Cassie gives me a quick hug before a mic gets shoved in my face.
“Cash, how does it feel to win the cup?”
My eyes find Piper’s as the families are waiting to come onto the ice after the trophy is presented. I think of her. Of the season the two of us have had together. Of the love we share and still get to share.
“Fucking incredible.”
The reporter winces.
“Sorry. But I don’t know if anything can match this feeling. Our team fought hard throughout the playoffs, and for all that work to pay off feels amazing.”
“Your second Stanley Cup win with the Black Diamonds. How is this one different from the last?”
Not a single person has left the arena — not even Detroit fans. The Cup hasn’t come out yet, but everyone wants a glimpse of the greatest trophy in sports.
At least in my opinion.
“It’s different because I get to celebrate this win with my girlfriend.”
The reporter’s eyes go wide. “I think that’s the most I’ve ever heard you talk about your personal life.”
I laugh because I know it’s true. “I guess Piper is a good influence on me.”
“Well, go celebrate the win with her and your team. Thanks, Cash.”
“Thank you.”
Guys are ecstatic. Some of them are wiping tears from their eyes and others are taking in the crowd.
Only a few of them were here when we won last time.
For most, this is the first time winning the cup.
“I can’t believe this.” Troy wraps an arm around my shoulders.
“It might take a while to sink in.”
Time seems to slow down and speed up all in the same breath. The cup is presented to the team and Bexley gives a speech about the team this year. It’s hard to hear over the crowd’s excitement. I’m bursting to lift that trophy up. To finally haul Piper into my arms and lay one on her.
Bexley stands by the cup before it’s given to the coach and then passed off to Troy, who does his victory lap.
Surreal.
It’s the only way to describe how I’m feeling right now as the cup eventually makes its way toward me.
I take it and start my lap around the ice. It feels weightless in my hands as I lift it over my head. Skating toward where the families are waiting behind the glass, I easily spot Piper.
She cups her hands around her mouth and cheers as I skate in front of her. “Lookin’ good, Cash Williams!”
I shoot a wink her way as I pass off the cup to Noah.
“Yeah, baby!” He takes the cup, cheering as he skates off with it.
When I won my first cup with Colorado, I was a baby of a player. Now that I’m more seasoned, this win feels different.
Maybe it’s because I feel closer to these guys than I ever have in the past. Maybe it’s because I’m older and Ican appreciate that I won’t get to do this for the rest of my life.
Or maybe it’s all because of Piper and getting to celebrate this win with her tonight. I look over to where she is, and her eyes are locked on me.
