First Preseason Game
I felt my stomach churn as we finished dressing and stood up to leave the locker room. As we slowly made our way to the ice surface I could only grow more nervous. With each step I took I came closer to my dream. And then I felt it. The blades of my skates hit the ice and I knew. This is where I belonged. I had finally come to play in front of people as a professional hockey player.
As the boos rained upon us, I couldn’t help but laugh. The passion of the fans, even if it was for the other team, was great. Who would have thought that growing up in Bloomington Hills, MI that I would end up playing my first preseason game against the team I grew up closest to? Now I play on their biggest rival… And I couldn’t be happier. If you told that little kid all those years ago that he would get to play in the same arena he saw on T.V. , well to say he would have been excited is an understatement.
As we begin warmups, I take the puck and practice shooting five hole. That’s when I see a little kid holding a sign and shouting my name. I turn to look and there he is, a boy no older then maybe ten. With a big smile he is holding a sign that reads, “#10, Will can I get a puck?”. I laughed and grabbed a puck. As I skated over, I waved to him and he light up like the 4th of July. I tossed the puck up over the glass to him. He jumped up and down. His parents asked for a picture so I stayed for a few seconds before heading back.  Wow, I thought. I’ve even made a few fans.
As warmups finished, I went back to the locker room while the Zamboni driver put out a new sheet of ice. Coach gave us some final few words. He started, “Last year we were inches away from the cup…”. He paused before starting again, “But this year it will be ours. And it starts here. Against our fiercest rival. We hate these guys and they hate us. Go out there boys and show the world that St. Louis is the best team in the league”. That really fired everyone up and we practically ran to the ice.
As we stood there, side by side, listening to the anthem all I could think about was the rush and thrill of a game. The intensity of playing against a rival. You raise your game when you play against someone who you hate. People you have to prove you are better then. The feud between St. Louis and Detroit runs deep. And were ready to add another chapter to the story. Then the anthem finished and it was time.
Puck. Drop.
St. Louis got on the board early to lead it 1-0. When that lamp lit up the boys went crazy on the bench. To be beating your opponent with less shots on net always feels good.
My first shift was not much to write home about but I managed to block a shot. I know I will be feeling that for the next few days but it felt good to take one for my teammates. And not long after that we were up 2-0. And before I knew it the goalie was pulled for Detroit. I passed the puck up for the Empty Netter. I got my first assist and point. And just like that I had etched my name into SMJHL history.
Not to mention we Shut Out Detroit 3-0. And I thought they were supposed to have the best offense?
I would be disrespecting our net minder if I didn’t mention her absurd performance. She got shelled in net. Yet, she was a brick wall out there. She was our MVP and certainly the 1st Star of the Game. Everybody on the team has agreed and we are going to buy her the biggest steak dinner or any other meal she wants. What a monster of a game, standing on their head all night.
It’s crazy that I made it. And I couldn’t be happier. I skated over to see my family after the game and thanked them for all they have done for me over the years. Without them I wouldn’t be playing here in St. Louis. And That would be a tragedy.
Also, thank you to all of my teammates out there who helped me prepare for the game this week and I am looking forward to our next game against Anaheim. Best part is that it is home and the fans will have the barn rocking. Alright boys 1-0 time to make it two in a row.