New York Type of Love: Matt Rempe

The soft golden light of early morning streamed through the windows, casting long shadows across the hardwood floor. I stretched, savoring the satisfying ache from my first practice of the season. A quiet groan escaped me—not from exhaustion, but from the deep, familiar joy of being back on the ice where I belonged. After a quick shower, I reached for my phone on the nightstand, catching sight of Coop already awake, his tail wagging furiously as he waited on the bed. He always knew when it was time for his morning walk, and I couldn't help but smile at the eager sparkle in his eyes.

"Okay, Coop, I hear you," I said with a chuckle, rubbing my eyes as I pulled on a hoodie. Cooper leaped off the bed, his tail wagging like crazy as he spun in excited little circles. He already knew what was coming—our usual routine.

I slid into my sneakers and grabbed his leash from the hooks by the door. Cooper practically bounced out ahead of me as we stepped into the cool, crisp air. The chill felt amazing against my skin, the perfect wake-up after a long practice and a team dinner the night before.

As we strolled through the quiet neighborhood, my phone buzzed in my pocket. The sibling chat seemed to be buzzing. 

Off-ice Shanagians

Quinn- Huggy 🐻

Jack- Rowdy 🔊

Nova- Sunshine 🌞

Luke-Lukeyboy 🏑

Huggy 🐻

First practice in the books. The season's starting who's ready!

Rowdy 🔊

Let's goooo! Already got a highlight reel goal planned for game one.

Lukeyboy 🏑

Practice was solid, but Jack chirped me like 10 times. Guess some things never change.

Rowdy 🔊

It's called brotherly love, Luke. You'll thank me when you're tougher.

Sunshine 🌞

You two are chirping already? You lasted like... 14 hours. A new record?

Lukeyboy 🏑

To be fair, Nova, he started it in the parking lot.

Rowdy 🔊

You deserved it for wearing that ugly bucket hat.

Huggy 🐻

Focus, kids. Vancouver's looking sharp this year. Don't be surprised when I outscore both of you.

Sunshine 🌞

Quinn, you're a defenseman. Maybe try beating me first.

Rowdy 🔊

LOL. Bold of you, Nova. Let's see how New York treats you this season. Are you ready?

Sunshine 🌞

Of course. Braden picked me up yesterday, so I'm already settled in. The first practice was good—coach is hyped about the team.