#NHL EXPANSION

[offsidenewsco]

"For the entire ‘80s and 90’s, only three different players won the Art Ross trophy for scoring lead: Gretzky, who won ten times; Lemieux, who won six times; and Jágr, who won five."

Read Part V of @sergeifyodorov's history of the #NHL here.

[stereax]

[annieqattheperipheral]

Move over blues we got another musical genre looking to get into hockey ba-ding-tsss🥁 ty ty im here all week

[senditcolton]

brandon tanev x "paul revere"

one day i'm gonna cut it clear ride like paul revere and when they ask me who i am i'll say "i'm not from around here"

requested by: @belle-ofthe-sea tagging: @laurenairay

[sergeifyodorov]

favorite hockey father adopted son relationship

three cities you think deserve a team in the future

create your own hockey awards what would the first award be and who would you give it to?

12. favorite hockey father adopted son relationship

this is a difficult one because it is such a common and also . good dynamic. old man pavs and my comrade wyatt a good candidate but i think i have to go with ultimate dilf john tavares and his children mitchy and matt knies. about to make a controversial statement but i think notorious worm corey perry and notorious firecracker connor bedard are about to have THE sickest and twistedest evil parent/evil child dynamic

19. three cities you think deserve a team in the future

i wont say qc because frankly it's been said far too much but. here we go

atlanta . 3rd time will work i promise. not to praise the nhl but their two new expansion teams have actually done a REALLY good fucking job, not necessarily out of building a competent roster (i mean, vegas absolutely has done that and seattle looks alright so far) but by marketing the game and team to its city. i want whatever lone competent nhl management committee has done that to go back to atlanta. cmawn. please. please. please

houston . i understand the stars' current shtick is that they are the one team for the whole of texas but i firmly believe there's one thing better than being united through hockeyloving and that's SPORTS RIVALRY!!!!!!!. back to trashing the nhl: now that both the lightning and cats are allegedly good or at least competent they should market the hell out of the battle of florida. and you know what? they do not do that. houston v dallas though? texans are the albertans of america so you know they would be immediately down to watch a rivalry in the Sport Where You Are Allowed To Fistfight.

toronto (bear with me). what does the league have? an abundance of canadian fans all of whom seem to hate the leafs but most of whom live near toronto anyway. easy solution: give them a second team in the area thats not american (ew sabres) not out in Fucking Kanata (sorry sens) and that you can also conveniently market a battle of the centre of the universe . or something. it's always about the leafs !!

23. create your own hockey awards. what would be the first award and who would you give it to?

the bill barilko award for most iconically cursed player. current finalists are of course quinnifer himself and mcdavo. think i have to give it to connor atm tho considering. The Events.

[hockeyconfessional]

I wish Bettman would expand more into Canada. Go where the life is, dude.

🏒

[mrhockeywiz77]

Hockeywiz777 Youtube Videos + Hockeywiztalks Blogs/Podcast: May 21, 2024-July 2, 2024

Youtube Videos Podcast Podcast 266-2024 NHL Free Agency FrenzyPodcast 265-2024 Free Agency PreviewPodcast 264-NHL Blueprint: Offseason Game ChangersPodcast 263-2024 Stanley Cup Finals Update + ObservationsPodcast 262-2024 Stanley Cup Finals Preview + Finals Schedule Offseason Blogs 2024 OFFSEASON PREVIEW NASHVILLE…

[fullsixtyminutes]

I know theres the old joke of there being enough Connors to fill an entire roster but have we considered a roster of just Mcs and Macs?

[offsidenewsco]

"Almost all NHL relocations have been tactless, narratively nonsensical, and extremely unchic. Here are some suggestions to improve the state of things as we brace for new teams."

Read our listicle here.

[catboygiroux]

the problem is there’s ’The Rule’, the spirit of the rule, the perception, and the practice…

The Rule: the exact definition of offside in the rule book

The spirit of the rule: the basic definition of offside (don’t enter before the puck)

The perception: what players/coaches/officials/fans view offside as being

The practice: how players act during offsides and how officials call offsides.

These all don’t take into account personal bias from players/coaches/officials/fans.

But one thing we can all agree on is: Matt Duchene is to blame for the messy situation around offsides and offsides reviews.

I want to point out that I have been watching hockey for probably 20 years, and yet I STILL don't think I entirely understand the concept of an offside...

[intheupside]

lol tanger on the next nhl expansion team:

Kris Letang: Dubai, they seem to do everything perfectly.

[wehaveagathering]

On 19 May, 1974, the Philadelphia Flyers defeated the Boston Bruins in the sixth and final game of the Stanley Cup Finals. The score was 1-0, Philadelphia; the lone goal was scored by Rick MacLeish, number 19, at 14:48 in the first period. With this win, the Flyers became the first NHL expansion team to ever win the Stanley Cup.

Happy 50 years, Flyers.

jeff vinnick / len redkoles / chase agnello-dean / bruce bennett / john d. hanlon / len redkoles / elsa garrison / andy lewis / len redkoles / andrea cardin / frank o'brien / anonymous / andrew mordzynski / len redkoles

dalton day: THE CHOICE-BETWEEN-A-HAMMER-&-A-FEATHER-POEM

[pwhl-mybeloved]

The Professional Women’s Hockey League is officially preparing for expansion.

The league — with six franchises in Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Minnesota, Boston and New York — will add up to two teams as early as the 2025-26 season.

League officials have not shared where they plan to send their request for proposals — which marks the first step in expansion — only that the league is looking for the right market size, fan base, facilities and economic opportunity.

“It’s about finding the best market, the best fan base and the best partners,” Jayna Hefford, the PWHL’s senior vice president of hockey operations told The Athletic after Tuesday’s announcement.

It’s still very early in the process, but here are our top eight potential PWHL expansion teams.

Pittsburgh

It’s fair to imagine Pittsburgh will be among the top contenders for expansion. The Penguins — backed by Fenway Sports Group, which owns the Penguins, the Boston Red Sox and Liverpool F.C. — have been staunch in their support for women’s hockey and desire for an expansion franchise.

The Penguins hosted a PWHL game at PPG Paints Arena last season with almost 9,000 fans in attendance — the ninth-most attended game in the regular season. A women’s team could play its home games at PPG or at an expanded Lemieux Sports Complex in Cranberry Township, which is around 22 miles north of the team’s downtown arena.

The facility serves as the Penguins’ practice facility with two NHL-sized sheets of ice and land on which to build. Penguins president of business operations Kevin Acklin has suggested that a new third sheet of ice, with seating in line with modern arenas for NCAA Division I programs, could serve as a base of operations for a PWHL team. That would include offices for management and coaches, locker rooms, training and medical areas — essentially anything and everything a professional team would require, want and “deserve,” Acklin told The Athletic in January.

Games could also easily be broadcast on SportsNet Pittsburgh – a regional sports network FSG acquired in 2023 – which already carried some PWHL games last season, even without a team based in Pittsburgh.

Detroit

The city affectionately known as “Hockeytown” would be a natural choice for an expansion franchise. Hefford basically said as much at the neutral site game hosted at Little Caesars Arena last season, which set a U.S. record for attendance at a women’s professional hockey game (13,736).

“It just seems like an obvious (spot) for a hockey market that we’d love to be a part of,” she said. “And although not in our Original Six, it’s somewhere that we still, I think, have our eyes on. And tonight has just been another proof point that this is a market that loves hockey and I think loves women’s hockey.”

Given the attendance at the game last season and the fight for a Division I women’s team at the University of Michigan, there is an appetite for women’s hockey in the state and a strong grassroots system, with programs like Little Caesars and HoneyBaked Hockey Club. According to USA Hockey, Michigan ranked fourth in female hockey registration last season only behind Minnesota, Massachusetts and New York – three states that already have PWHL franchises.

The biggest issue with Detroit is the venue. The Red Wings and the NBA’s Detroit Pistons are full-time occupants at LCA, which also hosts plenty of concerts and other events. USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth, Mich., less than 30 miles outside of Detroit, is a potential alternative, but with a 3,500 capacity it would be on the small side.

PWHL fans can pack venues such as Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. But what’s the best size and scope for every game of the season? (Mark Blinch / Getty Images)

Washington, D.C.

Before the PWHL officially selected its original six markets, D.C., often came up as a potential landing spot, and it made a lot of sense. The Washington Capitals hosted two successful Professional Women’s Hockey Players’ Association events that served as the barnstorming precursor to the PWHL. Back in April, Monumental Sports & Entertainment majority owner Ted Leonsis told CNBC he wants to make D.C. “the capital of women’s professional sports.”

Like Pittsburgh, a Monumental-backed PWHL team would have broadcast infrastructure via the Monumental Sports Network. But, like Detroit, it could struggle to find an appropriate – or available – arena. Capital One Arena hosts the Capitals, the NBA’s Washington Wizards and the Georgetown men’s basketball team. The Capitals practice facility, where the PWHPA events were held, only has seating for around 1,200. Entertainment & Sports Arena – home of the WNBA’s Washington Mystics, which is also owned by Monumental – would be an upgrade in size with around 4,100 seats, but it’s unclear if the facility has the capacity to accommodate a hockey rink.

Chicago

If the PWHL wants to lead its first wave of expansion with a major American sports city, Chicago will be tough to beat.

It’s a strong grassroots hockey market, with several youth programs and a number of notable home-grown national team players including Hockey Hall of Fame inductee Cammi Granato, Kendall Coyne Schofield, and Abbey Murphy – who could graduate from college and be the team’s first-ever draft pick. You have to admit, that would be very cool.

Not to sound like a broken record, but the venue will be the biggest hurdle when it comes to a city like Chicago.

The United Center is likely too big and too busy. Wintrust Arena, where the WNBA’s Chicago Sky play, is interesting with around 10,000 seats. But it’s largely a basketball venue. Could it facilitate a sheet of ice? That remains to be seen.

Allstate Arena, home to the AHL’s Chicago Wolves, seems like an easy alternative. It’s around 20 miles from the downtown core in Rosemont, Ill., where Chicago’s O’Hare Airport is located. It’s a big venue (18,500), but shouldn’t be as hard to get in as the United Center.

It’s also worth noting the Minnesota Frost are the only team in the American Midwest; a Chicago expansion could fix that.

St. Louis

Speaking of Midwestern cities, St. Louis checks a lot of the boxes. It’s a dedicated hockey market – the Blues’ attendance figures have hovered around 18,000 for over a decade now – with strong girls youth hockey participation.

The Blues have invested in growing girls and women’s hockey in St. Louis, with learn-to-play programs and previously hosting PWHPA events. CEO Chris Zimmerman has also been open about the team’s desire to host a PWHL game in the city.

Figuring out facilities in St. Louis seems less complicated than some other destinations. The Blues are the primary tenant at the Enterprise Center and have a new $83 million practice rink just outside of the city, the Centene Community Ice Center. The facility is home to the NCAA DI Lindenwood hockey teams and has capacity for over 4,500 people – a fine size for a new franchise.

The Minnesota Frost are currently the only PWHL team in the American Midwest. Expansion to Chicago or St. Louis could add another. (David Berding / Getty Images)

Halifax

While the first five cities on this list have been in NHL markets, a potential NHL partnership is not a prerequisite. Neither is being in the United States, although there certainly seem to be more major U.S. markets than what might be possible in Canada. That being said, Halifax is an interesting prospect, especially if the league wants to consider markets outside of Ontario or the greater Toronto area.

Nova Scotia is a smaller province than Alberta, Manitoba or British Columbia but it is geographically closer to where the league currently operates, which is largely in Northeastern U.S. cities and Eastern Canada.

The Scotiabank Centre – home of the CHL’s Halifax Mooseheads – has a capacity of around 11,000 and will host Game 6 of the Canada-USA Rivalry Series in February. The arena also hosts pro lacrosse. Truthfully, it would be surprising if Halifax was the seventh PWHL franchise, but the Rivalry Series game could prove to be an critical audition for pro women’s hockey in the Maritimes.

Quebec City

On Wednesday, the PWHL officially announced Quebec City will host a neutral-site game between Montreal and Ottawa this season. City councillor Jackie Smith has already called the game the first step to landing an expansion franchise in Quebec City, according to the Associated Press.

Quebec City has an NHL-caliber rink – the 18,000-seat Vidéotron Centre where the neutral-site game will be played – that could host a full-time PWHL team with little to no scheduling issues.

Not to mention, the city is a hockey hotbed that hasn’t had a major professional hockey team since the Nordiques left in 1995. The Los Angeles Kings and Boston Bruins played in front of a packed building during this year’s NHL preseason. The Quebec Remparts, the city’s QMJHL team, are typically among the leaders in attendance across the CHL.

It’s easy to imagine the city embracing a PWHL team.

Western expansion

League officials have said they are not putting any guardrails on potential expansion franchises – meaning they aren’t shutting down expanding far outside its current footprint.

Calgary has had successful women’s professional sports franchises in the past – the CWHL’s Calgary Inferno won the last-ever Clarkson Cup in 2019. The Seattle Kraken hold the record for attendance at a U.S. women’s national team game on American soil (14,551). The Vancouver Canucks are a billion-dollar-franchise and British Columbia has become a hotbed for elite young talent, including Canadian phenom Chloe Primerano. There’s California to consider, too, where many of PWHL owner Mark Walter’s franchises – the Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Sparks – are currently based.

There are places in Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest that could and eventually should be home to PWHL franchises. However, adding a team on the other side of North America would come at a significant cost at a really early – and still growing – stage of the business.

Of course, it’s all going to depend on what is proposed. If, say, the Seattle Kraken are offering the kind of support and infrastructure we saw during the Rivalry Series, maybe the league won’t be able to say no.

[mrhockeywiz77]

Hockeywiz777 Youtube Videos + Hockeywiztalks Blogs + Podcast: January 22, 2024-March 8, 2024

Youtube Videos Podcast Podcast 249-2024 NHL Trade Deadline RecapPodcast 248-Potential Sellers Calgary FlamesPodcast 247-Potential Sellers Chicago BlackhawksPodcast 246-Potential Sellers San Jose SharksPODCAST 245-POTENTIAL SELLERS ANAHEIM DUCKS Blog FANTASY HOCKEY: DEFENSEMAN AND GOALTENDERS TO TRADE FOR https://hockeywiztalks-hockey.blogspot.com/2024/02/fantasy-hockey-defenseman-and.html

[cailinsblog]

Love on Ice- Adam fantilli x reader

Adam fantilli x reader

…………………………………………………

On a crisp winter morning, NHL prodigy Adam Fantilli and his girlfriend, Y/N, ventured out for a family skate, eager to embrace the magic of the season. As they arrived at the rink, the air was alive with the sound of blades gliding gracefully across the ice.

Adam held Y/N's hand tightly, guiding her towards the frozen expanse. Surrounded by the laughter of children and the chatter of families, they felt a sense of warmth envelop them despite the cold.

As they laced up their skates, Y/N couldn't help but feel a twinge of nervousness. She had never been the most graceful on the ice, but with Adam by her side, she was determined to give it her all.

With a reassuring smile, Adam took Y/N's hand and led her onto the ice. His touch was steady, his presence reassuring as they glided across the surface together. But as they picked up speed, Y/N's legs wobbled beneath her, threatening to send her tumbling.

With a gentle laugh, Adam caught her just in time, pulling her close to his chest. "I've got you," he whispered, his breath warm against her ear. And in that moment, surrounded by the icy embrace of the rink, Y/N felt a surge of gratitude for the man who had stolen her heart.

Undeterred by her falls, Adam patiently coached Y/N, teaching her the basics of skating with unwavering patience and encouragement. With each stumble, their bond grew stronger, their laughter echoing across the ice.

As they skated hand in hand, they were joined by the rest of the Fantilli family, their smiles as bright as the winter sun. Together, they carved graceful arcs across the ice, weaving between the other skaters with ease.

But it wasn't just about skating for Adam and Y/N; it was about cherishing the simple moments spent together, wrapped in each other's arms. And as they glided across the rink, their love soared to new heights, a testament to the power of laughter, patience, and the magic of the ice.

[nerdraging4point0]

Power Play // Chapter Two // Hockeyplayer!Noah AU

Tropes and tags: RPF:AU hockey player romance, angsty romance, hidden relationship, forbidden relationship, smutty, MF, multiple POV. 

Content Warning: angsty romance, hockey player shenanigans, locker room talk, smutty, aggressive hockey players, PinV, MF relationship, possessive male, protective male.

This work below is fictionalized ideas and stories involving real people but does not directly reflect their thoughts, feelings, or behaviors. Please keep in mind that this is a work of fiction.

Active taglist: @ladyveronikawrites @tearfallpixie @beaker1636 @circle-with-me @synthetic-wasp-570 @itsjustemily @thesazzb @vinyardmauro @cookiesupplier @concreteemo @mountains-to-move @sundamariis @caitcoreeeee @crimson-calligraphyx @letmeadoreyoux @starsomens @artificialbreezy @lma1986 @iknownothingpeople @lilrubles @shilohrosechicken @missduffsblog @jessicafg03 @thatchickwiththecamera @mysticdoodlez @chels3a-smile @sinkingteethinwhitenoise @deathblacksmoke @roley-poley-foley @ravieisunhinged @dethronetheveil @to-be-written @somewhere-diamond @somebodyels3 @sacredthefran @cncohshit @flowery-mess @graveatspeople @cncohshit @nerdywitch20 @sundamariis @srorgana1 @malerieee @bloody-delusion-expert @sammyjoeee @deathofpeaceofmiiind @hayleylatour @deadboltsblog @broken0mens

The Uber screeches to a halt outside the fortress-like walls of the Rooks' practice facility, and I scramble out clutching my visitor's pass. After a few tense moments convincing the stone-faced security guard I'm not a crazed fan, the gates swing open. I stride up to the front doors, emblazoned with the iconic blood-red chess piece flanked by two onyx knights - the Santa Monica Rooks logo.

Though they only joined the NHL a couple years back, the scrappy expansion team has already captured the hearts of LA hockey fans - including my dad, former assistant coach for the Kings. When the Rooks came calling, offering him the head coach position, we were over the moon. Now I never miss a game even if it’s just on the TV.  I know the players by name, the chants by heart. This team is family.

And today, I got a glimpse behind the curtain.

The frosty air envelops me as soon as I step foot in the rink, sending a shiver down my spine despite my long sleeves. I cross my arms, bracing against the chill. As the team takes the ice to warm up, my eyes follow their every move with a nostalgic fondness. The sound of skates carving into the fresh sheet, the slap of pucks hitting boards - it all washes over me like a warm blanket. I let out a contented sigh, transported back to simpler times when I would gaze upon this familiar scene as a wide-eyed kid. 

 The players glide across the ice, circling each other in a blur of black and red during their warm-up laps. Legs churned in rhythmic strides as they maneuvered the puck through the cones. The only sounds were blades carving arcs and pucks slapping plastic. Every movement was executed with precision—their concentration evident as they tuned out the world, zeroed in on their drills. At the other end, some stretch and joke around, loose and relaxed. The heavy guitar riffs of AC/DC's "Thunderstruck" blast through the speakers—dad's preference, as always. I can't help but smile. This ice, this team, this music...it all feels like home.

From my spot high in the stands, I admire my dad's confident presence on the bench, his gaze intent as he surveys the players before him. Wearing the team's fleece zip up over his well-muscled frame, the dark fabric accentuating his rugged features. A beanie sat jauntily atop his artfully graying locks, complementing his trademark goatee, still as impeccably groomed as ever. He exuded an air of casual confidence - the easy charisma of a man who gets things done with style. Arms folded, he exchanges nods with Jack, leaning in to examine the clipboard that holds the secrets to today's strategy. Never did make it to the big leagues, but he just loved the chess match, the cat and mouse of setting up the perfect play. The thrill of that last second stretch pass springing the winger for a breakaway. The subtle joking with the refs, giving as good as he got. Win or lose, we lived for that locker room camaraderie. Yeah, he was born to bleed the colors, even if the pros weren't in the cards.

I make my way down towards the gleaming glass, the barrier between me and the warriors below, scanning the colorful jerseys for familiar names. There's number 42, Sanchez, the promising new center we acquired in the off-season. And McClain, number 18, our stalwart in goal, broad-shouldered whether in pads or street clothes.

Two skilled players glided smoothly across the ice, giving each other a friendly shoulder nudge and helmet tap as brothers in arms. Ruffilo sported jersey #22, zipping down the right wing with nimble speed and agility, always quick to jump on a scoring chance. Alongside him skated Sebastian, wearing #13. As right defenseman, he partnered on the blueline with the venerable Karlsson (#62). Together they formed the league's dream defensive pairing, scouted eagerly by rival teams year after year, yet steadfastly loyal to their coach through it all.

"Sarah!" My dad's voice thunders across the rink, making me jolt in surprise. I bolt toward him, nearly slipping over my feet in my excitement. Jack grabs my arm to steady me as we scramble into the box where Dad waits with open arms. I fling myself at him, breathing in the comforting scents of cinnamon and Old Spice that mean home. Though it's been months, as soon as his strong arms fold around me, no time has passed at all. I cling to him, my protector and hero, never wanting to let go.

“You're just in time,” he says with a glint in his eye. ‘We were just about to do a practice run. See how the team looks for the game tomorrow night.” 

The sharp trill of the coach's whistle pierces the rink, all eyes snapping to attention. "Alright team, gather round!" Jack bellows, his commanding voice echoing off the cold walls. "We've got a big game tomorrow and it's time to show me what you've got!"

The players scramble into position with new urgency, skates carving trenches into the ice. McClain slams into the net, face set with determination. Sanders follows suit on the opposite end, glove hand twitching with anticipation. Sebastian and Karlsson take their posts, sticks poised for battle.

"Let's run this play again - I want to see crisp passes and quick shots. And remember..." Jack pauses, scanning the tense faces around him. "Leave it all on the ice."

He blows the whistle once more. A flurry of movement erupts as the puck drops, skates tearing over the frozen surface. Shouts fill the frigid air as the team throws themselves into their practice, driven by the coach's steely presence and the promise of tomorrow's game.

The players are focused as they glide across the ice, passing the puck back and forth. Karlsson taps his stick, signaling to Sebastian. They move into position, ready to intercept the other team's attack. The center charges towards the goal, but Karlsson swoops in, poking the puck away. It slides to Sebastian who spins and dishes it off to Sanchez. Sanchez pivots and streaks towards the other end, driving for a counterattack. The scrimmage is intense as the teammates coordinate, aiming to sharpen their skills. Their precise passes and defensive maneuvers showcase their dedication during this hard-fought practice.

Sanchez fires a blistering shot that beats Sanders, the puck rocketing into the net. Sanchez triumphantly throws his stick skyward, but Coach quickly shoots him a warning glare - "One goal does not win a game." As Sanchez skates by, his piercing hazel eyes scan over me for a brief minute, before nodding to my dad. All business, Coach commands respect on the ice. My gaze follows him to position, where I notice Sebastian also watching from his position, momentarily distracted until Karlsson’s stick slap grabs his attention. The intensity radiates as both teams bear down, hungry for the next goal.

The players scramble up and down the ice, sticks clacking as they chase the puck. "Stay in your lane, winger!" Coach bellows, face red. "Defense, keep that blue line secure!" Sanchez barrels through, shoving past his own teammates to get to the net. Coach fumes. That hothead is sparking fights even among his own guys. "Sanchez! Cool it or you're benched!" Coach yells. Sanchez seethes, eyes blazing beneath his helmet. That punk better listen, or this practice will get out of control fast.

Sebastian swoops in and makes a clutch block, gliding on his skates backwards around the net and back into position as smooth as butter. Celebrating with a hearty stick-slap with Karlsson as they criss-cross on their way back to their spots. Just another day at the rink for these puck-stopping pros.

“Karlsson  and Sebastian are the league's top players right now,” my dad says, gesturing to the dynamic duo. “I��m fortunate to have them both.”

He goes on to provide insight into each player. Karlsson, a skilled Swede, transferred here a year ago and immediately found chemistry with Sebastian. As we discuss the roster, my dad analyzes each player's strengths and weaknesses. Ruffilo, for example, is quick and agile but weaker skating left. Sanchez has blazing speed but his ego can be a liability. Meanwhile, Sanders rarely sees ice time as McClain's backup. He remains quiet and reserved as a result.

My dad's wealth of knowledge about the team is clear as he gives me an in-depth scouting report on the players - their stats, records, backgrounds, and areas for improvement. His insightful descriptions provide a comprehensive view of the roster.

The boys look exhausted as they skate back to the bench, chests heaving as they try to catch their breath. Jack blows the whistle, signaling the end of the scrimmage. I take in their flushed cheeks and panting faces glistening with sweat. Sanders' sandy blonde hair is matted to his forehead, hazel eyes glazed over with fatigue. Sanchez wipes his brow, dark hair slick against his olive skin that contrasts sharply with his black and red jersey. Golden eyes meet mine briefly before glancing away. McClain rakes a hand through his unruly copper curls, mopped haphazardly on his head. Forest green eyes are ringed with dark circles beneath a smattering of freckles on his cheeks.

Ruffilo and Karlsson skate over to the bench, exhausted. Ruffilo’s shoulder-length black hair, normally pulled back in a tidy bun, is a mess of flyaways and frizz from his helmet. His piercing blue eyes stand out against his tan, sweaty face. Karlsson tosses his helmet aside, releasing his ash blonde hair which is only half pulled back after a grueling workout. Sweat drips down his forehead as he tries to catch his breath.

i'm so caught up staring at the team that I don't even notice Sebastian glide up next to me. He stops hard, ice shavings dancing around his skates. With his helmet off, I finally get a good look at his face. His dark brown hair falls loosely across his cheeks. His eyes are a soft brown too, and his slender nose and exotic bone structure give him an alluring look I can't place. His full lips are parted as he catches his breath, a barely-there mustache and goatee framing them. I'm transfixed, taking in every detail of his handsome face. Hockey has never been so distracting.

"Alright boys, tomorrow we face the toughest team in the league. They've got size, they've got skill. But you know what we've got? Heart. More heart than any team out there. When you step on that ice tomorrow, I want you to remember who we are. We're the Rooks. We never back down from a challenge. We never give up when things get tough. We pour our souls into this game because we love it. We play for each other, as brothers. Tomorrow when that puck drops, I want you to leave it all out there. Skate hard. Hit hard. Play your hearts out, men. I believe in each and every one of you. Now hit the showers and I will see you bright and early tomorrow." 

The players glided by, tapping fists with my dad as they headed off the ice. But my eyes stayed locked on Sebastian. He leaned off the boards and skated backward, gaze still holding mine even as he spun and drifted after his teammates toward the locker room. There was something magnetic about him - an intensity that pulled me in and wouldn't let go.

My dad wrapped his strong arm around my shoulders, pulling me in close. "What do ya say we grab some dinner and chat?" he asked with a smile. I clung to his waist as we strolled out of the chilly rink, past the rows of locker rooms, to his cozy office. He rifled through papers on his cluttered desk, gathering his things before we headed out.

"Dad, why'd you want me to come down here today?" I asked. "You said you had something important to tell me."

He paused, keys in hand. "Let's talk over dinner," he replied, his eyes downcast.

I pressed further. "Why not now? Just tell me."

At that, my dad's shoulders slumped. His face fell. I knew then that this was big news - maybe as big as when he and Mom divorced.

"Well," he began slowly, "Jack's niece is going on maternity leave. We had another one lined up, but he took a position elsewhere. We're in a real bind trying to find a replacement nurse on such short notice to help care for the players."

He looked at me hopefully. I could tell this was difficult for him to ask, but nurse or not, I was ready to support my dad no matter what.

Noah's POV

The pads hit the floor with a thud as I stumbled back to the locker room, feeling about as graceful as a newborn giraffe. The boys were already going on about the coach's daughter, the new eye candy on the bench. Fiery red hair that melted into platinum strands, curves that went on for days - she had the boys drooling before she even opened her mouth.

"Dibs!" Sanders called out, grinning. "Maybe she can give me some one-on-one coaching after practice."

"You couldn't catch her if she was standing still, man," Nick laughed, peeling off his sweaty jersey.

"Let McClain take a shot," Pierce chuckled. "Red on red - I like those odds."

McClain just smiled and tossed his gear in his locker. Yeah, she was a distraction all right. Hard not to stare when she was sitting there looking like that. Had the boys fumbling more than usual out there today. But I gotta keep my focus. Eyes on the puck at all times, even with a smokeshow like her watching from the stands.

I fling my stick and helmet into my locker, peeling off my sweaty jersey and pads. Jolly plops down on the bench behind me, the team still chattering away about her.

"You know how it is, bro. The ladies, they always want a piece of the Jolly." He waggles his eyebrows and flexes, his accent making it sound more ridiculous.

I grab my towel and crack it against his back. "Yeah, yeah, keep dreamin' there, stud."

We were all a bunch of goofs when Naomi first started working here, even though she was Jack's niece. We'd give her a hard time and chirp her whenever we got the chance. But once we found out she was married and had been around for a few months, we eased off and let her be. I was sure this chick would be the same, if she stuck around. She didn’t seem like the hockey type.

The steam embraces me as I step into the showers, washing the sweat from my aching body. But the heat isn't enough to penetrate my sore muscles, throbbing from another grueling practice. My mind races, already on the ice for tomorrow's season opener on home ice. I know once I'm out there, stick in hand, the roar of the crowd drowning everything else out, the nerves will fade away. But right now, they're killing me. I close my eyes, let the hot water massage my shoulders, and visualize our victory.

We were so close last season - just two wins away. But this year, this is our year. I'm not settling for anything less.

That is, as long as Sanchez can get his head in the game. Don't get me wrong, the guy's got skills. But that ego of his just grinds my gears, you know? He's always showboating out on the ice when he should be focusing on the play.

It's gonna cause problems, I just know it. I gotta get him to tone it down and be a team player. Otherwise we can kiss that cup goodbye again. And I'll be damned if I let that happen. This is our time. I can taste it.

Nothing can distract me from that, not even her.