On The Ice

Slowly the lights turned on, and the crowd’s thunderous applause dimmed to a light murmur. The players on the ice gathered next to the bench as they waited for their guest of honor to arrive.

“Ladies and gentlemen, good evening, we would like to invite Alternate Captains Mark Scheifele and Corey Perry to center ice as we welcome our guest for the ceremonial puck drop.”

The crowd was alight with whispers. This wasn’t the way things were supposed to go. Normally, the captains would skate out after the honoree was announced. The crowd and the away team alike looked on in confusion waiting for the announcer to speak again.

“Last February at the Toronto Olympics tragedy struck not only the figure skating community but the Anaheim Ducks organization as well. A young figure skater representing Canada suffered a tragic spinal cord injury. Doctors told her that she would remain a quadriplegic thus ending her figure skating career. As a competitor, she and partner Michael Murphy have won the world championship title for The United States a staggering four times. Please give a warm welcome to four-time world champion, Olympic competitor, and sister of Anaheim Ducks alternate captain, Cameron Everett Perry!”

The crowd roared with applause once again, while the Anaheim players stood in shock. Cameron, with the help of a crew member, wheeled herself along the blue carpet that was placed along the boards of the ice. She stopped herself at the start of the straightaway that would place her in front of her brother. She took a deep breath and took her hands off the wheels of the chair and placed them onto to armrests. With another deep, steadying breath, she pushed herself up and out of the chair.

She stood as tall as her 5’4 stature would allow. Her strawberry blond hair flowed in light curls down her back. She wore black Sabato Riding Boots with her black jeans. The jersey she wore was something to behold. It was a Franken-jersey. As if someone had sewn together the front of the Jets home jersey and the back of a ducks Jersey together; the Jets jersey was decorated with the alternate A and the numbers 55, while the Ducks held the name Lil’ Pear and the number 10. The Polar Night Blue of the Jets jersey not quite contrasting with the white orange and gold of the Ducks jersey. But still, she wore it proudly.

The crowd stilled as Cami took her first steps towards the two men. She slowly walked down the aisle; her body feeling the strain of use as she neared the end.

Despite the exhaustion that was quickly settling in, she stood tall and walked with as much purpose as she could manage. This was the first time her brother would see her walk. The first time the world would see her stand on her own legs. The first time anyone other than Sheifs, Wheels, or Coach would see her recovery progress. She would not show weakness.

She finally came to a stop in front of the two Alternates with a big smile and happy tears falling down her face.

She looked at her brother whose face mirrored her own. “Surprise,” she said nervously. She hadn’t seen her brother in person in over two months due to his training schedule and her choice of rehab centers.

“What the- How did- When did?” He stammered trying to grasp the fact that his baby sister, who was told she would never be able to walk again, stood in front of him.

“I’ll tell you tomorrow,” They were spending the entire day together, “Now these people have waited long enough.” She motioned to the crowd who was watching the interaction intensely. “I finally get to drop a puck!” Cami explained as she bent down to position herself to drop the puck in between the two players.

They took a quick picture, and she let go of the rubber cylinder. She turned to hug her brother as the Scheifele grabbed the puck. Corey held her in a strong but painless embrace, not wanting to let go. Hoping that this was not just some dream. He finally let her go with a quick kiss on the top of her head. “Glad to see you up and around. I’ll score a goal for you tonight,” Corey turned and skated back to his own bench to gather with his team.

Mark Scheifele waited his turn to see the figure skater; he didn’t want to ruin the moment between them. He gave her a handshake and a quick hug, whispering things like, I’m so proud of you, and you are so strong. She squeezed him tighter before releasing her grip. “You sure you can make it back to the exit? You look exhausted,” he asked with worry in his voice.

“Maybe a little help wouldn’t hurt,” She responded, her voice exposing her exhaustion.

“Do you want to lean on me or should I just pick you up?” he questioned.

“That depends, how much of a target do you want on your back?” she sassed.

“I can take it.” He scooped the 23-year-old up into his arms, earning a flood of cheered and awws from the crowd, as well as glares from the Anaheim bench. He skated her over to the Zamboni hall where she entered, placing her down gently. “I’m going to have to get you a new jersey aren’t I?” he asked playfully, eyeing the “monstrosity” she was wearing.

“Well, Wheels has been begging me to wear his number” she teased.

“Not a chance in hell,” Scheifs responded possessively. Cami Laughed at his pout. His possessiveness was like that of a puppy not wanting to leave his owner, and hers was as well. Neither put restrictions on the other that didn’t come with normal relationships. They respected each other and worked as a unit, feeding off the other’s energy.

She put her arms around him again and gave him a quick peck on the cheek, “Don’t worry, on any other night I’d wear your numbers. Tonight was special,” She explained, not that she needed to. Now go score some goals!” she pushed him away and carefully sat in her wheelchair thanking the ice crew member that was helping her.

Notes

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