𝒸𝒶𝓁𝓁 𝒾𝓉 e̲v̲e̲n̲

ABOUT.

— TARRYTOWN, NEW YORK : 25 miles north of new york city, a major stop on the hudson commuter line into the city, one city on the ends of the tappen zee bridge, population just shy of twelve thousand, home to the new york rangers' practice facility . . . and home to bastian james salters. bas was born in michigan though he did not stay there long, barely remembering his first grade days interrupted by a move east, spurred on by a promotion for his mother in her architecture firm. the city had proven too expensive, and the allure of a big backyard had been enough for them to choose the little suburb instead.

— maybe bas still would have grown his love for hockey in snowy michigan too, but it was the move that had his parents signing him up for various youth sports in an attempt to both feed his need for constant movement and to help him make friends. even at seven, bas took it all in stride : football, baseball, soccer, basketball, and hockey — and it was hockey that would eventually come to dictate his life.

— even as a child bas had an unchildlike obsession with everything he did. he fell in love with hockey : the ice, the speed, the feeling when you're skating. even if hockey did not always love him back. it was an expensive sport, and though the salters saved money by not living in the city, they still struggled at times to make ends meet. not as much as most, but bas learned early on that he was going to have to provide his own financial support for his dreams — his parents were supportive, even if they had tried to gently persuade him toward a more certain career path than nhler.

— a big moment for him was being recruited to play college D1 hockey at boston university. maybe he wasn't getting the full ride some of his teammates were, but bas was still proud of the step that it meant. he supplemented the balance of his tuition with additional scholarships and a few loans, never one to back down from anything. that following summer he received another surprise : getting drafted to the rangers, the hometown team ( in the third round, but still significant ).

— bas played out his four full years at BU, earning his degree in communications at the same time. leading up to graduation ( class of 2008 ), in fact plaguing much of his senior year, was a looming crossroads choice : sign with the rangers to follow a ( still significant long shot ) dream of a lifetime, or to hang up his skates against professional hockey to follow his second love and pursue building a different career. he chose hockey.

— he spend two and a half years playing for the rangers' ahl affiliate, the hartford wolfpack, before finally getting his nhl debut at age 24. that marked what would becoming his career-long time with the blueshirts, 11 full seasons in all, finally coming to an end with the 2021-22 season.

— it was a tough choice to end his professional career, but listening to his body, a serious of head injuries, and a few other factors lead him to hang up the skates. this last 1+ year has been his first year without the schedule and rhythm of the nhl in quite some time and in some ways, he feels like he's trying to find his way again.

PRESENT DAY.

— bas has lived in a townhouse on cornelia street for about three years, though he's lived in the city since 2010. the move to cornelia street was mostly motivated after there was a fire in the store he lived over, leading to a significant amount of smoke damage. it just seemed easier to move and he wasn't terribly attached to the place anywhere. for this first year of residence, he was gone for long stretches during the season given the needs of said season, but he's developed stronger relationships with those on the street in the past year or so !!

— he's not one to really flaunt the small degree of fame he might be entitled to. he's had to work hard for every inch he gained and the process has kept him exceedingly humble. to many, he's just a neighbor, unless any of them happen to recognize him from his hockey endeavors.

— since his retirement a year and a half ago, bas has bounced between a large number of things to fill his time, unsure of where his post-retirement will take him. a love of hockey still permeates his entire being; however, and so when msg networks came calling, offering him a part-time analyst position, bas jumped at the opportunity to stay engaged and close to the team. now, you can see him every few rangers msg broadcasts in the pre, post, and intermission shows. he is also very engaged with various youth hockey organizations in the city ( relationships built during his active career, and now able to dedicate even more time to them ), especially those that work with black, lgbtq+, and other under-served/marginalized communities.

— he's also been picking up various hobbies as they interest him that he didn't necessarily have time to pursue : writing, reading, piano, baking, and a great love for coffee ( well, that last one he was able to maintain during his professional career ). and well... anything that catches his eye that seems interesting.

— while he hardly... advertises his handyman services, bas does have a very good ability for handyman type jobs, and he's quick to offer to help. and just as quick to turn down any compensation for said work. a dripping faucet ?? drafty window ?? especially in those months when labor might be weeks off, he's more than happy to help !!

— his townhouse is a bit of a mishmash of furniture, no particular style except for cozy. lots of warm tones. he does keep it well maintained and neat; however, as he cannot function in messy spaces.

— he has his own little gym in his townhouse where he can work out in peace, and while he doesn't maintain quite the same physique he did while he played, he's certainly in very good shape still. in fair weather months, you can often see him going for runs in central park ( and then promptly buying a smoothie when he's finished ).

— bas tries to keep a good schedule of his days, though his commitments are varying ( though that is not so different from his life as a player either and in a way was a little comforting ). he's had little trouble filling his days, though routine remains a bit elusive as does his long term plan. but that's okay.

— frequents cafes, animal shelters, various rinks, central park, walks in the city, trying out new foods but also loves a nearby dumpling place like no tomorrow.

PERSONALITY.

+ steadfast, driven, & focused - reticent, soft-spoken, & obsessive

— bas has always been characterized first and foremost by the intensity he approached any task or thing he loved with. always all or nothing. it is a trait to endears some and intimidates others. with time and age, bas' approachability has improved drastically.

— his voice is always softer than people expect, though he speaks with an honest, eloquent tone ; thoughtful in what he says, in a way that when he played, made people listen when he spoke because he wasted so few words.

— a bit of a reassuring presence : strong without needed to really flaunt it. reliable in tough situations and rarely one to lose his temper. has a tendency to approach any situation head-on, often skipping right to the problem solving stage rather than any of the emotional onsets that should've come first.

— deeply observant and able to connect dots easily : another thing that has come in handy with his part time msg analyst position, and one that has prompted some to question if he's ever thought of going into coaching in his post-career.

— passionate about his stances when he does have them. they are often well-argued, heavily supported, and hard to refute. he attacks arguments with logic and in general, does not really busy himself with emotional outbursts.

— despite this, does think he is very in tune with his emotions. his logical and head-on approaches have little to do with tamping down his feelings, but an ability to recognize them and deal with them quickly. he's getting far too old to deal with roundabout nature of things.

MISC.

— played defense : a very physical and classic ' stay at home ' style. reliable, integral to the powerplay, hard to get past, delivered heavy and solid hits, a good passer to initiate break outs.

— bas worked odd jobs and ends as soon as he was able to secure them, every penny going toward new hockey gear. he picked up a rather large variety of skills in those days, something that would come in clutch later — meaning he rarely ever calls a handyman.

— has a very expensive espresso machine.

— lactose intolerant

— bas' kitchen skills are a little less well-oiled than his coffee making skills, but he's more than adequate at it. he enjoys cooking, especially when someone is in the kitchen to keep him company and with the time he seemingly has on his hands now, branching out into more complicated recipes seems like a good idea.

— baking is also something he's been pursuing a bit more furiously. interested in making delicious dairy-free and vegan recipes ( not vegan himself, but knows those allergic to eggs ).

— does not currently have a dog, but will probably get around to adopting one soon. definitely frequents and volunteers at nearby animal shelters.

— never won the cup. closest he came was 2014 cup finals against the kings. he attended julian's cup party that summer though.

APPEARANCE.

— 6'1", 213 lbs — often sporting stubble, hair seesaws between a buzz cut and then being grown out and braided. it really depends on his mood. currently, a buzz cut. — wardrobe : casual but well-fitting and simple, elegant clothing. a lot of muted and dark colors. always well put-together street style. — far too many scars to explain — modifications : piercings in both ears, no tattoos — demeanor : often comes across serious and thoughtful, very still in his poise but still comes across prepared for movement than truly relaxed, not precious with his smiles, a comfortable presence — quirks : furrowing his brow, licking his lips, tapping his foot to the beat of music

OOC.