Life Around The World

Is It October Yet?

"Mom where's my hockey gear?" James asked from the bottom of the stairs. I walked over to stairs that lead to the basement and went down to show him where I had put it after last season had ended. "It's right here in the equipment storage." I replied pulling the bag out from the bottom shelf of the shelf. "Thanks mom." He replied as he picked the bag up and lugged it over his shoulder and up to the garage.

"Jay you ready buddy?" Hunter yelled from the kitchen where he was making a coffee to go. "Yeah give me a second." He replied. "Man can't believe it's tryout season again. Where did the time go?" I asked Hunter as he headed to the front door to put his shoes on and head out to the Jeep. "I know, it's like summer didn't even happen." He replied just as James opened the bag and threw his bag in the back seat. "Good luck Jay." I said as he came over to the passenger's side and gave me a hug before hopping in.

"So how many more tryouts does he have to go to before he finds out if he made the team?" Mitch asked as he popped his head up from behind the couch. "Just one more tryout and then they find out Saturday if they made it or not." I replied as I brought a bowl of chips over to the coffee table and sitting on the couch next to Alex. "Macey moo look what I've go." Alex held a chip out as Macey turned her head for a brief second before turning back to Mitch who began to tickle her. "Wow looks like Mitch took over the favourite uncle spot." I said letting out a small laugh. "Hey Mitchie, doesn't count he's a family friend." Alex said trying to keep his "Favourite uncle title". Soon the front door opened to reveal Auston coming to join us in the living room.

"Nice of you to knock bud." Alex said as Auston greeted everyone before taking a seat. Macey's ears perked up when she heard Auston's voice boom through the room. "Who's that Mace?" I asked as she stood up and walked over to Auston with her hands up signaling she wanted to be help. "Hey princess." He said as he picked her up and sat her on his lap. "Well looks like the both of you just got out favourited by Auston." I laughed as the rolled their eyes before looking at Auston. "What, I have a way with the little ones." He replied giving the boys his nice pearly white smile.

Conversation continued in the living room before the front door opened again as James walked through with his stick in hand and bag slung over his shoulder. "Hey bud how did it go?" I asked as he went towards the kitchen to grab a snack. "I think it went well. Pretty sure I have a spot on the team." He replied. "Why do you say that?" Alex asked as James joined us in the living room. "Well because the coach told me he could use a player like me on the ice." The room fell silent for a moment as Hunter walked in and took a seat next to Auston. "Hey guys." He said before our conversation with James resumed. "Well that's a good sign but what else did he say?" Mitch asked grabbing a chip from the bowl. "He told me that I have the potential to take my skills further in my hockey career." James replied.

A few hours later, we found ourselves at the Scotiabank Arena watching the Leafs warm up for their first pre-season game of the year. "You think I could make it to the NHL one day?" James asked as we watched the boys warmup on the ice surface down below. "I mean, if you keep up your training who knows, one day that could be you down there playing with Auston and Mitch." Hunter said just as the lights in the building dimmed and we were asked to rise for the national anthems. After the national anthem, the puck was dropped, and the game began as both teams battled for the puck. After the first two periods had finished, the boys came back ready for the third and final period of the game. "Alright boys, let's kick some Red Wings butt." Hunter said as Auston and the Red Wings centre man met at centre ice for third period puck drop. Auston won the faceoff passing the puck back to Morgan on defence and soon the third period was in motion.

"Great game out there tonight Mitch!" James said as we met with Auston and Mitch by the dressing room. "Thanks buddy." He replied. "Hey what am I? Chopped liver?" Auston chimed in as he appeared from the dressing room with his bag slung over is shoulder. "You played a great game too Auston." I replied rolling my eyes as he came over and gave me a side hug. " Alright, I'm heading home to see Steph now. Catch you guys later."Mitch said as we all said goodbye and he left us standing there to chat with Auston for a little while longer.