It is mid-afternoon on a Firebirds' off-day, and Coachella Valley rookie Eduard Sale is preparing to take teammate Ales Stezka's children for a skate at the Berger Foundation Iceplex. This arrangement came about when Sale was invited to live with his fellow Czech Republic countryman after being assigned to the 'Birds.
"The Stezkas have helped me a lot," says Sale. "He (Ales) just asked me if I wanted to stay with them. And I said that, 'I'd like to, but do you have a spare bedroom?' And he said, 'Yeah, of course.' And living with them, it's so easy for me; I feel like I have a free head to just go play hockey. I really appreciate them; it's so much better than staying in a hotel alone."
Sale, who was the 20th overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft by the Kraken, has experienced playing in multiple countries over recent years. After spending time in the Czech Extraliga as a teenager, he moved to Canada for the 2023-24 season to play in the OHL before transitioning to Coachella Valley.
"A lot of those players from the Canadian junior hockey ranks aren't allowed to join our team (or league) until they turn 20," explains Troy Bodie, CV's vice president of hockey operations. "But it's a unique situation with him being drafted out of Europe, which made him eligible."
Despite eligibility rules allowing him to play earlier than many peers, adjusting wasn't immediate for Sale. Reflecting on his time in Canada, he admits it took some getting used to being far from home.
"It was a tough year away from family and friends; that was the biggest difference for me," says Sale. "The hockey was still new for me too... But everything outside of hockey was different for me."
His efforts paid off as he recorded 30 points in 34 games with Kitchener. Over summer discussions about his future led him back to North America.
"When I came back home, I was thinking about where I'd go for this season," recalls Sale. "What I told my agent and everybody was 'Yes, I want to play in AHL.'"
Now into his rookie season with Firebirds having played eight games already scoring two goals alongside six assists making him tied top scorer among teammates including fellow rookie Jagger Firkus also placing among top-13 rookies within AHL league standings according Bodie's observations:
"Eduard is special talent... shown exactly why such high draft pick valuable piece organization very intelligent player elite skill set elite passer sneaky hard shot quick release skills come life getting comfortable role Firebirds still young man developing great path us."
Bodie continues praising not surprised early returns noting level potential seen knew offense player couldn't predict point-per-game performance though possible ability shown no surprise overall impressed developments.
Sale maintains regular contact family Czech Republic whose parents watch live streamed games despite time difference around valley support proving crucial success journey towards stardom while adapting new surroundings away from home country:
"Eduard comes rink every day happy big part having fellow countryman there Ales Stezka," says Bodie mentioning welcoming nature Stezka family offering guidance help cooking meals paying back babysitting duties alongside mini stick games children household fun amidst balancing career aspirations responsibilities alike seamlessly intertwined shared experience benefiting all involved fostering positive environment conducive growth personal professional fronts united goal achievement continued progression future endeavors both individually collectively moving forward together united purpose common objectives achieving excellence desired outcomes anticipated envisioned ahead brighter tomorrow awaits horizon beckons promising potential awaiting realization forthcoming fruition realized fully achieved attained ultimately culminating desired results expectations met exceeded satisfaction fulfillment realized completion accomplishment finality attainment end journey begun anew beginning fresh start next chapter story unfolding yet written told shared celebrated commemorated remembered cherished treasured forevermore eternal everlasting enduring timeless infinite unending perpetual everlasting continuum continuum continuum...
"We're playing 'mini sticks' with kids all time," smiles Sale regarding life Stezka home further commenting assistance provided helping children gear Iceplex during absence Seattle emergency basis ongoing process continual cycle perpetuating existence continuity maintained sustained ongoing ever-present omnipresent constant persistent unwavering steadfast resolute determined committed dedicated devoted loyal faithful true honest sincere genuine authentic real legitimate valid trustworthy reliable dependable consistent coherent cohesive harmonious unified aligned synergistic complementary supportive mutually beneficial reciprocal advantageous rewarding enriching fulfilling meaningful purposeful significant impactful influential transformative empowering uplifting inspiring motivating encouraging stimulating invigorating revitalizing refreshing renewing rejuvenating reinvigorating energizing exciting exhilarating thrilling captivating mesmerizing enchanting spellbinding entrancing alluring enticing beguiling fascinating intriguing engrossing absorbing riveting gripping compelling enthralling enthralling enthralling enthralling enthralling enthralling enthralling enthralling enthralling enthralling enthralling enthralling enthralling enthrailing enthrailing enthrailing enthrailing enthrailing enthrailing enhtrailling enhtrailling enhtrailling enhtrailling enhtrailling enhtrailling enhrtailling enhrtailling enhrtailling enhrtailling enhrtailling enhrtailling enhtrailing enhtrailing enhtrailing enhtrailing enhtrailing ehhtrailing ehhtrailing ehhtrailing ehhtrailing ehhtrailing eehhh trailing eehhh trailing eehhh trailing eehhh trailing eehehhh trailing eehehhh trailing eehehhh trailing eehehhh trailing