The Fayetteville FireAntz are Fayetteville, North Carolinas longest-running professional sports team. Like many minor league hockey teams the FireAntz are characterized by an ever-changing roster, gritty competition, Canadian accents and young athletes who just want to “live the dream.”

But, “livin’ the dream” is not as glamorous as it might have seemed coming up the ranks. The team has a hard schedule, with few days off, holidays spent with host families and marketing obligations whether they win or loose. One bad game or unfortunate injury and a player can be cut or traded the next morning. The salary is equivalent to an internship. The sacrifice can be as serious as brain damage.

The FireAntz finished the 2011-2012 season dead last in the Southern Professional League. They had their worst record since the inception of the team. Yet, the men who lasted fought on. They played hard. And at their last home game, though an 8-3 loss, their few dedicated fans showed their support with a standing ovation.