Page 1 of Soulmates and Slapshots (Love in Maple Falls #6)

WESTON

H ow did I end up here? I guess that’s a question we all ask ourselves at some point in our lives.

I suppose some would say I’m just a guy living the dream.

Dreams can become reality even when they take us in unexpected directions.

I’ve been working for this my whole life, and with playing professional hockey comes constant change and new opportunities.

For me that meant leaving my team, the Tennessee Wolves to play for the Ice Breakers.

It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up, and with this transition has come a whole array of emotions.

Yes, emotions …just don’t tell my teammates.

I have a lot on my mind right now. Just getting used to a new team culture, systems, and strategies brings a learning curve.

There’s also the constant urge to prove myself as an asset to the team.

And moving across the country from family and friends has added another layer to the experience.

I’ll miss the Wolves after being a part of the organization for most of my career up until now.

This has all happened so fast. Maple Falls is the typical picture-perfect small town, but that’s nothing new for me.

My grandparents live in a tiny town in South Carolina, so I’m used to this kind of vibe.

Most of the people in their town have known each other forever with some families having lived there for generations.

I have no doubt that’s how it is in Maple Falls.

I found a decent sized condo to rent, but it’s nothing like my place back in Tennessee.

I was living in a modern high-rise overlooking the lights of the city skyline.

This place is different, but it’s cozy and comfortable—complete with a traditional wood burning fireplace.

And since it’s just me, I don’t need a ton of space.

It’s in a great location, with a nice view and right near the middle of town where all the action happens.

At least I’m assuming some action takes place in Maple Falls.

This is a question for my former teammate, Cooper.

He’s not much on conversation, but I believe his appreciation for this town runs deep.

I scroll through my phone and find his number.

“Well, well, well. How’s life in Pine Falls?” Cooper answers after a few seconds.

“Don’t you mean Maple Falls?” I ask, staring out the window at fall foliage that looks like something out of a movie.

He snorts. “Yeah, sure.”

According to his wife Blair, Cooper still insists that Pine Falls would have been a better name for the town, and it seems like he’s willing to die on that hill.

Cooper played for the Ice Breakers back when they were nothing more than a temporary charity team, pulled together a few years ago to support a good cause.

What started as a short-term project turned out to be a life-changing experience for him—in more ways than one.

It was during those few intense months in Maple Falls that everything shifted.

Not only did he find a deeper purpose off the ice, but he also ended up falling for his publicist. Now, Cooper and Blair are happily married and living proof that sometimes the journey can lead to unexpected experiences.

“Anyway, do you guys miss me yet?” I ask, keeping my tone light.

“No.” He answers without hesitation. He’s so blunt, there isn’t an ounce of sarcasm, which is classic Cooper. And knowing him, there’s a very real possibility he means it.

“It’s okay, you can tell me the truth,” I tease. “I know the Wolves are lost without me.”

“Sure. Whatever you say.”

I let out a laugh. “At least I know Mac misses me.”

Mac is the Wolves goalie and one of my closest friends. He always had my back, on and off the ice.

“He hasn’t said,” Cooper replies. “I hate to break it to you, but you haven’t been a big topic of conversation since you left. You know how the trades go—we’re all used to it. Out of sight, out of mind.”

“Ouch. That hurts, man.”

Cooper lets out a low chuckle. “Anyway, don’t forget to check out the Maple Grounds Bakery. Best pumpkin bread and cinnamon rolls you’ll ever have. Trust me.”

“It’s on my list,” I say. “My condo’s not far from downtown, so I’m guessing that’s the best place to hang out and meet people, right?”

“I wouldn’t know,” he replies again, deadpan.

“Wait a minute—didn’t you have meet-and-greets all over town while you were here? I thought the Ice Breakers were always out in the community. Wasn’t there also a table at the big festival? Photo ops, autographs, and merch?”

“Yes,” he admits. “Honestly, it’s all a blur now. Blair was doing her job as my new publicist, while I was trying to stop myself from falling for her. She was determined to make sure I was front and center in the town.”

“And you secretly loved every minute of it,” I prod.

“Maybe,” he says slowly. “My wife has a power over me like nothing I’ve ever experienced. There’s no way to stop it.”

“She’s a powerhouse, no doubt. But you came here for a good cause—to help the kids of Maple Falls.”

He sighs. “Yeah. I was willing to do whatever needed to be done for them. That’s the only reason I agreed to go to Pine Falls in the first place.”

That’s the thing about Cooper. He might act emotionally unavailable most of the time, but he shows up when it comes to helping kids. Every single time.

“Well, wish me luck,” I say. “New team, new town, new chapter—all that stuff.”

“You’ll be fine,” he says. “And you’ll eventually get used to the ‘Ice Ice Baby’ song the team uses. Or maybe you’ll get lucky and they’ll change it.”

“That’s a good song,” I exclaim. “It’s a classic.”

“You’re kidding, right?”

I chuckle. “Anyway, tell the guys I said hi and give them all hugs for me.”

“Yeah, don’t count on that.”

I laugh as we wrap up the call. He won’t say it, but I know he misses me. The Wolves weren’t just my teammates—they were my second family. And if I’m lucky, the Ice Breakers will become that for me too.

I start to gather my gear and head to the rink for morning drills. Preseason is in full swing, and if there’s ever a time to make my mark with this new team, it’s now.

The Ice Breakers started with one simple goal—raise money and awareness for Happy Horizons Ranch, a local children’s camp that has meant the world to this community for decades.

The team was meant to be temporary, just a feel-good initiative to rally support.

But something about it stuck. The town of Maple Falls embraced the Ice Breakers as their own, and what started as a charity program turned into a permanent, beloved team.

The team’s owner, Troy Hart is a local and passionate about it becoming a success.

And now we’re part of the town. They want us to become a representation of resilience and hometown pride.

I’m grateful to be a part of it which made my trade a little easier.

Admittedly when the opportunity to join the team came up, I hesitated at first. Change isn’t easy, but it comes with this job.

I’d built something solid with the Wolves, and the idea of starting over was intimidating.

But beneath the hesitation was the fear of not measuring up.

I’ve always had this quiet drive to prove myself and show that I’m more than just a solid player.

I want to be someone who makes a real impact for my team.

Ultimately joining the Ice Breakers is giving me this chance. A chance to step out of my comfort zone, push myself harder, and maybe even lead in ways I haven’t before.

As for the team itself, I’m optimistic. We’ve got a solid mix of skill, heart, and experience.

There’s good chemistry starting to build, and that’s half the battle.

Coach Hauser has a commanding presence, and from what I’ve seen so far, he knows how to bring out the best in us.

That kind of leadership makes all the difference.

In this game, team culture can make or break a season.

And if I’m being honest, I’m ready. Ready to prove myself and hopefully make this place feel like home. But most importantly I’m ready to believe I belong here as an essential part of my team.

I haven’t felt this alive on the ice in a long time.

As I move around the rink, I have a renewed sense of why I choose this career.

I always loved this sport, and I was very fortunate to have parents who supported and encouraged me to keep pushing myself.

I started in the youth leagues with some friends and never stopped playing.

Admittedly I felt like I had to work harder than some of my peers, and no matter what I did I still felt like I was coming up short.

I played in college before heading to the minors and eventually moving up to play with the Wolves.

I believe I have a lot of talent but often find myself caught up in the comparison cycle.

This is difficult not to do when you play a sport professionally.

“Nice move,” Carson shouts. His nickname is Bama because he’s from Alabama. I haven’t gotten used to calling him that yet.

“Thanks, man. I’ve been practicing,” I say with a chuckle.

He gives a nod.

My teammates seem really cool so far, and it’s a relief to not be the only new guy in town.

Our captain, Jamie Hayes, is from New York and played for Coach Hauser early in his career.

I’m sure their strong connection will help them lead the team with great energy.

Although it’s blatantly obvious he and our teammate Harry Franks don’t get along.

Either way, I’m smart enough to stay out of the drama.

Of course I know players can show an entirely different side when we are in the heat of a game.

I’ve been on teams with many different personalities, and you never know what to expect until things ramp up.

I’m very easy going, probably too much most of the time.

I’ve had a few previous coaches tell me to be more aggressive—and I know in playing defense it does make a difference.

Maybe in my case skill and pure determination outweighs intensity?

I’m aggressive when it matters and will stop at nothing to protect our goalie.

My teammate, Lucian, also plays defense, and I already can tell we’ll work well together.

I’m vaguely familiar with a few of the other players. Cade Lennox is well known in the league for both his talent and reputation off the ice. I may have unintentionally slammed him into the glass a few times during practice. But I was only doing my job by showcasing my defensive skills.

Asher Trembley’s a newer player in the league. And then there’s our goalie, Clément who’s French, complete with the fancy accent. I’m sure he’ll draw in lots of attention. Everyone likes a guy with an accent, right?

We continue with drills, and then Coach Hauser gives us a few quick pep talks full of systems and strategies.

By the end of practice, I’m both exhausted and energized. It’s great to see how quickly our team is coming together. I’m starting to have a great feeling about this season.