Life as a hockey player herself dealing with growing up with 3 brothers all close in age who are all in the NHL. Payton has to choose between brothers, friendships, and relationships in her life that may not be easy.
"Gooood morning Phillyyyy" I yawn very loudly opening up the curtains and blinds in my hotel room over looking the city. Yes, I'm living in a hotel room unfortunately for now but it's okay with me because my brother is getting to live out his dreams by playing in the NHL. He got called up and has already played 2 games with them on the road but they're back and he was doing great so they kept him for a little longer. Lehigh valley phantoms- his AHL team, is currently in the playoffs so hopefully he could bring the flyers closer to their own playoff game next week. My parents weren't able to fly out with me yesterday but they will be coming here if it's a playoff game.
Life living with athletes: never the same schedule. When you wake up, they're gone for practice. When you go to bed, they won't be there to say goodnight. During the day, they're taking naps, at meetings, away on the road, or playing their game. So I woke up this morning alone in the room. I didn't even hear him get ready and leave.
I go to the counter where I find a gift bag, Tim Hortons bag, a coffee, and my favorite flowers- orange roses along with a note. I open up the gift first to find an orange Strome flyers jersey that I can wear to the game tonight and hopefully for a while. The orange roses fit the vibe for today eh? I next drink my iced coffee and eat because I was starving. I totally forgot about the note- who writes notes anymore. "Welcome to Philly big sis. Thanks for being my biggest fan- love you always, your fav bro:)"
Matthew is literally the best person ever. No guy has ever got me flowers except my father or one of my brothers but this still meant a lot. Whoever he marries one day will be the luckiest lady on earth.
To: lil bro- thanks for the beautiful flowers and the jersey, I love it. Man after being back in Canada the Tim's in America sucks I can't believe I ate it for four years in Minny. See you later!! > no problem sis, love you. Dyl and ry could never exceed me. Right that's why I'm a Starbucks guy when I'm here. See you tonight
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931k likes 542 comments "I am so beyond proud of you for what you have accomplished at and by the age of 21. By seeing you go to the AHL right from high school to winning team Canada in the world juniors two years ago to making your way up in the NHL. Have the best time out there tonight and score some goals!!"
Once I got out of the shower I had a few new texts.
From: Auston Matthews- "Hey Payton, did you make it to Philly alright?" < "hey :), yes I did! Thanks for checking, got in last night around 11. How's everything there?" > "the usual. Leaving soon to head on out to Pittsburgh." < "have a safe flight and I'll talk to you soon! Tell Guentz I said hi- he's my fellow goph haha. Good luck tomorrow, I'll be watching!!"
They play Pittsburgh Sunday afternoon so I will be able to watch since the flyers game isn't until later on. I scroll down to see that my brother Ryan texted also.
From: Ry Strome- "what hotel are you staying at?" < "ritz Carlton" < "why?" > "Because I'm coming. Did you watch the game or hear about anything last night?" < "what?? Why? And no I was on the flight and came straight here and went to bed. You're not going to Washington?" > "I got injured, pushed into the boards the wrong way, it's obviously season ending bc our season is over, didn't make the playoffs. Might be out start of next season too. I want to come watch my little brother play." < "Aw Ry I'm sorry to hear that! He'd be so happy to see you. Let's keep it a surprise, room 218. When do you think you'll be here?" > "I'll text you all the details later. I'll prob leave Sunday after I meet with the team doctor one last time in the morning and then just fly home with you and get my stuff shipped back."
I knew the Rangers weren't playing their best and not making the playoffs wasn't anything new sadly but hearing that my brother has a leg/knee injury by going into the boards was sad and scary. He's done for now and will recover this off season but he may not be able to start next season if it needs surgery which is most likely he informed me.
Hair down straight, all white yeezys, my flyers jersey, and black leggings. I'm all ready to head to Wells Fargo to see my first flyers game at home.
The first period was loud and exciting- back to back goals. It made the score 1-1 end of the first. 2nd period: 1-3. Losing. 3rd period was the best period although we were down by two but not for long. Matthew gets ahold of the puck and takes it down the ice, shoots a backhander to the left corner and scores. He scored his first NHL goal and I was trying not to cry. I couldn't believe it. He scored and helped the team get back on track to win. In the next 15 minutes the team scored 2 more goals to win the game. It was a close one but they got it done. Matthew got it done.
