TO THE STRATOSPHERE || A CLAUDE L'CASTOR STORY

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SMJHL Playoffs, Round 1, Game 6:
San Diego Sports Arena
San Diego, California
March 20th, Season 80

Two teams with high hopes for the future, after a previous season finishing near the bottom, now found themselves in the middle of the pack in the first round of the playoffs. Late in the third, the Nevada Battleborn came back to tie it after a sudden surge of offence, down in the series with the hopes to go to seven, but the Tidal bounced back. Claude goes to the bench for a time-out. His white Battleborn jersey sporting an “A” on the chest, quite the feet for a rookie, let alone a goaltender. He looks at Jack on the bench, someone who has not seen the ice during the playoffs. With late season struggles and Claude L’Castor showing steady improvement, the rookie was chosen to start over him. L’Castor can’t help but a little bad for him, with them splitting starts during the regular season. But the decision appears to be the right one. Claude has maintained a strong presence in net most of the series. Despite Five going in on him tonight, with his energy low, he’s maintained a low goals against and a solid save percentage.

He’s just been peppered with shots tonight. And this is the longest stretch of games in a row he has started in some time. He’s only got so much energy. San Diego, on the other hand, have maintained possession most the night. This is for the better as Cauliflower Pizza, being a human vegetable, has shown some fragility this game despite a strong stretch in games 2 to 5.

As Coach Cee is working on a strategy on the i-pad, Claude already knows what will happen. He will get pulled from the net and the team will use an extra attacker. Part of him wishes he could just tell his teammates to ‘Shoot the fucking puck’ given Pizza’s rough night, but he knows that would not be wise. He squirts some water into his mouth and gives his own supportive words.

“Game is not over!” He shouts. “We got those three quick. What is one more? Get through him. I’ll skate over when the time is right for the extra attacker. Coach, give us the plan.”

Coach Cee, with his ipad out, begins to shout the strategy, but he gives a small smirk to Claude. The decision to put him in the leadership has done what it intended. Bring out his skills as a voice in the locker room. The team does their best to listen, and there are some who look defeated, but there’s enough energy to give them a fight.

Heading back to his net after the buzzer sounds, Claude puts on his mask and readies himself for the final stretch of the game. He looks around at the sea of orange and teal in the crowd. Road games are never easy. The puck drops as the final stretch begins.

The final few minutes become a blur for Claude L’Castor. He gave up five tonight, he does not want another to go in. As the puck is deep in the other end with Nevada possession late, L’Castor charges to the ice, skating as fast as he can. The skater hops the boards as soon as Claude steps off and the Battleborn have the extra attacker. The Laval native stands up, tapping his stick against the door to encourage his team. They do their best. But as the seconds go down, reality dawns on the bench. It will not be enough. As there are ten seconds to go, Brodir Aleifrsson takes the puck for the Tidal and he skates it down, putting it into the empty net with four seconds to go.

The air leaves the Nevada bench as the Tidal put an insurance marker. Claude sees one of his teammates slam their stick nto the board in frustration and all the goaltender can do is pat him on the back. L’Castor skates back into net as the puck drop is just a formality.

6-4, San Diego Tidal over the Nevada Battleborn. The final buzzer sounds as the Tidal pour out onto the ice. They skate over to Cauliflower Pizza, giving him a pat on the head and celebrating a hard fought series win.

Claude L’Castor skates towards the bench where a few teammates of his meet up with him. They thank their goaltender who, during the close losses in the series, was one of the main reasons things remained close. The teams line up near center ice for a customary end of series handshake. A few of San Diego’s plays give Claude a pat on the shoulder, the goaltender being a problem for them during the series. As L’Castor shakes the Cauliflower hand of Pizza, he pats the Vegetable man on the head. Recognising the effort put forward by him. After they’re done, the Battleborn leave the ice, letting San Diego enjoy their first round win.

…


Changed out of his gear and having had a chance to shower, Claude has a t-shirt on and, goes to address the media for the second last time of the season. He will likely get a chance to talk to them back in Nevada as they’re cleaning out their lockers, but this is the media’s chance to get some raw sound-bytes, maybe getting a headline. Claude wipes stands in front of a board with the SMJHL logo repeated on it. Someone from Cal-Sports News walks up to him. He has a mustache and a brownish-red suit.

“Don Maroon from Cal Sports. Tonight was an unfortunate exit for your Nevada Battleborn, what are your thoughts?”

Taking a deep breath, Claude feels the dread in this question. He tries to keep professional, but honest.

“Rough. You never want to get out round one. As cliche as it is, San Diego played well in this series. I think they may be a team we’ll have to work hard to beat in the future. But we do not have any graduating players, and should be mostly the same people next season. So we have this loss to uh… motivate us.”

“And you ended up starting the entire playoffs despite having a split schedule during the regular season. What do you think changed?”

The media personality holds her microphone forward.

“When the playoffs come I guess you need to go with the hot hand as they say. Jack had a great start to the season but he struggled a bit later on. It is what it is, uh. Whether I tandem with him, or one of us is backing the other you want the best for them. Jack is a good guy uh, and with some rest I hope he can bounce back for next season. But for the playoffs, they asked me to step up and I did my best.”

“Despite the loss, you played well for your first postseason outing. But in game six there was a lack of offensive pressure from your team, registering only 19 shots. Do you think that made the difference?”

“No shit,” Claude thinks to himself, but he keeps that thought in his head.

“San Diego adjusted well.” He gives the less controversial answer, “I can spend the time complaining, but knowing me, if I tried to do what they could, I would struggle even more.” He chuckles. “Only played defense. May have had a decent slap shot but I stuck to goaltending for a reason. Pizza had an off night. Something tells me his vegetable diet did not give him as much energy as me, hehe. But, uh, after a loss like this you uh, give it a day or two, collect yourself and go from there.”

Another media personality steps forward from the Vegas Athletic News (VAN). He looks forward.

“With the off-season beginning and the SHL draft around the corner, what are your plans?”

“Maybe a little rest when I can.” He jokes. “I will head home for a bit. I know I would like to spend time with my Mama and some of my family. Get the mental and physical batteries charged when I can then prepare for next year. I know some of us teammates are planning on meeting up for a weekend during the off-season. If I am fortunate to get the nods for the World Juniors, I will play my hardest and use that as a chance to get better and maybe improve my draft stock if I can.”

“Well, we wish you luck. Thank you for your time and thank you for an entertaining series.”

Claude L’Castor breathes a sigh of relief and waves.

“Merci. Have a good one.”

Claude heads down the hall, looking to meet with some of his teammates. For the turbulence of the season, he’s been fortunate for many of them. Just now is the time to support each other and get ready for what will be next.




Montreal, Quebec
L’Castor Household (Appartment)
April 7th, Season 80 Off-Season.

The grips of winter have finally begun to release on Montreal and spring is coming. Claude L’Castor, after taking an uber from the airport, is dropped off in front of the apartment of his mother. Though to him, it is still home. He rolls his suitcase behind him. His team is expected to ship his goaltending gear to him in a few days. With him likely being a finalist for one of the Team Canada’s in the World Juniors, it would be nice to have his equipment. In fact, with the IIHF Championships going to Montreal this year along with the World Juniors, the world will be coming to Montreal and Claude may have a chance to represent his home country (or Province) on a grand stage at home. Knocking, Claude remembers he has a key and uses it to unlock the door. Peaking in, he sees the place is mostly the same apat from the presence of a few cat toys and scratching posts.

“Mama, I’m home.” 

“Coming!” His mom shouts from another room. Looking down, Claude sees a tabby kitten adopted by his mother. The feline has a pink collar on and gives a high pitched ‘Meow.’

Picking up the cat, Claude closes the door and gives it a scratch under the chin.

“Aww, there is my replacement.” He jokes. “How are you doing, Princess?”

Claude’s mom walks out from the bathroom after washing her hands. L’Castor places the cat down and gives his mom a hug.

“There’s my boy!” She says, returning the embrace. “Sorry your team got eliminated in round one, but you played so hard! I watched every game!”

“Thank you, Mama.” He lets go of the hug. “But it is the life of a goaltender. I cannot control everything.” He looks to see Princess swat at a toy mouse, rolling on the floor.

“How is your new favourite kid adjusting?” Claude kids.

“Princess has been a delight. Though she still scratches the couch more than her scratching post.”

“Cats. What can you do? Glad she is happy here though.” Claude kneels down and pets the cat who gives a playful swat with her claws. L’Castor looks up.

“And she has not taken over my room, has she?”

“Non, your room is the same as before.” But his mom can’t help but to joke. “It is the cleanest it has been in years though.”

Rolling his eyes, the goaltender stands up and rolls his bag.

“Suppose I should unpack then.”

“Do that, get settled in. I am thinking we will celebrate your rookie season by eating out tonight.”

“It is the off-season…” Claude hums. “But I have begun eating right… Eh, I can go for a run to burn it off tomorrow, haha.”

“Good, we will decide where to go later. Get some rest.”

Claude rolls his bag into his room and sure enough, it is basically the same as before apart from a little bit of cat hair on the bed. Suppose the kitten likes the spot? Claude unzips his bag and goes to unpack, but his phone begins to ring.

Not even a day into his off-season and he’s already getting calls. Picking it up, he can tell it is his agent, so he answers.

“Bonjour Jason, guess I was not planning on relaxing?”

“Hahaha!” Rose gives a hearty laugh on the other end. “You’ll have a little bit of time to relax. Don’t worry. I’m just here to see how you’re doing and to give you some news.”

“Wish I was still in the playoffs, but I cannot change that. What is the news?”

“Well, good news, a lot of it.” Jason sounds excited.

“First bit of news is that you’re already projected to be a high draft pick again. Not a lock for top five, so I’m not sure if you’ll be going to your hometown Patriotes, but top ten, top fifteen at the latest. And you’re topping the list for goaltenders. Honza is just behind along with Gibson and Pizza.”

“Pizza? But he outperformed me. And Honza had an amazing rookie season.”

“He did, for about three games.” His agent responds. “People are not sure how his body will handle an SHL level long-term. As for Honza, there’s still good things about them. Likely a number two. But there’s debate over how much of it is dependent on the team in front of them. People also saw you with an “A” and how you carried yourself during the season.”

When he was drafted fourth, Claude was in a total state of shock. Surprised by the high position. He wasn’t even sure how things would go for the SHL draft. Not every team needs a goaltender.

“Well, damn.” Is all he can muster.

“There’s no guarantee where you’ll go yet. Not every team needs a goaltender, or would do one round one because of other needs, but if there is one who can go early, it is you. So walk a little taller, just don’t let it get to your head.”

“I will, or else my Mama will have a word with me.” He snickers. Jason gives a hearty laugh on the other end of the phone.

“Haha, that woman is a character. But you said you’ll be in Montreal for at least two weeks, right?”

“Two yes. I do want to head back to Nevada to work with the trainers on my cardio.”

“Scratch that. The entire hockey world and the scouts are going to Montreal for the Worlds, and, they’re not announcing it yet, but you were selected for Team Canada Black for the World Juniors and Team Quebec for the IIHF would like you to come to their tryouts.”

“Me?” He hums. “I just finished my J rookie season. I figured I would be in consideration for the World Juniors, but the IIHF Quebec team?!”

“It’s a tryout/workout. But they think you have potential in the international stage, if not now, the future. And the Team Canada Black general managers know and are trying to keep your endurance in mind with it, if you make it. Knox picked you and PBZ as the goaltenders, so you got someone a bit more seasoned to work with. Then Rosie Beavison, she’s a Beaver! A literal talking Beaver! It was quite the scare, haha. So what I say is take a breather. Get to work, then it will all pay off in the long-run.”

Nodding his head, Claude L’Castor takes his agent’s advice in mind. “Sounds like a plan.”

“Perfect. I’ll head up to Montreal in about two weeks. Enjoy some time with your mother. Later.”

Jason Rose hangs up the phone as Claude takes a sigh. The thought of having to play in tournaments at once is insane to him, but with the Worlds in his hometown, it is a dream come true and he can sleep in his own bed before heading out to his games and practices. His mother knocks on the door.

“Hi Claude, I couldn’t help but overhear you. You made it to Worlds?”

“Not yet.” L’Castor stands up. “Just the tryouts. Juniors is a lock though.”

“And both of them are here? That is so exciting to hear. I’m going to see every game for you. Congratulations, dear!” She gives her son a hug which he returns.

“It would be like when I was in High school again, haha.”

“Though uh, unfortunately, I will say…” Mama L’Castor clears her throat before giving some bad news.

“I will not be in person for your draft. It will be too much travel for me.”

L’Castor frowns.

“That is unfortunate to hear. You managed to make it to the Arctic with me for the J draft, is that bad for travel?”

His mother nods.

“Where is it? Tampa? Los Angeles?”

Mama L’Castor opens her mouth to tell him the news as Claude can be heard across the neighbourhood.

…

…

…

“THE DRAFT IS WHERE!?”



Place Bell
Laval, Montreal, Quebec
Team Canada Black Training Camp
May 21st, Season 80 off-season


With their seasons with their J clubs done, the SMJHL’s players set their sights on a chance to not just raise their value to their SHL clubs, but to represent their country (or conglomeration of them). Team Canada, splitting their roster into two with the large number of J eligible players from their country, have Team Red, and Team Black. Much like AC/DC, Claude L’Castor is Back in Black and is getting into the flow, but he knows things will be busy for him. As announced the day before, despite his status as a J Rookie, he managed to make Team Quebec for the World Championships. Even if he’d likely be in a back-up role for both, he’ll still be expected to get some starts. With Canada Black having ambitions for gold and Team Quebec looking to gain experience as a growing IIHF organisation while not upsetting the home crowd, there is some pressure.

The team is split into areas in each end of the ice along with the neutral zone to focus on different areas. With an extranet, the goaltenders are near the penalty box side and they are working on their rebounds. With many teams expected to crash the net, rebound control is crucial. The human Zamboni, Peanutbutter Zamboni is with Claude. PBZ is expected to make the jump to pro this next season, so this is his [do Zambonis even have gender?] last chance at gold.

The scent of Peanut Butter doesn't quite sit well with Claude as he stands there in his Nevada Battleborn gear. During the season, he got a deal with his usual brand for equipment, Glace, and they are making him some custom gear for both Team Canada and Team Quebec. But for now, it is the old reliable, clashing with the Black Maple Leaf logo on his practice jersey. Even some of his teammates are here as Badger Hennessy is working on his play in the corner, and Singh is working on the powerplay in the other end.

As Claude practices, he notices someone next to the bench area with a visitor’s badge around his neck. He’s got a zip-up jacket on with a notepad. The jacket is Green and gold. Next to him is one of his teammates. With feathers on her jersey, he can easily recognize Christina Fantobens anywhere. Great player, but is always quite the character. He recognized her instantly in his first game in the SMJHL when he played the Malamutes. She is talking to the visitor. Getting a closer look, he notices the logo on the jacket and it clicks with him. The Buffalo Stampede. She was drafted by them and he’s likely there to check up on her progress.

Claude skates over to work the drill. He appears locked in, using his pads to kick the puck to the corner when possible and smothering it when he can’t. Though out of the corner of his mask, he can see the scout point at him multiple times. He doesn’t believe there are any other rookies on Team Canada Black…

Curious indeed, much like his mother’s new kitten. After the drill, the assistant coach gives him a pat on the pads and lets the two take a water break. The representative from the Buffalo Stampede has begun to walk up the bowl and Christina is still near the bench. L’Castor reaches down to grab his water bottle.

“Hello Beaver!” Fantoben’s voice has a slight creek to it. Claude looks up and raises an eyebrow.

“Uh, Christina, the General Manager is in the press-box… Oh, the mask…” Claude removes his mask and points to the Beaver on the forehead of it. “Old joke. Sort of a mascot.”

“I am talking to you!” She points at Claude. “Are you ready to skate amongst the best in the world?”

“The World Juniors or the World Championships?” Claude asks.

“Both!”

“Well, uh, I am doing my best. But it is excited to be involved in both in my hometown, non?”

Christina looks around with a huge grin. “Eyes will be everywhere on us… as we prepare for battle!”

“Uh, yes.” Christina is quite the character. Claude realized fast she’s a bit out there. But she does keep things interesting. “You were talking to someone from your SHL team, oui?”

He asks her, trying to change the subject.

“Ah, yes. He was asking me many questions!”

Claude L’Castor doesn’t feel like getting into the details, but tries to be positive.

“It is good that your SHL team is keeping an eye on you. Interested in your progress.”

“Oh, not just questions about me, but also the one who guards the goal!” She has a huge grin and Claude, realising who she is talking about, looks up.

“Really?”

The scout appears to have his phone out, taking notes. He gives a small smirk. Appears to be good.

“Yes! We know there is a missing key to the team’s future! With time passing by our goaltenders…”

“Justin?” Claude asks.

“Not him, but people do see his qualities in you, yesss. But, I was asked about my brief experiences in opposition to you and as your ally. I spoke highly.”

Claude L’Castor blinks and is slightly confused. “You did? We only have had about three days of practice.”

“Aye, but you have a good spirit! Something tells me, if fates work, we will team again.”

Taking a sip of water, Claude L’Castor looks up at the scout and Christina. Going to Buffalo? Rebecca Montagne is nearing the end of her career and is a future Hall of Famer. Someone to learn from. Giving a smile, he extends his glove to Christina.

“We will see, but I appreciate the interest. Let’s get some gold.”

Christina Fantobens taps Claude’s glove and smiles.

“That sounds like a vision! Let us work!”

Christina skates off to her drill as Claude is waved over to start drills again. But Buffalo. Could be a fit.




Team Moon Arena
Who Knows Time in Space:
Draft Day

The SHL, going all out, have taken the draft to Team Moon’s new arena, hoping for a IIHF expansion team. With a gravitational pull in the futuristic arena, it is like they’re on Earth. The lights on stage are elaborate and futuristic as the draft is in its early stages. Claude sits with his best suit and sits next to Jason Rose. He is using the Moon’s wifi to keep in check with his mother.

Going into the draft, Claude kept steady at his position. Appearing in the top 10-15 range. Though some teams had him projected in the top five. With that range, he talked to over half the league at one point or another. The talks with Edmonton who had the Fourth overall pick were strong, but with their team having fellow Quebecois goaltender QCCBot, the long-term goaltender battle in net will not be something they want. It was no surprise they traded off fourth. The Toronto Northstars, heading for a rebuild, were actively getting picks, and their talks were positive with Claude, but after a trade for a goaltending prospect with a certain team, goaltending was not their first priority. Baltimore, with a new hire in the GM position, was busy and was hoping to put a new stamp on the team. Claude could see any of these teams as potential landing spots.

But he has a feeling where he’ll land.

The early parts of the draft go as expected. Two of the Triplets go one and two. Hekatash had an understandable jump along with Jordan Lafrenière. When Wednesday Shrinetime goes fifth to Toronto, Claude claps and cheered on his teammate. The previously undrafted Erik Johnson goes 6th. 

But as Buffalo takes the stage, Claude L’Castor sits up slightly. The lights turn green and the general managers are on stage, holding the green and gold of the Stampede. The commissioner gets up to announce the pick.

“Ladies and gentlemen, with the 7th overall pick in the SHL Season 81 Entry draft, the Buffalo Stampede are pleased to select, from the Nevada Battleborn, Goaltender Claude L’Castor!”

There is a cheer as Claude stands up. This time, he was not caught off guard. The big goaltender shakes Jason’s hand and goes up the aisle. Someone wearing a spacesuit takes his suit jacket so Claude can change it in for his new colours. On stage, Claude L’Castor gives a hearty handshake to his new SHL General managers. He will not be there for another 3 seasons in all likelihood, but having a home at the pro level, a vote of confidence to go top ten as a goaltender, he has something extra to motivate him while in Nevada. Putting on his new jersey, Claude wears a ball cap on his head. Big grin on his face, a dream has been realized as now-

He has been drafted into the SHL.

Claude L'Castor #70||Goaltender||Nevada Battleborn/Buffalo Stampede  

 

That was a lot of words.

Great to have seen you go high!