Page 88 of Icebound Attraction

I'm happy to rush off, ready to take on my first assignment as a sports journalist for such an important game.

My belly quivers with excitement.

The Rangers are the team Liam would dream of joining and, thanks to the work of Mr. Turner, the agent who works with him and Chase, the NHL seems within reach for them.

I can't believe it! Not only am I accompanying Liam on his journey, but I'm also taking big steps towards my dream career.

The tension in the air is palpable as I enter the huge arena. Excited fans, dressed in Rangers jerseys and scarves, sing in unison in support of the team.

When I take my place, I'm very nervous. It's the first time I've sat in an official press box, surrounded by other journalists. The atmosphere is absolutely indescribable. I can't believe I'm here with all these famous sports journalists. I sneak a selfie and send it to the girls and Liam. This moment has to be immortalized!

The arena is abuzz as the two teams take to the ice. The line-up is announced and the first whistle blows.

The game begins.

The Rangers enter the match strongly and immediately exert pressure on their opponents' goal. It's a very tight game and their opponents are not easily intimidated.

Midway through the first period, the Rangers’ defender manages to retrieve the puck and make a precise pass to his attacking partner, who score the game's first goal. The arena literally explodes with joy.

The game goes back and forth, with chances on both sides, and the tension mounts as we enter the final minutes, and the Rangers lead by a narrow margin. Finally, when the final siren sounds, the Rangers have won!

I jump out of my seat and exult loudly. The other journalists look at me quizzically. As a journalist, I'm supposed to be impartial...

I can hardly contain my enthusiasm as I take my notes for the report. This game had everything an ice hockey fan could want: suspense, drama and passion. It's a whole new level of hockey compared to university games, let's face it!

I hope I'll be able to convey everything I feel and deliver an exciting article.

Emily, let’s get to work!

***

Heart pounding, I move back and forth in my seat. The big day has finally arrived!

Today is the annual NHL draft, and we are in Nashville for the occasion. Bridgestone Arena is impressive in its size and packed with an incredible crowd. Several TV crews are also on hand to broadcast the event on the sports channels, and I'm craning my neck to catch a glimpse of a few journalists I really like.

Liam fidgets nervously beside me. He's wearing a blue suit, a white shirt and a matching blue tie that sets off his bright eyes.

I place my hand gently on his and smile.

“It's going to be all right, my love.”

He smiles gratefully, but his tension doesn't disappear.

I let my gaze wander around the room. Many NHL prospects fill this section of the arena, most accompanied by their families.

I sigh inwardly. Liam's family unfortunately couldn't make the trip to support him. But Chase and I are at his side.

The latter seems no less feverish than his best friend. The two regularly give each other feverish glances.

At this point, the evening's host gets on the stage, and the conversation stops.

“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the sixty-first draft in NHL history! I'm glad you're all here to share in the excitement of our young talent and our teams. The draft is something very special. It's the beginning of a future that can change lives.”

Significantly, he lets his gaze sweep over the arena and a shiver runs through my body. So many people have worked hard for this big day!

“I invite the Chicago Blackhawks to take the microphone!” he announces.

A muscular man in a black suit enters the stage and clears his throat. He makes a brief speech, thanks the team and sponsors, then looks out at the crowd for a few seconds. A mischievous smile appears on his face.

---