The First Matchday Ever
Le Council has been awake since last Tuesday. Not anxious—Le Council does not get anxious. Attentive. The skates have been sharpened. The sticks have been taped. Twenty rosters of players have completed whatever rituals players complete on the morning of a Matchday—rituals which Le Council has observed and does not comment on.
JM Laflèche arrived at the broadcast booth at 09:00 UITC. He is, at this moment, warming up his voice and reviewing his pronunciation notes. He has practiced "Vladivostok Vodkas" forty-six times. He will tell you it is going to be a good one. He has not asked what "it" is.
The First Season Ever begins today at 14:00:00 UITC.
Matchday 01
| Time (UITC) | Match | Arena |
|---|---|---|
| 14:00 | MTL vs WPG | The Oldest Rink |
| 15:00 | MCM vs ANC | The Remote Range |
| 16:00 | HEL vs HAV | The Dark Sauna |
| 17:00 | PER vs STO | The Red Furnace |
| 18:00 | PRA vs USH | The Stone Opera |
| 19:00 | NRB vs VLA | The Ochre Reserve |
| 20:00 | TOK vs DKR | The Neon Crossing |
| 21:00 | BUS vs RIM | The Frozen Dock |
| 22:00 | JBG vs GDL | Die Goue Myn |
| 23:00 | SAO vs MUM | The Green Canopy |
Ten games. Ten arenas. Six continents. One Antarctic research station. One ten-hour broadcast block during which Le Council asks that you eat something at some point. Le Council is not your parent. Le Council is, however, observing.
Before the puck drops
The fans are in the seats. The Discord is buzzing—Le Council does not fully understand the Discord, but has been advised that "buzzing" is the desired state and is therefore pleased.
Posters are hung. Looneys (Ⱡ) have been wagered on outcomes that have not yet outcome'd. Le Council has reviewed the early lines and offers no commentary, except to note that the line on MCM vs ANC at The Remote Range continues to drift in directions O.D.D.S. has flagged as "interesting."
The H.O.R.N. is warm. The H.O.R.N. is ready. The H.O.R.N. does not get nervous, because the H.O.R.N. does not feel things. The H.O.R.N. relays.
At 14:00:00 UITC, a puck will drop on The Ice at The Oldest Rink. JM will call the first play. The First Season Ever will begin, and so will whatever comes with it.
You might have been here before the doors opened. You might have been here before the first whistle. Or you might have joined just minutes ago.
Either way. Stick around for Hockay.