Against the Boards

A few years had passed, and life had changed in ways Mitch and Elise could have never imagined. They had traded the city skyline for a quieter, more peaceful life outside of Toronto—a home with a big backyard, space for the dogs to run, and plenty of room for their growing family.

Because now, it wasn't just them anymore. They had their baby boy on January 16th, 2016 at 6:40 PM: Noah James Marner.

Noah: Daddy!

Mitch barely had time to react before a small body came barreling into his legs, clinging onto him as if he had been gone for months instead of just a road trip.

Mitch: Hey, bud!

 Mitch scooped up their three-year-old son, Noah, holding him close. 

Mitch: Were you good for Mommy?

Noah nodded, his tiny Maple Leafs jersey slightly oversized on his small frame. 

Noah: I missed you.

Mitch: I missed you too, buddy.

Elise walked into the foyer, their newborn daughter, Olivia, nestled in her arms. 

Elise: He's been asking about you all day.

Then in 2019, came Olivia Jennifer Marner. on April 13th, 2019, at 4:40 AM, Olivia Jennifer Marner was born.

Mitch kissed her quickly before turning his attention to their baby girl. 

Mitch: And what about you, princess? You miss me too?

He gently ran a finger over Olivia's tiny hand, and she instinctively curled her fingers around it.

Elise: She's been a perfect angel, Unlike this one, who refused to go to bed on time last night.

Noah giggled, tucking his head against Mitch's shoulder.

Mitch smirked, shifting Noah onto one arm so he could wrap the other around Elise. 

Mitch: Well, it looks like Daddy's home just in time to restore some order around here.

Elise: You mean spoil them even more?

Mitch: I have no idea what you're talking about.

Elise rolled her eyes, but the love in her gaze was unmistakable.

Game Nights & Family Traditions

Even with their quiet life outside of the city, hockey still played a huge role in their world. On game nights, Elise and the kids would pile onto the couch, watching as Mitch played for the Maple Leafs. Noah had already taken an interest in hockey, running around the house with a mini stick, pretending to score goals just like his dad.

One night, after a big win, Mitch came home to find Noah waiting for him, clutching his tiny stick.

Noah: Daddy! I practiced my slap shot today!

Mitch: Oh yeah? Let's see it.

Noah ran to the mini net set up in their living room and swung with all his might. The plastic ball shot past Mitch and into the net.

Noah: Goal!!!

Noah cheered, throwing his arms up in victory.

Mitch: Whoa, that was way better than my shot.

Noah: I wanna play for the Leafs one day!

Elise, who was standing in the doorway holding Olivia, laughed. 

Elise: Looks like you have some competition, Mitch.

Mitch pulled Noah into a hug. 

Mitch: As long as I get to be your biggest fan, bud.

A Life They Always Dreamed Of

Later that night, after the kids were asleep, Mitch and Elise sat outside on their porch, wrapped in a blanket as they watched the stars.

Elise: You know this is exactly the life I dreamed about.

Mitch: Me too.

They had built something beautiful together—a home, a family, a life filled with love. And while hockey would always be a part of who Mitch was, this—the laughter of their children, the warmth of Elise beside him, the love that filled their home—was his greatest victory.

And he wouldn't trade it for anything.

The End.