Page 26 of For the Win

“Yeah.”I beam at her.“Basically that.So, we need to have more points than the team we play against to get home-ice advantage.But also, we play for our pride.”

“You know, don’t dismiss the mental edge that yoga could give you.”

I scrunch up my face.I don’t want to be dismissive of something that’s important to her, but I’m skeptical about stuff like that.

“Really.I once took a class with a yoga teacher who’s also a psychotherapist, and it was very educational.Yoga teaches us about how our emotions affect our behavior and our minds.”She must read my expression because she grins.“I’m not all that much into spirituality and a higher consciousness.I’m a basic bitch from North Dakota.”

I laugh.

“I do focus more on the physical aspects of yoga, and I think my classes are popular with a lot of people who like that, who don’t want a lot of meditation and talk about seeking to become aware of the spirit within.”

I nod.

“Some say that without those aspects, it’s only a superficial yoga practice.Without the spiritual side, you could just go to the gym or stretch.And I get that.But I do believe that yoga can help us get to know ourselves and build self-trust.”

“So, what are the mental benefits?”

She smiles again.“I could talk for an hour about that.I’m sure you don’t want to hear it all.”

“Maybe some other time you can tell me more.”

She doesn’t respond right away, then shrugs.“Maybe.”

“Do you have any superstitions?”

She blinks.“Uh...maybe.”

I grin.“Tell me.Don’t worry—I have lots of stupid ones.”

“Well, I always make a wish when I see a falling star.”

I nod gravely.“Of course.”

“And when I was a kid, I wouldn’t kill spiders because that causes rain.”

“Only daddy longlegs spiders.”

“Yes.Those other kind that look like tarantulas...”She shudders.“I kill those mothers.”

I bark out a laugh.“What else?”

“My grandma always made us throw a pinch of salt over our left shoulder if we spilled some.”She wrinkles her nose.“I still do it.Just in case.I also have a piece of rose quartz that I hold when I’m feeling...negative.”

“Rose quartz?”

“Yes.It removes negative energy and replaces it with loving vibrations.It helps you learn to love yourself, accept yourself, and forgive yourself.”

“That sounds like that spirituality stuff you said you don’t practice.”I say it teasingly.

“You’re right.”She smiles.“I know it’s silly, but...”She lifts one shoulder.“It helps.”

“I get it.”

“What are your superstitions?”

“We have little rituals we go through before every game.A secret handshake, a hug, that kind of thing.I also have to wear hockey socks to the arena for every game.”

“Hockey socks?”

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