As Mat Smith finds his familiar home between the pipes for the first game of the season, he can feel his heart beating through his chest. Six full seasons in the SHL and a Challenge Cup and he still felt nervous before each game. As the players faced off at centre ice he thought about everything that led up to him being here. Being born in a small town in the UK and moving to the big city in Finland as a toddler. Travelling to Quebec City for the first time ever to play for this team that reached out to him. Being drafted to Chicago, the city he now calls home. Watching his mentor, Tib, celebrate with the team as they hoisted the cup for the first time ever. Doing the same the very next season back in Quebec City with his found family. Travelling to Chicago for good this time, staying in his mentor's spare room. Lacing up his skates for the home opener exactly seven years ago. Celebrating again mere months ago with his newest family. To now today, each new season feeling like a fresh start, another opportunity to bring home that trophy that 20 teams fight for every season. All of a sudden Smith is snapped back to reality as he hears the goal horn. 1-0 Toronto, first shot of the game, first shot of the season. Not a great start, but it can only get better from here.