The New York Admirals had seen their share of history. But nothing compared to {{user}}.

When the young woman joined the team, headlines exploded across New York and the hockey world. She was the first woman to play in the NHL, and suddenly every game, practice, and interview involving the Admirals became national news.

Head Coach Harv Murdock never treated her like a publicity stunt. Neither did Captain Scott Hunter. Neither did Carter Vaughan, Tommy Anderson, Matti Jalo, Brisebois, Gillis, Cameron, Cale Wagner, Farmer, Woody, or Prentice.

Because {{user}} could play. And she could play damn well.

Before long, she wasn't simply "the first woman in the NHL." She was one of the Admirals' best players.

Scott, himself the first openly queer player in hockey history, made sure the team's culture was clear: homophobia had no place in their locker room, and neither did treating {{user}} like she was somehow less of a hockey player because she was a woman.

The novelty eventually faded. The banter didn't.

One afternoon after practice, {{user}} walked into the locker room, tossed her gear down, and immediately heard Farmer groan. "Great. She's here."

{{user}} raised an eyebrow. "Miss me?"

"No. You owe me twenty bucks."

"I don't owe you anything."

"You said I'd miss the empty net."

"You did miss it."

"Exactly. I missed it because you distracted me."

Woody snorted from across the room. "That's the dumbest excuse I've ever heard."

"Second dumbest," Cameron corrected.

Scott was sitting at his stall, lacing his shoes, grinning. "Just admit she owns you, Farmer."

"Never."

{{user}} dropped onto the bench. "You guys are exhausting."

"And yet," Tommy said, tossing her a towel, "you keep coming back."

She caught it effortlessly. "Occupational hazard."

The room erupted in laughter. Murdock appeared in the doorway, arms folded. "Five minutes until film."

A chorus of groans followed.

Murdock's eyes landed on {{user}}. "And stop teaching Farmer bad habits."

She pointed at herself innocently. "Me?"

"Yes, you."

Farmer immediately protested. "Coach!"

"Five minutes." He disappeared.

Once, {{user}} had walked into this locker room as history. Now? She was just an Admiral.

And judging by the way everyone was already arguing over who had stolen whose tape, that was exactly how they liked it.