Eight years ago I started playing EASHL club games. Back then it was just about playing for fun, knowing nothing of the competitive side of NHL gaming. One evening we got faced up with a team that made us look like 6 Zambonis on the ice and thoroughly beat us in the first period. After the game I decided to go and see what this club was and how they were ranked in the in-game leaderboards. That's when I realized the game and especially the game mode could be played much more competitively. Having had quit FPS e-sports on PC a few years earlier, I'd thought I was done with playing anything that seriously, but now I wanted to play in a team that could challenge these guys who called themselves Northern Stars.
A few years later we faced up with Northern Stars in the playoffs in a Consolehockey tournament. It's probably the best and most memorable series for me, although quite bitter sweet. NOS climbed back from a 1-3 series deficit in a very defensive match up. Game 7 was a real thriller and I was having so much fun - until I didn't. See, in the third period of a 1-1 tie, Mullweiser made a backhand shot that deflected off my ass and into our net. We just couldn't break down the renowned NOS defence for the rest of the period, and they won the series. After the final buzzer I couldn't say a word. My team mates were offering some comfort about a good season and yadda yadda. I was having none of it. Just sat there, staring into a wall. Then I got up, walked into the kitchen, and all of a sudden I launch a wooden kitchen chair to the wall, smashing it into pieces. That's the only time I've ever lost my sh** because of a video game, but on the bright side I got new chairs. Thanks Mulle for that, I still have them!
Northern Stars was a team that redefined what team work meant in EASHL.
Northern Stars was a team that defined what loyalty and commitment meant in EASHL.
Northern Stars was a team that defined what good sportsmanship meant, gracious in both victory and defeat.
Thank you NOS for all the good times. For me, you will always be one of the greatest of all time. Best of luck in whatever you guys choose to do next!