When humanity is threatened only the super powered might of the Toronto Maple Leafs can be counted on to save the day. The Leafs have undergone a major overhaul this year. Of all the changes, none has been more impactful than the addition of a squadron based tactical deployment that head coach Mike Babcock and GM Kyle Dubas designed to keep the peace on the mean Toronto streets. Today we follow Oyster Squadron: wingers

Tyler Ennis can’t help but gaze in wonder at the technological marvels hidden deep beneath Toronto Maple Leaf tower. Flying robots and energy manipulators and every kind of creature imaginable mingled together with a research staff larger than the population of Etobikoe. Tyler’s guide chuckles beside him.

“Don’t worry.” Josh Leivo says. “It never gets old.”

Tyler had been surprised that it was Josh who was sent to show him around. They were competing for the same roster spot. He had been even more surprised when he learned that Josh had requested the task.

“I’m part of the team” Josh had said. “I want you to feel welcome so you can get to work helping us win.”

Tyler was humbled by the Leafs attitude. He knew the Toronto Maple Leafs was a special sort of team, he was starting to understand how special. They walked through a curtain of rippling light and into a nearly silent room. The floor was soft, squishy underfoot. Of walls, Tyler could see no sign.

“Transdimensional gate.” Josh answered Tyler’s question before his brain could form the words. “This is where we spar. Come meet the rest of the squad.”

A little way ahead Tyler could see small shapes flailing about impossibly fast. As they approached he could see that three Leafs were locked in an intense combat. Closer and closer they came, Tyler mesmerized by the grace and deadly skill on display. Josh holds out an arm to stop him and points to a thick red line.

“If you cross that line you’re fair game.” Josh says.

Tyler nods in wordless thanks, glad he does not have to test himself against the ferocious skill on display. Not only are the Leafs using real blades, but they are also using their super powers. Tyler can only watched amazed.

Andreas Johnsson has long blades where his hands would normally be. He stabs and slashes furiously at his opponents. Flailing around wildly, Tyler might have said out of control, except the young Leaf always defends every attack and would have killed lesser opponents many times over. Connor Brown swings his spear in wide sweeping arcs. His face wears a look of supreme calm which belies the terrible effort required to create the web of steel that protects him from his opponents. Connor absorbs kinetic energy and uses it to fuel his strength and speed, knowing this his opponents aren’t trying very hard to hit him. Kasperi Kapenen uses his super speed to elude and harass his opponents. His short sword flicks, viper quick, but every time it is blocked or dodged. He zips around Andreas, then zooms behind Connor faster than eyes can follow. The Leafs spar with reckless and infectious enthusiasm. Josh can’t help himself.

“You’re cool right?” He asks Tyler.

Tyler nods, slightly jealous of the easy way that Josh slides in with his teammates. Taking a running leap Josh slams his fists into the ground scattering the rest. They recover instantly, attacking their unarmed foe with blade and spear. Josh is impervious to physical harm. He lashes out with foot and fist, and the sparring continues but Josh has thrown a new wrinkle into the fight. He wades into attacks that the others would avoid. Inevitably the other three start to gang up on him.

“Hardly seems fair does it?” A voice says from behind Tyler.

Startled, he turns and sees Hayley Wickenheiser standing there. Her approach had been silent. She stares hard at Tyler, eyebrow raised, expecting an answer to her question.

“No sensei.” Tyler says. “Hardly fair at all.”

“So join them.” Hayley says. It is not a suggestion.

Tyler hesitates for less then an instant before running into the fray, shrinking down to the size of a dime. Suddenly Kasperi trips head over heels and Connor is diverted from Josh to swing at the air.

From outside the red circle Hayley watches with a grin.

“Go Leafs.” She says. “Go.”