Nicolae Antonescu enters the studio, giving polite nods to those he passes by. Ordinarily the goaltender from rural Romania is quick to give a swift handshake, but the times have altered such habits for everyone. As he fumbles with the clip-on mike over his lilac dress shirt, which clearly has not been worn before this interview, I gather my prepared questions for the Scarecrow's rookie backup keeper.

St. Louis Gazette Reporter: "Pleased to meet you, Nicolae. How is your adjustment to the city so far?"

Antonescu: "Good! Smooth, as I am quite enjoying the city life, but am appreciating the rural feeling of it.

Antonescu's English is relatively good, with only a few flaws and a medium-blended accent. He gives a thin smile.

St. Louis Gazette Reporter: "Let's get to the meat of why we've invited you in today... Tell us a bit about yourself. What are you up to when not on the ice or training for the St. Louis Scarecrows?"

Antonescu: "I am usually outside on hikes or walks, but otherwise I am usually on the phone or computer with my family."

St. Louis Gazette Reporter: "Your family back in Romania? So you talk to them often then?"

Antonescu: "Yes, at least once or twice a day. If things continue to work out in North America, I am hoping to bring my parents over from Sibiu to here." My brothers may or may not come, the eldest is an auto mechanic, and has good work over there. the younger siblings, as well as my newborn brother, would obviously come with my parents, if that were to happen."


The interview would continue for another 10 minutes, but this was the part that stuck out to this reporter most. Above all, Antonescu values his roots and his family, and continues to find ways to stay in contact, even amidst this virus and the thousands of miles between them.