Page 64 of Cross Checks

We strolled through the terminal while my heart raced with anticipation of meeting my new teammates. I was about to start a new chapter in life, and I hoped they would feel like my new found family.

As we approached the baggage claim, I spotted a group of guys holding a banner reading, “Welcome to the Panthers, Chase!” Their faces beamed, and I smiled back.

“Chase Taylor?” asked a tall guy with an easy grin. He extended his hand.

“That would be me.”

“I’m Derek, a defenseman. We’re all excited to meet our famous Cold Pines star.”

I shook his hand. “I’m not sure I’ve earned the title ‘star’ yet, but it’s great to be here.”

Another new teammate, a winger named Marco, piped up. “I heard you’re a beast at center ice. Can’t wait to check you out in action.”

Hank nudged me playfully. “Don’t let them inflate your ego too much on your first day. We still have to get your head through the doorway at our apartment.”

I laughed, happy about the ease I felt with my new teammates. “Don’t worry. Hank, here, my partner, keeps me grounded.”

“Yes, we can’t forget about Hank,” added a burly player with a big smile. “I’m Alex, the starting goalie. We’re gonna be good friends. Count on it.”

As the lighthearted conversation continued, I already felt like I belonged. These guys were my new on-ice family, and they couldn’t have given me a warmer welcome.

“Ready to begin the adventure?” Hank asked, squeezing my hand.

“Certainly. What are we waiting for? Let the adventure begin.”

Stepping out onto the vibrant streets of Sunrise, Florida, was like walking into a different world. The perfume of blooming flowers filled the air. It was a far cry from the pervasive pine up north in Maine.

Hank and I walked side by side, taking in the lush palm trees that swayed gently in the breeze.

“This place is like a postcard,” I remarked. It’s so colorful with something interesting no matter which direction you turn.

“And to think we’ll be calling this home,” added Hank.

Our tour guide was a friendly local named Carla. She worked for the team, and she led us through Sunrise’s bustling streets. Her tour was helpful as she pointed out some of the best local restaurants, great parks for exercise and relaxation, and the arena that would become my home away from home.

Finally, we arrived at our temporary accommodation. It was a modest studio apartment the team was providing until we could choose a permanent residence. The building was easy to find, its exterior painted in pastel hues.

“This is where you’ll be staying for now,” Carla informed us as she unlocked the door. “It’s not anything fancy, but we hope it works for a short while.

When we stepped inside, we found ourselves in a sparsely furnished space with the bare essentials. In the center of the main room was an air mattress neatly made up with fresh linens.

Apart from a couple of folding chairs, a small table, and basic kitchen appliances, the apartment was empty. My belongings from my apartment in Cold Pines were in a moving van that wouldn’t arrive in Florida until the following day.

“Well, this is…minimalist,” Hank commented as he dropped our bags.

I laughed softly and sat on the air mattress, giving it an experimental push. “It’s only for one night. When my stuff gets here tomorrow, it will start feeling more like home.”

Hank squeezed my hand. “I don’t know if I can survive a night in a place that doesn’t have a hockey puck on display.”

“At least you’ve got the hockey player.” I walked over and sat beside Hank on the mattress, bouncing up and down a little.

“Yeah, that’s true. Any place we’re together is home, to be honest.”

The sunrise in Sunrise the next morning was gorgeous. We had a stunning clear blue sky. After a quick breakfast, Hank and I called for a ride to the arena. There, we immersed ourselves in a flurry of paperwork. It was all necessary to officially join the Florida Panthers.

A sleek, modern building buzzing with energy housed the team’s administrative offices. In the lobby, I looked around at team memorabilia and large action photos of past games. My heart raced as I imagined a photo of me displayed at some point in the future.

“Ready for a paperwork marathon?” Carla asked as she greeted us.

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