“I’ve never experienced anything like this,” rookie Oliver Campbell said. “The whole city is buzzing and excited, and it’s great that it’s a conference game. We’re ready to go out there and play hard.”
When I asked the players about the recent events that led to speculative articles and comments about their captain, Jamie Sullivan, and his partner, I was met with a consistent message.
“We stand by Sully and Tyler,” team veteran and alternate captainHugo Andersson told me. “He is a good captain. Takes care of everyone who is team [sic].”
“Sully is the best,” said defenseman Elias Svensson. “The team missed him when he was injured. We are so very happy to have him back.”
While tomorrow's main event will no doubt be the on-ice rivalry between Madison and Minnesota, the Muskies players have organized an accompanying charity drive in an effort to give back to those less fortunate in the Madison area
“We’re hosting a coat drive,” said forward Cooper Bell. “There will be donation bins set up both in and around the stadium. We hope anyone with extra children’s winter wear will consider bringing them tomorrow. We will donate them to local organizations who make sure they end up with the kids who need them most.”
When I got the chance to speak with Jamie Sullivan, he was standing hand in hand with his partner, Tyler Raymond, holding Tyler’s young son in his arms. They were all smiles in their team jackets, matching the rest of the families.
“This is an amazing moment for the Muskies,” Sullivan said. “And we are committed to making this a memorable game for the fans. As for me, I’m just trying to take it all in. Playing hockey professionally is a gift, and getting to share this moment with the people who matter to me is something I’ll never take for granted.”
“It’s really good to have Sully back,” said forward Matt Lee. “He’s the kind of player who impacts everything around him on the ice. When he’s out there, everyone plays better. We’ve missed that.”
While the Muskies might be enjoying a skate under the stadium lights with their families tonight, their focus is on the game tomorrow.
When I spoke to goalie Anders Berglund, he mentioned something Sully had said to the team in the locker room. “Sully reminded us that we are a good team and well-positioned to make a deep playoff run. This is a meaningful game, and we plan to walk away with two points.”
“Minnesota is going to underestimate us,” Sullivan said. “And it’s our job to capitalize on that.”
For more details on the coat drive, visit the Muskies website and social media page.
“Don’t you need to be doing something special the night before a game?” Tyler looked back over his shoulder as he seasoned a bowl of chicken thighs marinating in yogurt. “Aren’t superstitions a hockey player thing?”
Across Tyler’s small kitchen, Jamie shrugged. He’d shown up twenty minutes ago in faded sweatpants and a Muskies hoodie, hair still damp from a shower after their last media obligation of the day.
“As long as I eat a big, well-balanced meal and get some good sleep, I’m fine.” He smiled, his gaze dipping down Tyler’s body and then back up to hover over his mouth. “I don’t see why I can’t do that here.”
Tyler looked at his hands. “You don’t have to, if it–”
Hands gripped his hips and the rasp of facial hair brushed against his neck. Tyler’s breath caught in his throat. “I’m here because I want to be here,” Jamie said, voice low. “I want to make time for you. For us.” He paused. “Allof us.”
For a moment, Tyler sank back into Jamie’s warm, steady body.
“Now tell me what the hell you’re doing to this chicken.”
With Jamie still wrapped around him, Tyler explained his seasoning choices. Rowan played happily across the room, narrating some sort of game with his wooden animals, while Tyler and Jamie finished preparing the meal.
Soon they were sitting together at the small table, and Tyler could imagine thatthiswas what their life together would look like. Jamie jumped right into helping Rowan blow on bites of chicken, roasted cauliflower, and rice, and not a minute later Rowan had crawled onto his lap, and was alternating betweenshoving chicken into his own mouth and offering Jamie little pieces.
Tyler’s heart melted when Jamie didn’t hesitate to take the offered bites, humming softly in appreciation as he chewed.
“The chicken is amazing,” Jamie said, nudging Tyler’s thigh with his knee under the table. “Next time I have a break will you come over to my place and make some with me? I know you are busy, and now I’m asking you to help me cook, but it’s just so tasty, and spending time with you–”
“Jamie.” Tyler reached out and brushed his thumb over Jamie’s chin. All he wanted to do was touch him, to ease the worry he saw creeping onto Jamie’s face. “I’d love to come over. I know Rowan would, too. Making time goes both ways, you know? I want to make time for you, too.”
“Jamie?” Rowan asked, his hand covered in sticky grains of rice. No matter how many times Tyler confirmed that his sondidactually know how to use a spoon, Rowan ended up using his hands to eat. “Are you scared about your game?”
Jamie shook his head. “Nope. I’m just excited.”
“I drew you a picture.”
Jamie looked at Tyler, and he would have laughed at the look on his boyfriend’s face if it hadn’t been for the sincere vulnerability there in his green eyes. Tyler offered him an encouraging smile. “Really?” Jamie asked, looking back at Rowan.
“Papa, may I please leave the table to get Jamie’s picture?”
