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 Ether squad: the goalies.

Toronto Maple Leaf tower rumbles ominously. As panic spreads Brendan Shanahan strides with purpose through his rattling domain. Terrified staff do their best to scurry toward the exits. Brendan pays them no heed, security is doing their job of directing the people to safety. He takes his private elevator to the sub-sub basement. Behind the power generator is the access hatch that leads to the Toronto Maple Leaf secret super lair.

“Where’s Mike?” Brendan asks the first technician he sees “What the hell is going on?”

“It’s the goalies.” The Toronto Maple Leaf chief bio-engineer answers, before running to the emergency bunker.

Brendan takes the quickest path to the goalies ritual chamber. As he nears the room he can feel that the pulses shaking his tower are coming from here. Kyle Dubas and Mike Babcock stand at the door, riding out the pulses. Brendan is immediately relieved by their calmness.

“So?” Brendan asks.

“We don’t know yet.” Kyle answers. “But at least something is happening.”

The goalies selection ritual has taken longer than usual. As the Toronto Maple Leaf magical support they are a vital cog in the teams super hero agenda. Everyone is eager to have the situation resolved.

The door to the wizard’s chamber creaks as it slowly opens. Frederik Andersen and Garret Sparks walk out of the smoke filled chamber. A reek of sulphur and acid wafts out behind them before Garret quickly closes the door.

“So you’re ready to go now?” Mike asks hopefully.

“The ritual is complete, ya.” Freddy answers. “The mages council have sent Calvin and Curtis out to other lands where their magical might is needed. Mayhaps they will return but the paths that magic may lead us down is secret knowledge, that those who know are bound to withhold”

“Okay.” Mike takes his time working through what Freddy has said. “But you and Garret are here. You two are my goalies.”

“Our magic is at your disposal.” Freddy nods

“Are you planning on shaking the tower again?” Brendan asks.

“No.” Freddy answers. “Now, gentlemen, we are very tired and very hungry. If there’s nothing more to worry about…” Freddy leads Garret towards the Toronto Maple Leaf cafeteria.

They are not quit out of earshot when Garret says “But the tower could start shaking again any second now, shouldn’t we tell them it wasn’t us.”

None of the men hear Freddy’s response.

“Goalies, am I right?” Smiling, Brendan heads back to his office. He trusts his people.