Opilka plans to put a miniature version of the cross on his goalie mask when he gets it painted. The symbol reminds him of his roots and of the town he called home until Grade 6 when his family moved two hours west to St. Louis so he could pursue his passion of playing hockey.

“There is no hockey scene in Effingham,” he said. “It was either go to Chicago or St. Louis to play hockey.”

Kitchener is at a crossroads, too. But this one is in the crease.

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