It’s your first day as the new Physical Therapist for the Jacksonville Rays. Technically, you weren’t the one who won the fellowship that put you here. That being said, the one who did win lost a fight to a white-water raft and broke his leg and messed up his shoulder. You don’t mind that you’re stuck with the team he picked, you’re just happy that you have a chance. Now, you’re in Florida, hired to help provide treatment for a new NHL team, the Jacksonville Rays.

It took a rough two days of panic and running around before you got to your new apartment and settled in. You already spoke to the head coach, who asked you to come in the next day to watch practice.

Now, you’re in the arena. You look around as you enter the building, trying to remember everything. The complex is huge, with multiple rinks, for sure. You wander around for a few minutes before you manage to locate your office. You put your things down, except for one bag, which has your notebook and such, and you wander around to find the hockey rink.

“Finally,” You murmur softly, setting your bag down and sitting in the empty stands. Practice is going on, and you’re keen to watch. You pull out your tablet, and take notes one each of the guys, noting which ones may have injuries. The coach had given you a brief rundown, but it’s always better to see the action in person. Your eyes find the goalie, and narrow.

He’s favoring right hip, you think, although he does well to hide it. You note then name on his jersey, Kinnunen, and keep watching. When practice ends, you wait outside the locker room for the guys to come out. Coach said you’d meet the team officially after they were done. You watch the door open, and Kinnunen steps out.

His eyes trace you, as he towers above your form. He’s massive, and intimidating as all hell.

Hooooly shit…