past her and she waved enthusiastically at him, ignoring the looks from people around her as he happily waved back. Let them be jealous. They didn’t share the friendship the two of them had so she didn’t care what people thought of the interaction. She did snicker quietly as she noticed the obvious teasing his teammates gave him when he skated back over to them though. Bless his heart and his rosy cheeks too.

The game was a nail biter, even more so than the other three games she’d watched this week had been. For each Canucks goal she jumped up out of her seat cheering, high fiving everyone around her. For every Coyotes goal, she winced and listened to the boos around her. By the time the third period ended 4-4 ahead of going into OT, she felt like she was in an emotional wringer. This was the last Canucks game of the season; she knew how much it meant to Anthony let alone the rest of the team, so when the buzzer sounded it was all she could do to keep breathing, hoping for a miracle.

And praise Garland for his game winning goal only 1.19 into the OT, hats flying onto the ice to mark his hattrick as the arena erupted in cheers and shouts for the 5-4 win. Isabella’s hands were stinging from clapping by the time the stands started to empty, her cheeks aching from smiling, but she didn’t hesitate to go down to the tunnel like she had that first night, waiting for Anthony to be finished.

As soon as he walked out to meet her, she squealed, making him laugh as he swooped her up in a hug.

“Ahhh Beau! I’m so happy for you! Such an amazing assist!” she said, when he’d put her back down.

Anthony’s assist on Garland’s power play goal was the Canucks second goal of the game, the first of Garland’s three, and she was so proud of him for ending his season so well.

“Felt good to contribute in our last game, I will admit,” Anthony said a little sheepishly.

“See, I told you! Positive thinking!” Isabella grinned.

He just laughed, making her smile soften. He really was so cute, especially when his happiness was shining through like this.

“Most of the team are heading out for drinks again tonight, especially with the win in this last game of the season. Do you want to go?” Anthony asked her, smiling softly.

Like she’d want to be anywhere else.

“Absolutely,” she nodded, “I even brought a leather jacket with me to wear over this tank top instead of the jersey.”

“Oh perfect, I’ll put your jersey in my car before we catch ubers to the bar then, so you don’t have to carry it around,” he said, smiling.

So thoughtful.

The booths reserved in the bar were full of players, various family members, wives and girlfriends, so Isabella didn’t feel like the odd one out for the celebration of the end of their season. That didn’t mean she moved far away from Anthony though. All night they were side-by-side, and Anthony seemed oblivious to the looks he was getting from his teammates where he had his arm round her waist, where he was murmuring in her ear. With the way the drinks were flowing, Isabella didn’t care enough to say anything, to correct their assumptions, letting herself slip to a level that she usually wouldn’t with alcohol. She wasn’t drunkdrunkdrunk, not by any means, but she was far merrier than she usually allowed herself to get, clinging to Anthony in a way that she always had refused herself.

The music blared, shots were pounded back, laughter filled their group, and all throughout Anthony held her tight, his hands possessive in a way they had never been before. He held her closer than he ever had as they swayed on the dancefloor, bodies pressed close, the energy between them crackling. She let herself pretend that it was the heat of the bar not his intense eyes that had her flushed and giddy. The vodka mixers allowed her to pretend anyway, and by the time that Anthony mentioned making a move back home, much later than she thought they would, her mind was a happy haze of BeauBeauBeau. Nothing else mattered, not the knowing winks or the giggles, not the way her feet were aching, not the way she leant heavily on him as they made their way out of the bar to the waiting uber.

They were still leaning against each other as they stumbled out of the taxi at his apartment building, Isabella giggling as she waved goodbye to their driver. Anthony helped hold her up in the elevator, using the wall to prop himself up, Isabella just snuggling into his broad chest with a happy drunken sigh. This was perfect. Did he always smell this good? Was he always this warm?

They slowly made their way to his front door, Anthony holding her close in a way that wasn’t helping them walk in a straight line. Isabella just stayed clutching at him, letting him guide her, humming quietly to herself as she smiled up at him, especially as he smiled widely down at her, cheeks flushed and eyes glazed. He struggled to open the front door, making her giggle like she had done getting out of the taxi, and he pressed his finger to her lips in an exaggerated shush, only making her laugh harder. This was bliss, this was heated happiness, this was…her stumbling into the doorframe and falling forward. She slammed into his chest, Anthony somehow holding her upright as he closed the door behind her, his body swaying as he tried to hold them both up.

Isabella clutched as his arms – so strong, so firm – looking up at him with wide eyes, only then noticing how close they were standing. How close he was holding her. Had they ever been this close before? Had his eyes always been that blue?

She jerked out of her thoughts as he pressed his lips to hers.

Isabella moaned softly before she could stop herself, Anthony quickly pulling away, lips red. Wow. Wow. So that was what it was like to kiss him? As she looked back up into his beautiful eyes, some of the fog in her head cleared, only to be replaced by how good that felt. She had to do it again. She had to know what it felt like to kiss him again.

It seemed like Anthony felt the same way, because one of his hands flew up to cup her head as he pushed her back against the door, a loud gasp tearing from her throat just before he took her lips in a kiss once more. There it was. This, right here. She melted into his embrace, clutching as his shirt with her hands as she hungrily kissed him back, Anthony moaning into her mouth before he slid his tongue past her lips. Her head spun as she lost herself in his kisses, her body lighting up with an electricity she hadn’t felt in a long time as their bodies surged together, moaning again as his free hand slid over her ass and squeezed. Never had she felt like this with a first kiss. Never had she wanted this much.

Then Anthony broke the kiss, barely pulling away, just enough so she could blearily see that he was panting as hard as she was.

“Do you want to…?”

“Yes.”

*

It was her pounding headache that woke her up, paired with the start of rolling nausea. All Isabella could do for longer than she could tell was breathe in and out slowly, measured breaths careful enough to not set off a run to the bathroom that she didn’t really want to do. She knew she drank more than she usually would last night; not enough to be obliterated, no, but these were the consequences that always reminded her why she had her alcohol limits. Her head feeling like it was going to crack in two, her stomach clenching over and over, her bare body clammy and chilled in the early morning air.

Wait, what?

Bare body. She was naked? What?

The moment that her mind processed the new information, the end of the evening caught up with her, reminding her exactly what had happened. Clutching hands, clashing lips, heated breath, stinging bites, pleasure like she’d never felt before. Anthony filling her, surrounding her, moaning out her name as she cried out his. Fuck.

Oh fuck what had she done? Tears stung at her eyes, clouding her gaze as she slowly glanced over her shoulder, carefully so as not to make her nausea worse…and there he was, just as naked as she was. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. She clasped a hand over her mouth to muffle any sounds that might escape her, glad she’d done so as the arm she hadn’t noticed draped over her waist tightened slightly with her minor movement.

She’d ruined everything. Everything. How could she have been so stupid to give in to her desires for him? How could anything ever be the same again between them?

Tears finally trickled down her cheeks as Anthony huffed a breath that ruffled her curls, his legs shifting enough to slot one of them between hers. As she cried, biting her bottom lip to muffle her quiet sobs, her headache came back with full force, throbbing like nothing she’d ever felt before. It was all Isabella could do to close her eyes, willing herself to fall asleep, hoping that when she woke up again that all of this would disappear. A stupid aimless hope, she knew that, but it was all she could cling to.

She drifted in and out of sleep as the hours went on, head pounding and swimming enough that she couldn’t wake herself up fully let alone move, but by the time that the midday sun filtered through the curtains she knew she couldn’t avoid getting out of bed anymore.

Just as she was gathering the courage to remove his arm from her waist, that arm tightened again, pulling her roughly back against his bare body, making her gasp loud enough for Anthony to flinch -and quickly shoot back across the bed as he woke up in alarm.

“Shit. Shit, Bells…”

Isabella let out a shaky breath before sitting upright, clutching the bedsheets to her chest in a poor attempt at modesty.

“Hi Beau,” she said with a watery smile.

She knew her smile looked as fake as it felt by the way that Anthony’s face fell. He ran a hand through his hair, looking at a loss for words, so she stayed silent too. There was nothing she could say to make this situation better, she knew that. And it wasn’t like she even knew what to say either. Everything she had worked so hard to prevent, the loss of their friendship being the main part, was for nothing. This was the beginning of the end – and by the way he wouldn’t look at her, she felt it in her bones as a certainty.

“I…”

She cut herself off, swallowing heavily to stop the lump rising in her throat as Anthony closed his eyes briefly. Fuck. Fuck.

“I’m going to shower. And pack all my stuff,” she eventually managed to say.

That, at least, made Anthony finally look over at her.

“What?”

She cleared her throat, willing herself not to cry at the intensity in his beautiful blue eyes.

“I fly home tomorrow, and I haven’t packed yet. There’s only this afternoon left to do it, and seeing as I have to be at the airport by 6.30am, I really don’t want to be packing last minute tomorrow morning,” she said as calmly as she could.

“Bells, wait, please,” he murmured.

She forced a polite smile on her face, hating that he winced when he saw it, hating that it was necessary to make her feel even a little bit of normality.

“And I think I’ll book a taxi to take me to the airport too, as it’s early,” she finished.

Rather than Anthony taking her, as they’d agreed previously. Before this clusterfuck ending of their friendship.

“No,” he said sharply.

“What?” she said, bland masking failing a little.

“I’ll still drive you to the airport,” he said.

Why? Why would he want to do that?

“You don’t have to,” she said, voice cracking.

“I want to,” Anthony said, shaking his head, “Please, Bells.”

The desperation in his voice made her heart ache as much as it confused her. Why was he so insistent? Why did he want to do this?

“Sure.”

The relief in Anthony’s eyes only confused her more.

*

Friday was possibly the most awkward day she’d ever spent in Anthony’s company. Isabella had managed to make it through her shower with shaky legs, eventually sliding down the wall to huddle on the shower floor, the sound of the shower muffling her crying enough for Anthony to leave her in peace as he caught an uber back to the arena to collect his car. Even when he arrived back, he still left her alone to pack all her things scattered around the guest room, which she somehow managed to stretch out into taking two hours. The rest of the day had been spent avoiding him as much as possible, sitting at opposite ends of the sofa while they ate pizza that night, neither one of them wanting to cook for obvious reasons, and she had claimed an early night for her early start the next day.

But it had taken so long for her to fall asleep, her mind not shutting off, overthinking every little interaction the two of them had that day, so by the time her alarm went off at 5am she was even more exhausted than the day before. Still, she knew she couldn’t delay the inevitable, and got up to leave Anthony for what she feared would be the last time.

Because that was where this was heading, wasn’t it? Everything between them – their friendship, their closeness, all that they shared – had been ruined the moment she stepped into his bedroom in an alcohol-fuelled lust haze. Neither of them had made the step forward yesterday to do anything about their dwindling friendship, and now…now it was too late.

Her flight from Vancouver was due to leave at 8.35am, with her due to land in LaGuardia at 8pm, having one stop for connecting flight in Denver for 1.45hrs. Her company had booked flights for the cheapest options available; the timings and airports weren’t her choice at all, but in this moment, the early flight was some kind of blessing.

Unsurprisingly, their drive to airport was quiet. Isabella didn’t even have a coffee mug to distract herself with, not wanting the caffeine in this jittery body before she ate something a little later, so the time in the car with him felt like it dragged. That aching feeling only dragged out when Anthony paid $5.00 for the parkade and walked her to the main departures doors.

“So I guess this is goodbye,” Anthony murmured, handing her the suitcase he wheeled over from the car for her.

Why did that hurt so much more than she thought it would?

“I guess so,” she said softly, clutching at her handbag like it was a lifeline.

Without warning, Anthony stepped forward and wrapped his arms around her in a tight hug. Isabella couldn’t stop the whimper that escaped her throat, and she found herself hugging him back just as tightly, burying her face in the crook of his neck, trying not to tremble at the close contact. She could feel his face pressing into her curls, his breathing shaky like he was trying not to cry, and she desperately willed herself not to cry either when tears stung her eyes. This wasn’t fair. How had everything boiled down to this, after all their years of friendship? How was everything over?

She couldn’t do this anymore. She couldn’t cling onto him when she knew that any moment she would have to let him go for real. So, Isabella found the strength to unclench her hands from his shirt, taking the step backwards that she didn’t want to take. Hundreds of words flew around her head, everything she wanted to say to him that she didn’t know how to voice. And it looked like he wanted to say something too, lips parting and hand raising towards her…until his hand dropped back to his side and he took a proper step backwards, clearing his throat.

A little bit of her died inside at the misery in his eyes.

Was this really goodbye forever?

“Have a safe flight. Let me know when you land?” Anthony said softly.

“It won’t be for nearly 9 hours,” she said, hesitating.

“I don’t care,” he said immediately, “Please?”

She just sighed, nodding. “Yeah, of course Beau.”

He smiled in response, but it just looked sad to her. As sad as the emptiness in his eyes. But before she could say anything to change his expression even the slightest bit, a big shuttle bus pulled up and a group of loud people stepped out, ruining the last chance. Their last chance?

It was all Isabella could to do smile sadly at him as she walked into the airport.

Her flight was restless – she was too awake to sleep but too caught up in her thoughts to read a book or watch a movie. If she was being honest with herself, she couldn’t even remember what she ate. If she ate. All she was able to do, as if punishing herself further, was to put her headphones over her ears to drown the world out and listen to the playlist he had made her for her original flight out, silently crying the whole time.

Her seatmate hadn’t noticed the way she was falling apart next to her.

Eventually she had to face reality as her plane landed in LaGuardia. It would do no good for her heart if she didn’t text Anthony as he’d asked her to, so she pulled out her phone as she waited for the plane to start disembarking.

~

From: Isabella Hey, just landed.

~

It was short and to the point, but it was all she could manage while she felt like a dried-out husk. Somehow, tears stung at her eyes when he immediately messaged back, like he was waiting for her in a way that made no sense.

~

From: Anthony Thank you for letting me know. I hope your flight was okay.

~

Was that concern? Was that politeness? She couldn’t figure it out in her exhausted state so she just exited out of their conversation and put her phone away. That was a problem for another day. All she could manage right now was standing up out of her seat and shuffling off the plane. Everything else could wait for tomorrow. It would have to.

*

Seven days. Seven days passed without a word from Anthony. This was the longest they’d ever gone without speaking, the time stretching out like an impossible chasm. She knew she could’ve responded to his message after her flight, but she hadn’t known what to say, and a couple of days later it felt too late to respond to that particular thread of conversation. But Anthony hadn’t contacted her again either. Maybe it really had been politeness, his comment on her journey, but if it wasn’t then she didn’t really know what to think.

All she knew was that the longer she didn’t text him and the longer that he didn’t text her, she felt like her fragile heart was crumbling, and she didn’t know how to salvage any of it – if anything could be salvaged at all.

Her body ached, the loss of contact with him feeling like a missing limb. She hadn’t felt heartbreak like this before, not with any ex-boyfriends, and this time it was all her fault anyway. Maybe she deserved to feel this empty, this aching. It was all she could do to trudge forward on auto-pilot, trying to get back into her routine as a desperate attempt to cling onto some form of normality. By the time Saturday 22nd rolled around though, she was done. Without work to distract her like it had all week, Isabella knew she needed to get out of her apartment or she would go insane from her overbearing thoughts. So she decided to treat herself to lunch out at a secluded café she hadn’t been to in a while, allowing the walk to clear her foggy thoughts, and by the time her sandwich was in front of her she felt a little more human.

“Bells?”

Isabella looked up sharply, breath hitching at the man standing in front of her.

Mat.

She hadn’t forgotten that this was the café that she, Anthony, and Mat used to all go to together. That did make sense why she hadn’t been there since he left New York though.

“Hey, Barzy, fancy bumping into you here,” she said warmly.

Mat just smiled as she stood up from her seat, wasting no time in giving her a big hug, making her laugh as she hugged him back. Clearly he had the same thoughts as her, getting out for a little while, especially considering he’d just had a run of playoff games against Carolina on Monday 17th, Wednesday 19th, and Friday 21st.

“I know we’ve texted back and forth a lot but I can’t believe I haven’t seen you since Beau got traded,” she said, smiling softly as he sat down opposite her.

But the moment that his smile turned sympathetic, she knew.

“He told you?” she murmured, smile falling.

He bit his bottom lip, hesitating, but that only made her feel worse.

“Barzy please, did he tell you what happened in Vancouver?” she whispered harshly.

Mat huffed out a sign before nodding “He did.”

She immediately felt sick, physically and mentally, her whole body seizing - but Mat quickly shook his head at whatever her face was doing.

“Bells, no, only because he’s freaking out that he’s ruined everything,” Mat insisted.

“Ruined everything?” she asked quietly, her voice catching in her throat as she tried to breathe.

“Look, I don’t know the details. And I sure as hell don’t really want to know them, that’s between you two,” Mat said firmly.

She couldn’t help but laugh softly at the dramatic grimace on his face, and Mat’s expression softened.

“He’s in a real mess, Bells. I’ve never seen him like this before,” Mat said, smiling sadly, “Did he ruin everything?”

He was in a mess? Just as much as she was?

“No, no he hasn’t,” she said with a sad smile, “I thought I did.”

“Man, you two are as bad as each other. I thought your trip to Vancouver would’ve sorted that out finally,” Mat sighed.

What? Sorted what out?

“What?” she managed to choke out.

Mat just shook his head fondly. “Everyone saw the way you two look at each other. We all thought you’d get together, although I’m pretty sure some of the rookies thought you were already dating.”

Well that was something she thought she’d never hear. What the hell?

“I just…he’s one of my best friends, you know? You’re my friend too - and you’re good for him. I want things to be back to normal between you two,” Mat said, smiling sadly.

If that didn’t break her heart even further, she didn’t know what would.

“I don’t know if they can ever go back to normal,” she admitted, hating the words as honest as they were, eyes stinging slightly, “But I don’t want to lose him. I just don’t know what to do.”

He pursed his lips, nodding as he fell silent for a moment. It was all she could do to sip at her coffee, especially as it looked like her friend was thinking hard.

“Do you like him?” Mat asked suddenly.

“W-What?”

“Do you like him? As more than a friend?”

She choked out a laugh, glancing up at the ceiling, trying to fight the tears that sprang to her eyes again. What kind of question was that? Of course she did. She’d never denied it, not that anyone had ever asked her. Anthony was her person, one of the only people in her life that she truly trusted. Of course she liked him. Hell, she was already falling in love with him at this point, she could admit that much to herself. And if Mat’s words held any truth…maybe he was falling for her too?

“Yeah. Yeah, I do like him. More than I probably should for someone who’s never heard from his lips how he feels about me,” she eventually admitted.

Mat’s face split into a smile. “Leave this with me.”

What?

“Barzy…” she warned.

“No, I’m serious, leave it with me. Do you trust me?” Mat said firmly.

“Yeah, you know I do,” Isabella said without hesitation.

Because she did. There wasn’t a malicious bone in Mat Barzal’s body, especially when it came to his friends, and Isabella was fortunate to count herself as one of them. But what did he mean?

“Then let me talk to him, okay? This will all work out, Bells,” Mat said seriously, “You’ll see.”

Hope was dangerous for her fragile heart. But here Mat was, dangling it down on a silver string.

“I really hope you’re right, Barzy,” she sighed.

He just grinned. A thousand girls would kill to have that beaming smile sent their way, but all she could think about was his blue-eyed friend on the other side of Canada.

“I’d better go – got the 4th game in our playoffs series tomorrow. But don’t be a stranger,” Mat said, standing up from his eat.

“I won’t. I’m rooting for you guys against the Canes,” she said, smiling despite the whirling of her emotions.

“Damn right you are,” he grinned.

There was the Mat she knew.

*

A few days more days passed without a word from Mat, or from…anyone else. She knew that Mat was busy, obviously having watched his 4th playoff game on Sunday. She’d even texted him after his 5-2 loss against the Canes, getting nothing but a crying face back which was more than she could’ve hoped for from him in this intense time. But nothing else, and she tried not to let that hope flicker away. She wouldn’t let herself get invested, not until she knew anything for sure. She couldn’t, otherwise she didn’t know if she would survive.

It took until Tuesday 25th for Isabella to wake up with a text from Anthony.

Her hands shook as she flicked open their neglected message thread, eyes stinging as she scanned his words.

~

From: Anthony I’m sorry that I haven’t texted you. I’m guessing you haven’t texted me either for the same reasons. I hate that everything’s gotten so awkward and distant between us but talking with Barzy yesterday gave me hope. Will you please listen to this playlist? we’re lost and found.

~

Isabella had already planned on working from home today but this would’ve pushed her to anyway. He’d actually messaged her. There was still hope? Anthony hadn’t given up on them after all. He’d made her a new playlist? And from the sounds of it, if he’d talked to Barzy like Barzy said he would, this was going to be something that was either going to break her heart for good or give her more hope than she knew what to do with.

Rather than opening the link on her phone, she opened up her personal laptop, clicking on the playlist we’re lost and found when Spotify was open, and quickly clicked play.

“Sunlight comes creepin' in, Illuminates our skin, We watched the day go by, Stories of all we did, It made me think of you, It made me think of you.”

As the lyrics to Birdy’s Wings filled the room, Isabella could do nothing to stop the tears from springing to her eyes. This song was one of her current favourites, he knew this. And if he’d remembered that…what else had he included in the playlist? She quickly scrolled through the rest of the list, eyes scanning every song, every choice he made, aching pangs starting in her chest at his selections.

Wings – Birdy Never Let Me Go – Florence + The Machine Hold You – Nina Nesbitt, Kodaline Wherever You Will Go – Charlene Soraia Teach Me How to Be Loved – Rebecca Ferguson Set Me on Fire – Bella Ferraro Kiss Me – Jason Walker Yours – Ella Henderson Still into You – Paramore Adore You – Harry Styles Tongue Tied – Take Me To Your Best Friends House Slow Hands – Niall Horan I Choose You – Sara Bareilles Lover – Taylor Swift Lover Of Mine – 5 Seconds of Summer this is how you fall in love – Jason Zucker, Chelsea Cutler Falling Like The Stars – James Arthur A Thousand Years – Christina Perri Take Me To Church – Hozier Next To Me – Emeli Sandé I Won’t Give Up – Jason Mraz When You Love Someone – James TW

She felt like she wasn’t breathing, couldn’t breathe, the long curated-collection sending her thoughts scrambling. Did he really feel…? Was he really saying…? Why was he only saying this now, when everything had become so fraught between them?

“If I could, then I would, I’d go wherever you will go.”

The Charlene Soraia cover, another favourite. Fuck, he really had put so much effort into this, hadn’t he? The thoughts, the emotions, everything that he was feeling he had put into this playlist. Playlists were their thing, and the fact that he’d made something like this for her, to show her how he felt…it was everything. She let the music wash over her, tears pouring down her cheeks as she let her heart truly feel what it wanted to feel for the first time, soaking in all of the emotion that he’d poured into this playlist. This was him, and this was her, and it was them. What more could she say?

“But with you I’ve learned how to let it out, Now my heart is ready to burst, Cause I feel like I’m ready for love, And I want to be your everything and more.”

Ella Henderson’s voice continued to spill out from her laptop speakers, but Isabella couldn’t take anymore. She had to speak to him. She had to know…she had to…fuck, she needed to hear his voice. And it only took three rings for him to answer.

“Hey, Bells.”

She sniffled as a couple of tears trickled down her cheeks, closing her eyes at the sound of his voice. “Hey, Beau.”

They fell silent for a moment, just listening to each other breathe, before Anthony eventually cleared his throat.

“You’re listening to the playlist then? I can hear Ella singing in the background.”

He knew it that well, that he could recognise a faint song? How many times had he listened to these songs before he sent them over?

“Yeah. Yeah I am. I have to know…Beau, why did you create this? Why these songs?” she murmured, eyes finally opening, staring at the list in front of her.

He huffed out a laugh, sighing softly.

“It’s always going to be you, Bells. There’s no-one else for me.”

The sound that tore out of her throat barely felt human, and her free hand quickly flew up to cover her mouth, a distraught sound coming through the phone as Anthony heard her.

“Hey, talk to me, please?”

She took a shaky breath, willing herself to stay calm, to keep herself together, and she nodded to herself, steeling her nerves.

“There’s no-one else for you?” she murmured.

“There hasn’t been for a long time.”

The smile that tugged at her lips felt traitorous somehow, her mind not believing his words. He’s liked her for a long time? How was this real? As if he could sense her warring thoughts, Anthony sighed.

“I don’t know what to say to make you believe me. Please, just listen to the songs. They show everything that I can’t over the phone. Music has always spoken for us before, right? So I’m trying to let it speak for me now.”

He was right. Music had always been the thing that connected them, that said everything they didn’t need to say. Except this time, she needed him to say something – and here he was, translating himself in a way that spoke to them both.

“You really feel this way about me?” she said softly, her voice filled with wonder.

“I really do. And I’m hoping, from everything Barzy said and the fact that you haven’t hung up on my yet, that you feel this way for me too?”

Right, because she hadn’t actually said anything that was on her mind. It was all him. Just like always.

“Yeah, Beau, I do. I like you so much,” she said, choking out a laugh, “I just…didn’t think you would ever feel the same for me. The last week has been torture.”

“I’m so sorry. I am so unbelievably sorry for ever making you feel like you aren’t the most important person in my life.”

She choked out a sob this time, her body thrumming, her heart aching, Anthony just making soft reassuring noises through the speaker until she was able to compose herself once more.

“I’ve got locker clear out tomorrow, and then…then I’m thinking about coming to New York for a few weeks. I think we should talk, really talk, face to face. We both deserve that much.”

“Yeah, you’re right. And I’d like that,” she said, a little shyly.

With further tentative plans for Isabella to join him in Quebec after he spent some time with her in New York, she ended the call, her heart full and her cheeks aching with smiling, tacky with happy tears.

Maybe she didn’t know what tomorrow would hold. Or next month. Or even when Anthony was back in Vancouver all over again. But she knew that what she felt for him was worth trying for. And wasn’t that all that mattered anyway? Anthony Beauvillier was falling in love with her just like she was falling in love with him, and she couldn’t wait to see where this journey would take her, especially with him by her side.

[blowflyfag]

WRESTLING FURY: June 1989

OWEN HART BLAZES INTO THE WWF

Possibly a warning heralded too late but, beware World Wrestling Federation gladiators! He’s tried the rest, now he’ll take on the best. Just when you though professional wrestling an out of surprises, a pleasant breath of fresh talent has ventured down from the foothills of Western Canada to the highly publicized, mega-marketed wrestling organization operated by Vince McMahon, Jr. and based in Stamford, Connecticut. 

Although he has been touring the pro mat circuits for less than five years, many veterans of the grappling game already hail him as one of the best technicians ever to step into the ring. One former National Wrestling Alliance heavyweight champion has gone as far as comparing The Blue Blazer to the great Lou Thesz.

No matter how his performances are assessed, spectacular and superb are usually the first two words used to describe the moves he puts on his opponents. Even under a mask and fancy robes, the true identity of The Blue Blazer can’t be hidden. Owen Hart, of the famous wrestling Hart family from Calgary, Alberta, Canada already has gained a legion of faithful followers in the United States, hoping he’ll get a crack at the prestigious title belts recognized by the WWF. 

There’s no way the so-called brain trust of the WWF could have kept the Blazer’s identity a secret. The technical holds and acrobatic maneuvers executed with such perfection could only be administered by the youngest of the wrestling Hart brothers. 

[Owen was the North American Heavyweight champ in his native Canada.]

Before signing on with the WWF, Owen Hart was already recognized worldwide as a wrestling superstar. Some of his most exciting ring encounters took place in Japan. The style of wrestling in the Orient is much like that in Western Canada and the Japanese fans quickly grew to admire the young Hart, always more than anxious for his next return. 

The winning attitude that has enveloped Owen is due to having built-in-trainers. Keith, Bruce and Bret “The Hit Man” Hart, along with brothers-in-law Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart and Davey Boy Smith, have instructed Own from their years of experience on the ins and outs of what will not work to a wrestler’s advantage while in the ring. 

Owen’s father, former wrestling expert Stu Hart, who took on everyone from Gene Kinski to Joe Louis, has overseen his son’s entry in the limelight of the sport and is quite pleased with his progression. When asked by a fan as to when Owen would return to action in the Stampede Wrestling rings, Stu prideful replied, “Unfortunately he will not be available to us in the foreseeable future. I have tremendous respect for Owen, not only as a wrestler but as a son, a young man of whom I am extremely proud. I feel very strongly in my heart that Owen can make the same contribution to wrestling that Wayne Gretzky has made to hockey. To my way of thinking, if you can pardon my saying so, he is simply the best that there is in the game, both in and out of the ring.”

[As the Blue Blazer, Hart far outclasses most of the competition. (photo by Brown)]

With one highlight after another in Japan and Canada, where he held the North American heavyweight title several times, Owen Hart literally wrote his own ticket to the promotion that would financially satisfy him the most. When you are the best in the sport from a promoter’s and fans’ viewpoint, it is better to have the talented athlete on your team rather than opposing it. And, that’s exactly what the WWF did. Instead of letting the NWA or AWA get his name on a contract, the WWF recognized the endless amount of talent Owen Hart possesses and proceeded to add him to their ever-growing parade of stars. 

The question asked by fans throughout North America is why the mask? Perhaps the WWF hierarchy was afraid the young Canadian would outshine their number one superstars, such as Randy Savage and Hulk Hogan. Would Owen put either Hogan or Savage in the position that the fans would demand a showdown between the two? In Hogan’s case it wouldn’t be a great surprise how that confrontation would conclude. One is a wrestler known as an exciting ring tactician and one has been labeled a living cartoon. 

Thus far as the Blue Blazer, Owen’s abilities seem to have been toned down in the Federation. The majority of the Blazer’s matches fall into the preliminary category, usually the opening contest against the likes of men such as Steve Lombardi and Barry Horrowitz. Both Lombardi and Horowitz are well qualified to be labeled wrestlers and have always given their challengers a tiresome time in the ring. However, they aren’t in the same ballpark as Randy Savage or Jim Duggan as far as drawing large crowds to the arenas are concerned. 

[Here’s a look at a flying head butt done Owen Hart Style.]

The Blazer’s ring performance resembled the way the British Bulldog marched into the WWF five years back. Davey Boy Smith and Dynamite Kid plainly and simply outclassed and nearly embarrassed those who stepped onto the canvas against them. They made all the other so-called WWF athletes look effective. When the Blue Blazer entered the scene, the same scenario arose again. 

The mask, artificial identity and the fact of being delegated to preliminary mat action appears to have taken their roll on Owen Hart. This past Thanksgiving, as the Blue Blazer, he was caught off guardian submitted to Greg Valentine’s figure -four leg lock. Perhaps that unusual ending to his participation in the Survivor Series match should be taken as a signal that they (the WWF) may be destroying the confidence of wrestling’s newest hero. It was also during this exciting event that Owen suffered another injury that will prevent him from wrestling for a short time. 

Never quite a number one contender in the Federation but a man known to give you the fight of your life, “Iron” Mike Sharpe recently stated, “The best offense is a good defense when squaring off against the Blue Blazer. The suplexes, sunset flips and dives off the top ropes he does are incredible. His moves are carried out flawlessly. The Blazer is a thinking man’s wrestler.” He continued by saying, “He has to be careful when dazzling his challengers, the chances he takes in the ring are too risky to end in injury, if his mind wandered. Believe me, the Blue Blazer has all the ingredients to soon be the #1 contender for the Inter-Continental and Heavyweight championships.”

Will he or won’t he, hidden under a hood as the Blue Blazer, combine forces with his brother “The Hit Man” to pursue the WWF Tag Team champions? Should Jim Neidhart graciously step aside and give his blessings on the brothers to unite their wrestling energies, having the title belts put around their waists? That would be a mere technicality waiting to happen. 

[These aerial maneuvers are what makes Owen so great. (photo by Brown)]

It’s generally accepted by fans, promoters and wrestlers themselves that Bret and Owen are the two most best all-around wrestlers in the support of wrestling today. It’s almost a certainty that should the Hart Brothers be put in the same ring as Demolition, The Rougeaus or The Powers of Pain, record gate receipts will be achieved. The Harts aren't the largest or most muscular pair in the WWF, just the best schooled wrestlers on the group’s roster. 

In singles competition, just think of the Blue Blazer getting the opportunity to renew his feud with the Honky Tonk Man from their days when they both worked out of Calgary. When turned to Bad News Brown, the Blue Blazer is capable of knocking Harlem, New York’s wrestling thug down a couple of notches in the rankings. Without the mask on, in Canadian towns such as Edmonton, Camrose and Winnipeg, Owen Hart convincingly handed Brown pinning defeats. 

[Owen and his finance Martha have been doing some modeling in Canada

Owen’s body is rock solid perfect. ]

When battling world class competitors as Makkhan Singh, “Strangler” Steve DiAlvo and Comrade Jerry Morrow, as an athlete, Owen became a better professional. Stampede Wrestling out of Calgary has always been over stuffed with talented wrestlers who rely on their athletic ability to advance their career, not gimmicks to get them the necessary push to main event status. 

Biff Ellington, Johnny Smith, Chris Beneoit and Goldie Rogers are just a handful of respected grapplers that, along with Owen, have put Calgary on the international wrestling map of excellence. 

As the Blue Blazer in the WWF, Owen Hart isn’t asking for anything he isn’t deserving of. When the time comes and the Blazer is able to spread his wrestling wings, his ring actions will lead to many to say “I told you so.” Owen Hart has proven he is a winner, a dedicated professional and an all-around class act. After all, his wrestling roots are second to none. 

[shiva1906]

Canada Work Visa: Your Gateway to a Brighter Future

Canada, known for its high standard of living, robust economy, and diverse culture, is one of the top destinations for skilled professionals worldwide. A Canada Work Visa is your ticket to accessing the many opportunities this country has to offer. Whether you're a professional looking to advance your career, a student seeking work experience, or an entrepreneur planning to expand your business, understanding the work visa process is essential.

What is a Canada Work Visa?

A Canada Work Visa allows foreign nationals to work in Canada for a specific period. It can be obtained through various pathways, such as employer sponsorship or programs like the International Mobility Program (IMP) and Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). In many cases, obtaining a work visa is also the first step toward permanent residency.

Types of Canada Work Visas

There are different types of work visas available depending on your qualifications and the job you plan to undertake:

Employer-Specific Work Permit: Tied to a specific employer, you can only work for that employer in the designated role.

Open Work Permit: This allows you to work for any employer in Canada, giving you more flexibility in job selection.

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): Available to international students who graduate from a designated learning institution in Canada, allowing them to gain valuable work experience.

Why Choose Canada for Work?

Thriving Economy: Canada has a growing job market with opportunities in sectors like IT, healthcare, engineering, and finance.

Pathway to Permanent Residency: Many work visa holders can transition to permanent residency through programs like Express Entry or the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

High Quality of Life: Canada is known for its world-class healthcare, excellent education system, and safe environment.

Diverse and Inclusive Society: Canada embraces multiculturalism, making it easier for immigrants to feel at home.

How to Apply for a Canada Work Visa

The process of applying for a Canada Work Visa involves several steps:

Determine Eligibility: Ensure you meet the basic requirements, such as having a valid job offer (if required), relevant qualifications, and sufficient financial resources.

Submit Your Application: Prepare your documentation, including your job offer, proof of qualifications, and a valid passport. Applications can be submitted online.

Biometrics and Interview: You may be required to provide biometrics and attend an interview at the Canadian embassy or consulate.

Processing Time: Visa processing times vary depending on your country of residence and the type of visa.

Expert Assistance for Your Canada Work Visa

Navigating the complex immigration system can be challenging, especially for first-time applicants. That's where our professional consultants come in. We offer tailored assistance to ensure a smooth and stress-free application process. From eligibility assessment to document preparation and visa application, our team is with you every step of the way.

Conclusion

Obtaining a Canada Immigration is an excellent opportunity to advance your career, experience a new culture, and potentially secure permanent residency. With our expert guidance, you can make your Canadian work and immigration dreams a reality. Start your application today and take the first step toward a brighter future in Canada.

[hanasnx]

canadian here - canada's pretty okay. if you wanna move somewhere progressive stick with the big cities and not to dunk on the other provinces but BC and Ontario are probably the best in that sense (and ofc the most expensive sorry). Alberta is only semi jokingly known as the Texas of Canada so do with that what you will. Never been but from what I've heard you do need to speak French to get by in Quebec so unless you do or want to learn I wouldn't super recommend it.

as a Vancouverite I gotta rep my city- it's super diverse and really queer friendly, and in those regards feels really safe. plus the Pacific northwest is fantastic - so so much nature, loads of beaches, ski resorts, islands, lakes, trails, forests, and the temp goes from about -3 to 30 degrees Celsius, so not too extreme. Not sure what you've been told about Canadian wildlife but it's really not that bad - you only get bears in the suburbs and outwards and as long as you keep alert and keep your head on you it's fine. same with the coyotes.

downsides of Vancouver: job market is TOUGH atm, especially for entry level jobs. cost of living and housing especially is also really bad, and there is a fairly significant homelessness/drug/mental health problem that makes certain parts of the city not super safe

politically we are coming to a crossroads - Justin Trudeau, the current PM & with the Liberal Party, is near universally hated at this point, mostly for economic reasons, and the NDP party is never gonna win, so unless Trudeau gets his wakeup call and steps down, at our next election we might be looking at a Conservative government, which would not be ideal. not trump-levels of devastating but not ideal.

anyways you should come to Canada indy!! it's definitely not perfect but we'd love to have you <3

i do know the area im going to be moving to already but this was super informative about the surroundings thank you so much for being thorough i really appreciate it. and for explaining the political landscape too! super helpful

right now my worries lie in the work visa and it’s stipulations because i know i can’t apply for PR or citizenship for a couple years at least. updating my passport and applying for a visa is my next move, and then i know the canadian gov has to let me know if i’m approved and then give me the info on where i’m allowed to work and how long.

i’m guessing since my record was expunged there shouldn’t be a problem with that at least. what i am worried about is my history with keeping a job is not super good, and i’m worried that if i obtain a visa to work a specific place, and then fuck it up, then i’ll be shit outta luck

my other problem is the cost of living and how i’ll basically be forced to work to keep up with the visa and to afford actually eating and being alive.

if you don’t mind me picking your brain a bit more, healthcare is a big thing for me right now. does it differ from province to province and does it cover mental health services and issues? would therapy be on the table or is that an out of pocket cost or would i need better insurance etc

if you don’t know that’s cool! i’m just gathering as much info i can on the subject before i dive in, as i often do

[devilsupdates]

5 Bargain Free Agents the Devils Must Target

May 21, 2024 by Josh Reinitz

Heading into the offseason, the New Jersey Devils have multiple issues. The most pressing is finding a new head coach. With the search narrowed to, at most, four potential candidates and with a decision expected before the holiday weekend, the next focus should be planning for free agency. The Devils will head into the offseason with almost $19 million in available cap space (Per CapFriendly). They will be 16th in the NHL in available cap space. However, those numbers may change drastically should the team enter into an extension with pending restricted free agent (RFA) Dawson Mercer and/or acquire a top-level goaltender without offsetting salary.

Earlier this week, AFP Analytics released detailed projections for every free agent to hit the market this summer. While no model is ever 100% predictive, AFP’s version gives a good baseline on what players can expect to cost in the offseason. The Devils are fortunate to have their core locked up on long-term, team-friendly deals or entry-level contracts. The only core member they have to decide on is the aforementioned Mercer, who they could even punt on for the time being and tender a qualifying offer, as he is still a year removed from having arbitration rights.

Even with the core locked up, the Devils are not without needs. General manager Tom Fitzgerald has indicated he wants to construct a team that is more difficult to play against and made up of players you can win with. He has considerable assets ready to compete in any trade market he deems appropriate with a top-ten draft pick and young, talented, inexpensive players like Alexander Holtz and Seamus Casey who could be made available. With the bigger moves likely to come in the trade market, the Devils should use free agency to build depth and fill in around the edges. The most glaring places needing depth are a bottom-six forward, penalty-killing/defense-first defenseman, and middle-six depth on the wing. Here is a look at five players projected to cost under $3 million per year, who the Devils should kick the tires on July 1.

Kevin Stenlund, Center – Projection: 2 Years x $1.34 Million

Florida Panthers general manager Bill Zito signed center Kevin Stenlund as a free agent on July 1, 2023, to add depth to his bottom six due to his familiarity with him from both their days in Columbus. Stenlund has fit well in head coach Paul Maurice’s system and bolstered a strong bottom-six in Florida’s run to the Eastern Conference Final. The Devils spent much of the second half of last season trying to fill the enormous void left by the departure of Michael McLeod after being charged with sexual assault in conjunction with other members of the 2018 Canadian World Junior Team. Stenlund, a 6-foot-4, 215-pound right-handed center, could be the answer New Jersey has been seeking. Stenlund would be the only right-handed primary centerman on the Devils, but he is also a dangerous penalty killer with two short-handed goals in each of his last two seasons. His underlying numbers in 2023-24 were not perfect for a bottom-six center. However, it was only his first full season in the NHL, and there is room for improvement. Getting in on Stenlund at this time in his career could be a boon for whichever team ultimately signs the Swede. It is difficult to find a center entering his prime who stands 6-foot-4, is right-handed, wins faceoffs over 50% of the time, kills penalties, and will cost you less than $1.5 million a season. He has been an integral part of Florida’s success, having logged over 106 bottom-six minutes at 5v5 in this year’s playoffs without having been on the ice for a goal against. He has also shown improvement in handling the puck, limiting his giveaways to 14 total this season after being credited with 12 in just 54 games last season. Stenlund would be a welcome addition to the Devils’ bottom six, forming an intimidating line with the likes of Curtis Lazar and Nathan Bastian/Kurtis MacDermid, and his ability to kill penalties would also allow the new coach to better focus the ice time of some of their forwards drafted into PK service last season. On balance, Stenlund is a fit for New Jersey in terms of play and price.

William Carrier, Left Wing – Projection: 2 Years x $2.4 Million

The Golden Knights do not have a selection in the second through fifth rounds of this year’s NHL Draft. Carrier is one of the diamonds in the rough of this year’s free agent class. He could even be someone the Devils wisely target before July 1 by expending capital to acquire his rights in a trade with Vegas for a later-round pick. Watching the playoffs this season, Carrier’s skill was fully on display. He is a capable puck-transporter as a winger and has the speed to threaten defenses and the bite to hamper opposing offenses. Notably, in a series his team lost, the save percentage at 5v5 with him on the ice was still almost 93%, and only two goals were scored against him in nearly 75 minutes of ice time. In this year’s playoffs alone, he was ranked in the 81st percentile in top speed and 92nd percentile for the number of speed bursts above 22 mph while only playing in one round. (Per NHL Edge)

The only nagging concern about Carrier is his inability to stay healthy. He has never played a full 82 games in a season but has always been available in the postseason for Vegas. The Devils should have enough depth with Lazar, Bastian, MacDermid, and Nolan Foote to rest Carrier throughout the season as needed. With the style of play he brings, it is natural to need additional rest, and it is a trade-off the Devils should be willing to accept for the chance to add a fast, 29-year-old winger who averages 244 hits per 82 games for under $2.5 million.

Brenden Dillon, Left Defense – Projection: 2 Years x $2.86 Million

While a bit pricier than the others on this list, defenseman Brenden Dillon solves enough of New Jersey’s issues to be worth the extra cash. At 33 years old, he is closer to the end than the start of his career, but with that age comes a vast amount of regular season and playoff experience. Two seasons ago, the Devils learned that playing defensemen with top-four talent on your third pair pays huge dividends and should strongly consider doing the same with Dillon. He mostly closely resembles former Devil Ryan Graves in size at 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds, but even though he is six years older, he is still a better, faster skater than Graves (Per NHL Edge) and brings more edge and aggression.

Dillon has never been shy about standing up for his teammates, a quality that is valued by New Jersey. This season, he participated in seven fights, many of which were in response to liberties taken by opponents on other Jets. He is also a premier penalty killer and defensive defenseman without sacrificing mobility and the ability to move the puck out of danger by passing or skating. This season he was credited with 241 hits and 111 blocks, both would have led New Jersey as would his career 82-game average of 198 hits and 110 blocks. Dillon has demonstrated durability throughout his 13-year career, having played at least 76 games every full season since his rookie year. The Devils may have to go up for a more favorable average annual value (AAV), but a three-year deal at $2.5 million AAV makes sense for both parties.

Jordan Martinook, Winger – Projection: 3 Years x $2.765 Million One of the easiest ways to improve your team is to take talent from your competitors. Signing middle-six winger Jordan Martinook would do just that for New Jersey. In his end-of-season press conference, Fitzgerald said he needed players he could win with on his roster. Martinook is that type of player. His counting stats belie his value, but every good team has players like him. The 31-year-old winger can play on either side of any line in the bottom nine and kill penalties. His play to save a goal in Game 6 vs. the New York Rangers in this year��s playoffs will be replayed forever. His success last season against the Devils in the playoffs should also not be lost on Fitzgerald.

The Carolina Hurricanes dominated in the regular season at 5v5 with Martinook on the ice. His expected goals for percentage (xGF%) and Corsi For percentage (CF%) were over 60. The team also had 218 more scoring chances than their opponents with Martinook on the ice. Forming a line of Ondrej Palat, Erik Haula, and Martinook would provide the team with one of the peskiest third lines in the NHL. He also brings durability. He has never played less than 77 games in his six non-COVID-impacted seasons. His skating would fit in with the Devils’ style of play as his speed bursts rank him in the 80th percentile in the NHL for bursts above 20 and 22 mph. Over the last two seasons, he has averaged 33 points per season, but the offense is not on top of the Devils’ list. However, his ability to score in the clutch and provide secondary scoring in the playoffs is highly valued. Martinook’s signing would signal a power shift within the division, and the Devils should be all in for the winger.

Jani Hakanpaa, Defenseman – Projection: 1 Year x $1.51 Million

Much like Dillon, Jani Hakanpaa would bring size, stability, and experience as an affordable third-pair defenseman. Also, like Dillon, Hakanpaa may be forced out of the Dallas Stars lineup, not due to his play but the emergence of young prospects. The 6-foot-6 225-pound Finn has less mileage on him than Dillon but is equally effective and is right-handed. Should the Devils decide to hold onto Kevin Bahl and/or move John Marino, they may see the need for depth on the right side, making Hakanpaa a perfect fit.

Hakanpaa has been forced out of this year’s playoffs with an injury but will slot back into the Stars lineup once he is physically able. He spent most of the season as the Stars’ shutdown pair teamed with Esa Lindell. The pair was also the team’s first choice on the penalty kill. Like Dillon, Hakanpaa also brings unique physicality with an 82-game average of 265 hits and 127 blocks. Hakanpaa would be a welcome addition to New Jersey, especially if he only required a one-year deal; he would essentially take the cap hit and role that was envisioned for Colin Miller at the start of the season and not encumber the Devils’ long-term plans on the back end with contracts for Luke Hughes and Simon Nemec coming due in short order.

There are bargains to be had in free agency this season, and the Devils must be buyers if they want to reclaim their place in the postseason. These five players are a good start, but others out there could fit the bill, like former Devils Tomas Tatar and Stefan Noesen, to name two. How Fitzgerald decides to build around his core will go a long way toward determining for how long the team’s championship window remains open.

[tcw-immigration]

Navigating the Canada PR Points System: A Comprehensive Guide

Table of Content

Introduction to Canada PR Points System

Understanding the Canada PR Points Table

Factors Considered in the Points Calculation

Breakdown of Points Allocation

How many points do I need for Canada PR?

Impact of Express Entry on PR Points

Strategies to Improve Your PR Points

Conclusion

Canada PR Points System

Canada's Permanent Residency (PR) system is renowned for its welcoming approach to skilled immigrants from around the world. Central to this system is the allocation of PR points, which play a crucial role in determining an applicant's eligibility for immigration to Canada. Understanding the Canada PR points table and how points are calculated is essential for prospective immigrants seeking to make Canada their new home. This article serves as a comprehensive guide to navigating the Canada PR points system, providing insights into its intricacies and offering strategies for improving one's chances of success.

Understanding the Canada PR Points Table

At the heart of the Canadian PR system lies the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), a points-based system used to evaluate candidates in the Express Entry pool. The Canada PR points table assigns points to candidates based on various factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability. Each factor carries a specific weightage, and candidates must meet minimum point requirements to be eligible for Canadian PR.

Factors Considered in the Points Calculation

The allocation of PR points is based on several key factors that reflect a candidate's ability to contribute to the Canadian economy and society. Age, education, and work experience are crucial factors, with younger applicants and those with higher levels of education and extensive work experience earning more points. Language proficiency, particularly in English and French, is also a significant determinant of PR points, as is adaptability, which assesses a candidate's ability to integrate into Canadian society.

Breakdown of Points Allocation

Let's delve into the breakdown of points allocation in the Canada PR points table. For instance, candidates can earn a maximum of 100 points for age, with younger applicants receiving the highest scores. Education can contribute up to 150 points, with additional points awarded for Canadian educational credentials. Work experience is valued at a maximum of 80 points, while language proficiency can earn candidates up to 136 points. Adaptability factors such as previous study or work experience in Canada or having a Canadian job offer can also boost a candidate's score.

How many points do I need for Canada PR?

The minimum number of points required for Canada PR varies depending on factors such as the specific immigration program and the current Express Entry draw. Generally, candidates need to score above a certain threshold, typically around 470 points or higher, to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian PR. However, meeting the minimum point requirement does not guarantee an ITA, as the cutoff score is determined by the number of candidates in the Express Entry pool and the needs of the Canadian labor market.

Impact of Express Entry on PR Points

The Express Entry system has revolutionized Canada immigration process, streamlining the application process and making it more accessible to skilled immigrants. Under

Express Entry, candidates create an online profile detailing their qualifications, work experience, language proficiency, and other relevant information. The CRS then ranks candidates based on their PR points, with the highest-ranked candidates receiving Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for Canadian PR. By understanding how Express Entry impacts PR points, candidates can strategically position themselves to improve their chances of receiving an ITA.

Strategies to Improve Your PR Points

For candidates looking to enhance their PR points and increase their eligibility for Canadian PR, there are several strategies to consider. Investing in language training to improve language proficiency, gaining additional work experience in a high-demand occupation, obtaining educational credentials assessments for foreign degrees, and securing a valid job offer from a Canadian employer are all effective ways to boost PR points. Additionally, creating a compelling Express Entry profile that highlights one's qualifications and achievements can make a significant difference in attracting the attention of Canadian immigration authorities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, navigating the Canada PR points system requires a thorough understanding of the factors considered in the points calculation, the breakdown of points allocation, and the impact of the Express Entry system. By leveraging strategies to improve PR points, candidates can enhance their eligibility for Canadian PR and embark on a new chapter in one of the most welcoming and diverse countries in the world. With careful planning and preparation, the dream of immigrating to Canada can become a reality for skilled individuals seeking new opportunities and a brighter future.

[yenmek-immigration]

Canada's Immigration Policy 2024

485,000 New Permanent Residents Welcomed In a bold move aimed at boosting economic growth, encouraging diversity and meeting labor market needs, Canada has unveiled an ambitious immigration strategy for 2024. In planning this year, Canada aims to welcome up to 485,000 new permanent residents, years that show significant growth from the past . This announcement demonstrates Canada’s strong commitment to immigration as a cornerstone of its national identity and economic prosperity.

The need to increase immigration:

 Canada’s decision to rapidly increase immigration is the result of a variety of factors, including an aging population, falling birth rates, growing demand for skilled workers in various industries and welcoming more immigrants , immigration plays an important role in fostering entrepreneurship and cultural enrichment.

Immigration Strategy Highlights:

The 2024 Immigration Strategy sets several key priorities to achieve its ambitious goals, including:

1.Skilled Workers:

The plan places greater emphasis on attracting skilled workers with qualifications and expertise in demand. The Canada Express Entry system, which screens applications for skilled immigrants, plays an important role in selecting eligibility based on factors such as age, education, work experience and language skills.

2.French-speaking immigrants:

Consistent with Canada’s commitment to bilingualism and multiculturalism, the immigration policy seeks to increase the number of French-speaking immigrants with prospective French-speakers benefiting from additional points if in some immigration policies, reflecting Canada’s efforts to promote language diversity and integration.

3.Provincial Nomination Programs (PNPs):

Canadian provinces and territories continue to play a major role in immigration selection through their Provincial Nomination Programs (PNPs). PNPs allow counties to nominate individuals with the skills and qualifications necessary to support their local economies while addressing local labor market needs and demographic challenges.

Family Reunion:

The immigration process reaffirms Canada’s commitment to family reunification by facilitating the support of spouses, children, parents and grandparents. Family reunions play an important role in fostering social togetherness  and supporting immigrant integration, ensuring that newcomers can build strong ties in their communities.

Conclusion :

Canada’s Immigration Plan 2024 represents a bold vision for the future of diversity, innovation and economic growth. By welcoming diverse immigrants, Canada reaffirms its commitment to building a vibrant and inclusive thriving society contributed by people from around the world. As the country prepares to welcome 485,000 new permanent residents, it is poised to embark on a journey of shared growth, prosperity and success.

For more information on immigration services and how to navigate Canada's immigration system, you can contact Yenmek Immigration.

[ridley-was-a-cat]

What I Watched This Week – 1/28 – 2/3

Akuma-kun (ONA) – This appears to be a sequel to a 60-year-old series that I haven’t seen or read, so I hadn’t planned to watch it. I saw it got nominated in the backgrounds category, though, and I figured I’d give it a go. I might have been missing some stuff from the earlier series, but if I was, it didn’t really feel like it, as the story stood alone just fine. It follows a paranormal investigator named Ichirou Umoregi, who operates out of a dingy office cluttered with books alongside his half-human/half-demon assistant, Mephisto III. Most episodes have the characters encounter some supernatural situation involving wayward demons where Ichirou unravels the mystery behind the incident, and Mephisto forces the demon to go back home. It wouldn’t be my top pick in the category, but it definitely has excellent background art, which fits the cartoony style just about perfectly. Yuuki Kaji does an excellent job voicing Ichirou/Akuma-kun, giving him the right mix of dispassionate rational thinker and young man still working through childhood abandonment. The cases were suitably creepy, and the ending caught me by surprise. Definitely a good show to keep on tap for spooky season. 7/10

Uma Musume: Pretty Derby Season 3 – Having completed this entry in the series, I can confidently say that it’s an awful pick for the slice of life shortlist in the r/anime awards. Not only is it not very good, it is categorically not a slice of life in the slightest. If I asked people to recommend me a slice of life anime, and they suggested an action-heavy racing drama full of screaming horse girls, I would think they were trolling me. Maybe it has some connection to the real life horse she’s based on, I don’t care enough about the show to look it up, but the constant screaming while Kitasan was running was unbelievably annoying, and I adore the screaming boys of Haikyuu. Combining this irritating noise with the lousy way the story introduced and then just sort of forgot about her rivals, there wasn’t a whole lot to recommend here. I can’t help but feel it’s stealing a spot from shows that were both much more enjoyable and actual slice of life stories. 5/10

Scott Pilgrim Takes Off – The way all the marketing for this emphasized that they were bringing back the cast of the movie left me uninterested in watching it, as I figured it was just going to be a nostalgia grab. It kept showing up on different best of fall lists, and it got nominated in the adventure and animation categories, so I figured I’d take a look. As I had figured, the English version was not super good. Actors do not always make very good voice actors, and a few of them were pretty wooden-sounding. It was weird to have Japanese voices in this very North American/Canadian story full of English language pop music, but switching it to Japanese was the right decision, I think. Once I did that, I got an extremely fun adventure centered on Ramona Flowers that imagined a story where Scott lost the first fight against her seven evil exes. The character designs were charmingly creative, the color palette was great, and the animation went hard when it needed to. Most importantly, the soundtrack was as good as I hoped it would be, with songs from the Dead Kennedys, Vampire Weekend, and Metric alongside an original score. 8/10

[aditisposts]

Data Science Career Prospects for International Graduates in Canada

With the Toronto-Waterloo innovation corridor branded as Canada’s Silicon Valley and Montreal rising as an AI hub - data science graduates find unmatched career mobility given the specialized talent crunch amidst booming tech ecosystems nationwide seeking analytics, machine learning and business intelligence experts across sectors.

Whether it is global networks like Deloitte, CISCO, IBM, Aviva,SAP, Thomson Reuters looking to drive data-informed decisions or emerging startups tackling complex business challenges using predictive models - Canadian employers offer exciting learning opportunities for international students transitioning into full-time high-skilled roles.

Lucrative data science salaries averaging over CAD $80,000 for entry roles also make Canada appealing for applicants focused on immigration pathways. Generous 3-year post graduate work permits enable valuable Canadian work experience for express entry eligibility. PR also facilitates global mobility to the USA given NAFTA relationships. 

While successfully securing full-time employment necessitates preparing for rigorous recruitment cycles - leveraging university career center supports around CV guides, networking events and interview preps can make landing aspirational data science jobs after graduation achievable given Canada’s expanding analytics market.

Posted By:

Aditi Borade, 4th year Barch,

Ls Raheja School of architecture

Disclaimer: The perspectives shared in this blog are not intended to be prescriptive. They should act merely as viewpoints to aid overseas aspirants with helpful guidance. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research before availing the services of a consultant. 

[bignosebaby]

hi! don't know if we can still send in questions, but I was wondering if you know what kind of careers you can get in conservation?

You can always send in questions!

There are a lot of different careers in conservation. Like, a LOT. Many jobs, especially at the entry level, may be tricky to find as many organizations rely on funding which means you see a lot of very specific jobs that are for specific periods of time as outlined by grants and funding. For example, I recently applied for a job that was hiring specifically for a set number of hours a week a a set hourly rate, for a period of 10 months. This is because when grants are given to organizations to hire people, they tend to be very specific as to how the grant money must be allocated. Some of these jobs are extendable, meaning if they get more funding they can keep the person in the position on for another grant period (usually doubling the original contract).

If you live near a zoo or conservation facility you would like to work for, I recommend checking their career page regularly or subscribing to receive hiring updates via emails. When it comes to conservation jobs getting a foot in the door is crucial so even being a janitor or doing grounds keeping for a reputable zoo is a great way to start networking, and start moving up into a job that you would prefer more. Similarly, working in any type of environmental role or conservation position is an asset. My goal is to work in ape conservation, but I will look for any environmental jobs that are comparable to the type of work I would like to do.

When it comes to what kind of careers you can get, there are a lot of fantastic options to set your sights on. Remember that many of these jobs require many years of experience, but even if you are not qualified knowing what kind of career you want to strive for can help create a path to your dream job. Different skills and experiences can help you become qualified for different rolls, but the single most common thing I see in job postings (especially permanent, salary rolls that pay well) is management skills. This is good news because this is a very transferable skill, meaning that you can become a skilled manager in any field and be qualified to move into a conservation roll. In general, if you have management, financial, or administrative skills and experience you can probably find a conservation job that wants you. Here's an incomplete list of some conservation careers I have seen:

In animal care/wildlife sciences: Veterinarians, Wildlife Health Technicians, Zookeepers, Reproductive Research Assistants, Nutrition Assistants, Conservation Stewards. 

In facilities and infrastructure: Plumbers, Electricians, Carpenters, Mechanics, Gardeners, Material Collectors, Project Managers Exhibit Design Technicians.

In communications and guest experience: Event planning, Partnership & Event Associates, Marketing Associates, Education and Outreach facilitation, Fundraising, Advertising.

In administration and general management: Finance, Purchasing & Supply, Human Resources, Payroll, Technology, Safety & Security, First Aid.

Basically conservation is a very large expanse of many careers, and while it can be very competitive (last job I applied had over 100 applicants for one position) it's a small world where you can make connections with people and build on pretty much any skills or experience you bring to the table. If you have questions about specific career paths I would love to answer them, and I recommend checking out GoodWork.ca* and the websites of places you want to work such as the jobs page for the Toronto Zoo or Calgary Zoo, just for example. Even if there isn't anything you like or are qualified for, you can learn a lot.

*GoodWork is Canadian. If you know of a conservation job posting site for other countries such as the U.S., drop a comment!

[mywifeleftme]

198: "Various Artists" // Box

Box Boots / C.C. / Snake & Remus 2006, HP Cycle

For more than 25 years the gloomy weirdo unknown folk artist who created Box has released his music from behind a veil of secrecy, changing his alias and “record label” with each recording. In 2002, Rojvi (credited to Terry) and Music Performed by the High Mass (credited to Jim Collins) trickled out into the market, distributed without fanfare on the mail order lists of record collectors Paul Major (of Endless Boogie) and Stan Denski; in 2017, a dozen lathe-cut 7” and 12” records appeared in a thrift store, all credited to different artists, each possibly the only one of its kind in existence. His music has tended to be unearthed rather than released, with the exception of 2006’s Box, which collects three LPs originally discovered separately in 2004: Boots (Boots), No Tape Outside (Snake & Remus), and Live at the Rainbows End (C.C.). Box was distributed in an edition of a few hundred by HP Cycle, a Canadian label that, while miniscule, has endured longer than the cicada’s flight enjoyed by each of the artist’s own enterprises. In this sense, it is the closest thing the artist has provided to an intentional entry point to his work—the black peak marking a dark berg beneath the waves.

Mysteries naturally draw adventurers, and I’m indebted to the Discogs user known as envious for the information above, which I’ve drawn from his blog Rabbit Run Down the Hole of a Skull (which also hosts a near-complete digital archive of the artist’s known music). I think it’s helpful to parrot his research here not only because the story is in itself interesting, but because when I post this it will create another node for other seekers to access the next layer beneath the surface. According to envious, the first of the artist’s known pseudonyms Robyn Nice, and this name has become the catchall his small following uses to refer to him. (envious also occasionally refers to Nice as the Crystal Spider, which yes, instantly made me cum.) It’s thought that in his youth Nice spent time living on an acid-drenched Louisiana artist’s community called the Compound. The Compound was led by Damien Youth, himself a somewhat enigmatic folk musician, until harassment from suspicious local police forced its dissolution. Much of Nice’s work seems to call back to the image of an idyllic community, though its frequently bitter, despairing tone suggests the posture of an Adam mourning in exile—or a Manson in the making. envious’s blog digs much more deeply into the Nice mythos than I can here—one of my dream projects after I finish this year of record reviewing is to listen through Nice’s 15-hour catalogue in its entirety.

Moving on to Box itself, we find three 12” records in plain white sleeves, each hand stamped with a title and alias. All three records have a similar structure: free form, acoustic outsider folk songs on the A sides, lengthy jams or field recordings on the flip.

The individual records are packaged in plain sleeves with labels in blue print, like the original 2004 releases.

On the self-titled Boots record, Nice’s voice hits somewhere between early Peter Gabriel and Dylan, but the lyrics are wacked out ravings. On one track he snarls about “shitcaked corpses” and raped children before proclaiming “I’m a farm” and imitating a braying donkey. On another he bellows at what sounds like the top of his lungs about “compromised smells.” His deft progressive folk-inclined guitar playing tends to follow the emotional arc of his vocals, reserved at the outset, ragged and battered by the end. The B-side (“New Earth”) is roughly five minutes of faux-tribal New Age followed by 13 of minimal synth.

On No Tape Outside by Snake & Remus, the artist sounds somewhat older, which may indicate the albums collected in Box don’t all come from the same period. At any rate, Nice is in a more pensive mood, the trancelike songs expansive and beautifully played on guitar with various minimal piano/synth/percussion accompaniments (suggesting Snake & Remus could be a duo project). In place of Boots’s misanthropic rage, No Tape Outside is shrouded in despair at failing relationships, a fallen world. The B-side is fully instrumental, sharing the autumnal feeling of the vocal tracks but skewing more psychedelic, building through passages of rippling echo to a climax like a dozen clocks having a quiet disagreement over the exact time. Unlike the other records in the set, this record has no track names stamped on the disc’s label, leaving you with few moorings. I recall certain passages of inspired playing, snatches of strange poetry (“voice from across the sea / drips red into me / says my mother was wine”), a general sensation by record’s end of doomed peace.

The outlier here is C.C’s Live at the Rainbows End, which clearly features a different (considerably more technically proficient) vocalist. Good news, it’s also weird, though it sounds less like it was recorded by the guy on the cover of Aqualung than the others. envious speculates C.C. may be another Compound personality who used the alias Chris Cologne and recorded a CD called Horn for Blackberry, Nice’s early stab at a conventional indie label. C.C. is either a Brit or affecting an accent (I think the latter), and has a gentle, sighing way with his phrasing that suits these hushed ballads in a Nick Drake-ish mode. There is some downright gorgeous fingerstyle acoustic playing on this one and more conventional musical structures, even a few refrains (though no choruses). The guitar could plausibly be played by Nice, though the technique is cleaner and less shamanic than what we hear elsewhere on Box, but even if it isn’t Live at the Rainbows End shares a certain paranoid energy that somehow marks it as a product of the same artistic camp. The B-side offers one more short romantic tune followed by “Paul’s Jennifer is Dead,” a fifteen-minute field recording of a bonfire and distant, indistinct conversation. envious once again offers an astute guess here, suggesting this may reference the nighttime bonfires where members of Youth’s Compound once communed at the end of each day.

Overall, your mileage with Box will vary depending on your yen for the wilfully obscure. My interest in a savage, disoriented record like Boots is ultimately curious (maybe even prurient), in the same way I like to collect strange postings on street poles around my city. No Tape Outside on the other hand is a genuinely entrancing avant-folk record, while Live at the Rainbows End houses a delicate collection of misty-eyed tunes forked by morbid suspicion and trembling yearning. I think both are superb in their own ways. I am haunted by my questions about Box’s provenance, but also by its contents—both of which make for a strong endorsement to new listeners attuned to similar currents in the musical underworld.

198/365

[leam1983]

Dubiousness

Just watched a vid by Patrick CC on Youtube where he posits on what might've brought down Disney from the last twenty years' worth of hits. He spends most of the video bloviating on the company's trajectory in the early nineties and does admittedly remind viewers of a few points of concern (Toy Story's forgotten two-week complete rewrite, John Lassetter's firing, Bob Chapek's bad management of the pandemic years) but then reduces everything to the Corporate Equality Index.

To put it succintly, the CEI is an LGBTQ-led initiative to more or less reward companies for displaying Progressive and inclusive attitudes and policies. It consists of various industry leaders with a solid position on the Left side of the political spectrum, and the Index is essentially a sort of corporate social score. Higher scores supposedly enable greater subsidies or market entries - speaking as a Canadian here, I don't have all the details - and Disney figured it'd be good PR for them if they topped that list.

I mean, as a Leftist myself and a Progressive, that's cool! The problem is that the Board of Shareholders is very, very Right-leaning, and American Conservatives tend to hold Disney fairly close to heart. Its Silver Age packs a ton of very safe, digestible and boring moral values (e.g. Snow White) - and it was being rather suddenly opposed to a rising focus on Progressive narratives.

If you're Bi like me, or anywhere else on the LGBTQA spectrum, seeing Lightyear's same-sex couples or hearing a character in Onward offhandedly mention having a same-sex partner felt good. It didn't feel quite as good, obviously, for those who oppose us, and for anyone who was so rigid as to think, among other things, that Ariel had to remain White in the live-action Little Mermaid remake. Add to that the Snow White live-action redo coming under fire because of Gen-Z Rachel Zegler's comments regarding her role as a Latino actress playing Snow White and, well - there's obvious tension to be felt there.

So is Disney tanking because they're chasing a social credit score cynically, or are the latest decisions being taken entirely creatively bankrupt? I think the answer's somewhere in the middle. I especially don't agree with the idea that "going woke" is somehow a mistake; as the world is far, far more complex than the Conservative pundits and firebrands care to admit. As a company focused on making money, Disney can't just wall itself in its Silver Age-conventionalism, and the Conservatives themselves are more than happy to carve out media-related niches for their own messaging. They're not being deprived of any space on the proverbial plaza, here.

[mdlearning]

Working in Canada

Working in Canada as a foreign national involves understanding the country's immigration and employment regulations. Canada offers various pathways for individuals interested in working there. Here are some key steps and considerations:

1. **Determine Eligibility:** Before pursuing employment in Canada, determine if you are eligible to work there. Common pathways include:    - Temporary Work Permits: These allow you to work in Canada for a specific job and period. Common categories include the International Mobility Program and the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.    - Express Entry: This system is used for certain skilled workers who want to become permanent residents. It includes the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and Canadian Experience Class.

2. **Job Search and Networking:** Research Canadian companies and industries that match your skills and qualifications. Networking can help you find job opportunities and make connections.

3. **Job Offer:** In many cases, you will need a valid job offer from a Canadian employer to apply for a work permit.

4. **Work Permit Application:** Once you have a job offer, you or your employer will need to apply for a work permit through the appropriate channels, such as the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.

5. **Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA):** Depending on the type of work permit and your circumstances, your employer may need to obtain an LMIA, which is a document that shows there is a need for a foreign worker.

6. **Express Entry Profile:** If you are considering permanent residency, create an Express Entry profile and receive an invitation to apply for permanent residence based on factors such as your age, education, work experience, and language proficiency.

7. **Documentation:** Prepare all required documentation, including forms, job offer letters, and supporting documents, for your work permit or permanent residency application.

8. **Biometrics and Medical Exams:** Depending on your situation, you may need to provide biometric data and undergo a medical examination.

9. **Arrival in Canada:** Once your work permit is approved, you can travel to Canada and start working.

10. **Permanent Residency:** If your goal is to become a permanent resident of Canada, you can explore options like the Provincial Nominee Program, Family Sponsorship, and other pathways available through Express Entry.

It's important to stay updated on Canadian immigration policies and procedures, as they may change over time. Consulting with an immigration consultant or an authorized representative, as well as using official government resources, is advisable to ensure accurate and up-to-date information.

Additionally, consider factors such as cost of living, lifestyle, and cultural adaptation when considering working in Canada.