Page 67 of Hot Mic, Cold Ice

The press erupts with questions, but I remain focused, feeling a strange mix of relief and excitement. The highest of notes is the perfect time to bow out. I can still see the gleam of the Stanley Cup in my mind, a reminder of what I have achieved.

The questions keep coming, and I answer each one with a sense of calm and certainty.

One reporter asks, “Elliot, how long have you been considering retirement?”

I reply, “It’s been on my mind for a while now, especially after winning the Stanley Cup. It feels like the perfect time to end this chapter on a high note.”

They follow up with, “What are your immediate plans post-retirement?”

“I’ll be focusing onHit Behind the Netfull-time. It’s something I’ve grown passionate about, and I’m excited to expand it and explore new media opportunities.” I say.

It is more painful than anticipated to do these interviews without Ziggy here. I can tell from the badge of a reporter near the front that he is from ACN. He probably knows Ziggy in some capacity. I want to ask him how she is, but I can’t. Not yet. I shake my thoughts away and focus back on the questions.

Then, the ACN reporter inquires, “Will you stay involved with hockey in any capacity?”

I answer, “Absolutely. While I won’t be playing, I plan to stay connected to the sport. I can’t imagine myself in a space that isn’t filled with hockey. I’m exploring partnerships with teams and networks that align with my new goals.”

A local Phoenix reporter asks, “What do you hope to achieve with your podcast?”

“I want to create a platform that allows for deep conversations and connections with people. It’s about sharing stories, insights, and experiences in a way that resonates with a wide audience. Show the world that hockey can be for everyone in a more personal way.” I explain.

Finally, the ACN reporter asks the final question, “How do you feel about leaving the game after such a successful season?”

“It’s bittersweet,” I take a deep breath before continuing. “I’ll miss the boys and the thrill of the game, but I know this is the right decision for me. There is a lot to look forward to with what’s next.”

The room eventually settles, and I leave the podium feeling lighter, ready to embrace whatever comes next.

As I delve deeper into being onHit Behind the Netfull-time, I discover a newfound sense of freedom and expression. The podcast had already gained popularity during the season, but now we have some absolute legends agreeing to or seeking to be a part of an episode. We have the opportunity to bridge the gap between former generations of hockey with people who are just introducing themselves to the game.

Let’s not get it twisted. While this new career move is good for me in a lot of ways, it lets me be serious. I can dig deep into my emotions and knowledge, exploring topics withan authenticity I couldn’t while playing in the League. But it also allows me to party and let loose, to be my full, authentic self without the constraints of being a professional athlete on contract.

I reach out to various teams and networks, expressing my interest in collaborating and exploring new media opportunities. With each partnership I pursue, I evaluated our alignment of values and goals. It is important to me that any potential team or network shares my vision for creating something meaningful.

I am just wrapping up for the day, about to head to the gym, when my phone buzzes. I see the name flash on the screen and I’m curious right from the get-go. It’s Gordie Whitfield. Answering the call, I listen intently as he speaks, his voice full of excitement.

“Elliot,” he begins, “we’ve been watching you grow as a media professional, and the team at ACN is impressed. On behalf of the team at ACN, we have an amazing opportunity for you. We want you to join us as the newest ACN studio personality for the League’s next season.”

The words hit me like a ton of bricks and a mix of disbelief and exhilaration floods my senses. This is it—a chance to merge my love for hockey with my passion for media, to step into a new role that feels like the perfect pairing of everything I have worked toward. Somehow, I have found myself exactly where I was always meant to be. We iron out the details. There are some big takeaways from this new experience. Currently, the one that sticks out most in my mind is that I’ll be spending an extended amount of time in Atlanta. Let’s just hope I make it there before Ziggy moves back to New York.

Now that life is taking me in a certain direction, everything seems to fall into place. Conversations flow, doors open, and I find myself with options I have never considered before. I feel alive, more than I ever had on the ice. The future is wide open, and for the first time, I see a path that includes everything I want, except for the one thing I have been missing. The sense of purpose that has eluded me for so long is now within reach. As I sit in silence with my own thoughts, contemplating the opportunities ahead, I return an unlikely phone call.

I sit there, the phone in my hand, staring at the number of the General Manager of a team in another conference. This is a call I never expected to make, let alone consider. But now, everything feels different. Taking a deep breath, I dial the number.

“Hello?” The familiar voice on the other end sounds surprised but curious.

“It’s Elliot St. Germain,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady. “I’ve been thinking about your offer, and... alright, I’m in.”

There is a brief pause before the GM’s hearty laughter fills the line. “Well, well, well! Look who decided to join the dark side,” he chirps. “I knew you couldn’t resist the allure of the best team in the League.”

I chuckle, feeling a surge of excitement. “Yeah, yeah, don’t get too cocky. I’m just looking for a new challenge, and this feels right.”

“Challenge accepted,” he replies with a grin in his voice. “Welcome aboard, Elliot. We’re thrilled to have you. It’s going to be one hell of a season.”

“Looking forward to it,” I say, already imagining the possibilities. Everything that has transpired is the fresh start I need, and I am ready for whatever comes next.

Now that I have accomplished everything I set out to do—the Stanley Cup, a successful podcast, and a promising new role—the last thing left is to get my girl back. Ziggy has always been the missing piece, the one thing I can’t let slip through my fingers. With my career finally in a place where I feel secure and fulfilled, it’s time to focus on what truly matters. The future feels bright, and the path forward is clear. All I need now is her by my side to make it complete.

Chapter 49

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