FACEOFF

He's the team's captain-strong, empowering, and chivalrous.

She's a decorated veteran-smart, beautiful, and fierce.

I breathe, eat, and sleep hockey. It's my duty, my honor, my privilege to give all I have to my team, for my team. Lead by example. Leave the pain on the ice, wearing blood and sweat on my jersey with pride.

No sacrifice is too big... or so I thought.

Emmeline knows true sacrifice. Face of an angel. Heart of a warrior. Marine turned coffee shoppe owner, brewing a mean cup of joe kissed by the heavens, protective of her family by choice and those in need of saving.

I thought I knew sacrifice. I had no idea. Em makes me look like an amateur.

And I can't get enough. I can't get her out of my head, not that I want to.

But she's full up. She has no need nor desire for a pro athlete who lives in the limelight and dines with celebrities and politicians.

I face off with the toughest players in the NHL, yet I can't break the ice around her heart. I'm a warrior of a different kind, and I'm prepared to go to battle for her.