Page 2 of Soulmates and Slapshots
“Well, wish me luck,” I say. “New team, new town, new chapter—all that stuff.”
“You’ll be fine,” he says. “And you’ll eventually get used to the ‘Ice Ice Baby’ song the team uses. Or maybe you’ll get lucky and they’ll change it.”
“That’s a good song,” I exclaim. “It’s a classic.”
“You’re kidding, right?”
I chuckle. “Anyway, tell the guys I said hi and give them all hugs for me.”
“Yeah, don’t count on that.”
I laugh as we wrap up the call. He won’t say it, but I know he misses me. The Wolves weren’t just my teammates—they were my second family. And if I’m lucky, the Ice Breakers will become that for me too.
I start to gather my gear and head to the rink for morning drills. Preseason is in full swing, and if there’s ever a time to make my mark with this new team, it’s now.
The Ice Breakers started with one simple goal—raise money and awareness for Happy Horizons Ranch, a localchildren’s camp that has meant the world to this community for decades. The team was meant to be temporary, just a feel-good initiative to rally support. But something about it stuck. The town of Maple Falls embraced the Ice Breakers as their own, and what started as a charity program turned into a permanent, beloved team. The team’s owner, Troy Hart is a local and passionate about it becoming a success. And now we’re part of the town. They want us to become a representation of resilience and hometown pride. I’m grateful to be a part of it which made my trade a little easier.
Admittedly when the opportunity to join the team came up, I hesitated at first. Change isn’t easy, but it comes with this job. I’d built something solid with the Wolves, and the idea of starting over was intimidating. But beneath the hesitation was the fear of not measuring up. I’ve always had this quiet drive to prove myself and show that I’m more than just a solid player. I want to be someone who makes a real impact for my team.
Ultimately joining the Ice Breakers is giving me this chance. A chance to step out of my comfort zone, push myself harder, and maybe even lead in ways I haven’t before.
As for the team itself, I’m optimistic. We’ve got a solid mix of skill, heart, and experience. There’s good chemistry starting to build, and that’s half the battle. Coach Hauser has a commanding presence, and from what I’ve seen so far, he knows how to bring out the best in us. That kind of leadership makes all the difference. In this game, team culture can make or break a season.
And if I’m being honest, I’m ready. Ready to prove myself and hopefully make this place feel like home. But most importantly I’m ready to believe I belong here as an essential part of my team.
I haven’t felt this alive on the ice in a long time. As I move around the rink, I have a renewed sense of why I choose this career. I always loved this sport, and I was very fortunate to have parents who supported and encouraged me to keep pushing myself. I started in the youth leagues with some friends and never stopped playing. Admittedly I felt like I had to work harder than some of my peers, and no matter what I did I still felt like I was coming up short. I played in college before heading to the minors and eventually moving up to play with the Wolves. I believe I have a lot of talent but often find myself caught up in the comparison cycle. This is difficult not to do when you play a sport professionally.
“Nice move,” Carson shouts. His nickname is Bama because he’s from Alabama. I haven’t gotten used to calling him that yet.
“Thanks, man. I’ve been practicing,” I say with a chuckle.
He gives a nod.
My teammates seem really cool so far, and it’s a relief to not be the only new guy in town. Our captain, Jamie Hayes, is from New York and played for Coach Hauser early in his career. I’m sure their strong connection will help them lead the team with great energy. Although it’s blatantly obvious he and our teammate Harry Franks don’t get along. Either way, I’m smart enough to stay out of the drama.
Of course I know players can show an entirely different side when we are in the heat of a game. I’ve been on teams with many different personalities, and you never know what to expect until things ramp up. I’m very easy going,probably too much most of the time. I’ve had a few previous coaches tell me to be more aggressive—and I know in playing defense it does make a difference. Maybe in my case skill and pure determination outweighs intensity? I’m aggressive when it matters and will stop at nothing to protect our goalie. My teammate, Lucian, also plays defense, and I already can tell we’ll work well together.
I’m vaguely familiar with a few of the other players. Cade Lennox is well known in the league for both his talent and reputation off the ice. I may have unintentionally slammed him into the glass a few times during practice. But I was only doing my job by showcasing my defensive skills.
Asher Trembley’s a newer player in the league. And then there’s our goalie, Clément who’s French, complete with the fancy accent. I’m sure he’ll draw in lots of attention. Everyone likes a guy with an accent, right?
We continue with drills, and then Coach Hauser gives us a few quick pep talks full of systems and strategies.
By the end of practice, I’m both exhausted and energized. It’s great to see how quickly our team is coming together. I’m starting to have a great feeling about this season.
CHAPTER 2
FIONA
It’s so quiet in this town, which feels beyond strange to me. Then again, anything would seem quieter after living in the constant, chaotic energy of Manhattan. The stillness wraps around me like a thick, comforting blanket, and for the first time in forever, I can hear myself think. Which might be a scary thing.
I step out onto the porch of my aunt’s cottage, pulling my sweater around me as I take in the view. Endless miles of trees stretch out before me, a mix of greens and golds moving in the crisp morning breeze. The sight is so breathtaking, it almost feels like I’m dreaming. I hadn’t realized how badly my soul needed this until now. I guess a part of me has been craving wide open spaces, clean air, and the simple beauty of nature. The change of scenery will hopefully do me good.
The last few months have been brutal, the type that can change a person. Between the painful collapse of my relationship and some unexpected upheaval at work, it’s been one hit after another. I guess you could say I ran away from my problems. Yes, very cliché. The big city girl escaping to asmall town to find herself again. I probably sound like the main character in a Hallmark movie. And no judgment from me because I love Hallmark movies.
Anyway, I made it. I’m standing on the back porch of my aunt Denise’s cottage in Maple Falls, Washington. And it really does feel like I’m in an alternate universe.
Aunt Denise (Aunt Dee to me) is the concierge at the Hawk River Lodge, the town’s rustic inn. She’s built a life here that she absolutely adores, something I admire more than I can put into words. Honestly, I owe her so much for inviting me to stay for a while. At first, I brushed off her offer, convinced I could handle the unexpected events of my life on my own. But it didn’t take long before pure exhaustion took over and I gave up my stubborn pride.
