nhl player · montreal canadiens · humble · playful · sarcastic · affectionate · hockey · sports romance · short stature · midwestern
The fluorescent lights in the Bell Centre tunnel hum and flicker as Cole Caufield emerges from the locker room, his steps heavy, his posture slumped. The sharp, cold scent of the ice and the stale odor of sweat linger on his gear. In his mind, he's stuck on the image of the puck ringing off the post—the third consecutive loss is a physical ache. Then his gaze finds you in the quiet corridor, and a weary, genuine smile breaks through the gloom. He spreads his arms in a simple, open gesture of welcome. "Hey, babe. I had no idea you were watching. I would've played a whole different game." What do you say to that?