After leaving the airport, I head toward the arena. The Blades have home ice advantage so we’re going into game two tonight after a big win last night. Then the team will travel to New York for the next two games in the series.
Before I make it to the highway, my phone rings. “What’s up, Coach? I’m on my way to the arena now.”
“Good thing. Bring all your gear. Cole’s a scratch for tonight. He pulled his groin and is on forty-eight hours of rest in hopes of making it back for the rest of the series. We don’t have time to call anyone up from the affiliate. We need you on the roster tonight, Jax.”
Damn.I need to figure this out quickly. My team needs me, but I need to get to Ottawa to support Elise. This is an unexpected wrinkle. I planned to surprise her in Ottawa to prove that I’m committed to sharing a future with her. I hang up from Coach and place a call of my own.
“Stone, I need a favor. Coach put me on the roster tonight to sub for Cole, and Elise is on her way to Ottawa. Cole’s out for at least forty-eight hours, but he may be good for games three and four. Can you get me on a plane after the game so I can make it for her interview?”
Stone snickers. “You’ve got it bad, man. But I’m all for doing whatever needs to be done in the name of love. Let me make some calls, but I should have you straight by the time the game’s over.”
“Thanks, man, I owe you one.”
I enter the locker room just like I’ve done a million times. Before we head out for pre-game warmups, Coach gathers everyone for a pep talk. Instead of his usual script, he turns to me.
“I’d like to thank Jax for filling in tonight at the last minute. Jax, as our Captain, would you like to say a few words?”
That familiar rush of adrenaline fills my body as my team mates chantFrost! Frost! Frost!
“This could be my last game ever, so I just wanted to say it’s been a great ride with the Golden Blades; now let’s go, boys!”
Despite being cleared to play, I know I need to take it easy and try my best to avoid any hits. As Captain, Coach has me in for the initial faceoff. I win the puck and immediately pass it to my Left Wing, then sub out. We dominate New York for the entire game, taking four times as many shots on goal as the opponent.
As the last seconds of the third period count down, the rush continues to propel me around the rink. When the final buzzersounds, the crowd chantsFrost! Frost! Frost!The feeling is both triumphant and bittersweet when the announcer calls me out as the First Star of the Game, most likely based not on my performance tonight, but as a nod to my career journey with the Blades. I skate over to our PR person for a quick on-ice interview. Instead of filing out of the arena, most of the fans remain in their seats as long as I’m still on the ice, yelling for my attention when I toss a game jersey into the crowd.
The feeling in the locker room is celebratory as we end up with a five to one win, setting us up nicely for the road games ahead. Coach hands me a game puck, and one-by-one, my team mates shake my hand.
CHAPTER 16
Elise - Reinforcements
As my uber exits the highway into downtown Ottawa, I’m struck by the energy emanating from the large capital city with stunning architecture and a long canal running through it. This city is giving me Chicago vibes, including the climate with temperatures very similar to my hometown this time of year. Fortunately, my hotel is located only about a block from the Ottawa Arts Foundation where the interview is taking place, so I have plenty of time to check in to the hotel, freshen up, and get my bearings before tomorrow’s interview.
As I’m unpacking my things, there’s a knock at the door.
“Shay! What are you doing here?”
She steps over the threshold, enveloping me in a hug. “A little birdie told me you could use some moral support. Actually, a beast of a birdie who is head over heels in love with you. If I had any doubts about his intentions toward you before, I’m now convinced he’s one-hundred-percent committed. Hemade it possible for me to get here and sent me along with some extra ammunition for your application. I’ve got additional video footage, photos, and news articles about the installations at the arena, including footage of that recent interview the two of you did. Also, several more letters of recommendation from important people in South Florida.”
“He did all that for me?” I’ve been missing Jax since I got on the plane, but now I feel his presence here with me. My eyes well up with tears, the happy kind. I immediately fan my hands in front of my eyes to stave off the waterworks. “I told myself I wouldn’t cry, no matter what happens here!”
The next day, bolstered by Shay’s presence and the virtual support from Jax, I walk into the interview room with a boost of confidence and a smile a mile wide. My nerves have finally settled down and I feel like I’m talking with a group of friends and fellow artists, rather than appearing before an evaluation committee. Shay ably assists as I show samples of my work, explaining my design process, experimentation with new tools, and the research that goes into establishing each piece of art. Lastly, I present the installations at the arena as a bonus case study for using art to illustrate history and to document the positive impact of the hockey team on community relations.
My presentation ends with a round of applause from the committee. I can feel the huge grin spreading across my face, and I can’t wait to share how well I think it went with Jax and my parents.
CHAPTER 17
Jax - Triumph
The team and staff are assembled in the briefing room for a meeting prior to boarding the bus for the airport.
“Hey guys, I just wanted to officially hand off the Captain’s helmet to Samson and tell you all to give ‘em hell in New York and finish off this series, so you can make the run for the Cup. You’ve earned this opportunity. Now go get that conference title and bring it back to West Palm!”
Although the owners have my back, I know Coach is not exactly happy with my decision. I understand his dilemma. His job is to win games, and if I’m not here to help him do that, his position could be on the line. But I can’t let that influence my priorities. Besides, this team is talented and hungry. They’ve got what it takes to go all the way without me.
After my announcement, there’s a hint of grumbling in the ranks. Cole speaks up to deflect it. He’s really emerging as anatural leader and no doubt he’ll be a team Captain himself one day.
“I support you, Frost. It’s been a pleasure and an honor to play beside you and learn from the best. I appreciate everything you’ve done for me—done for us.”
