Page 54 of Play Maker

I skated around their net and slammed my stick on the ice in frustration. Until Dane met me on the other side and gave me a cautioning look. Losing my cool wasn’t playing smart. The fact that I was already hyped up and we’d just started wasn’t good.

Neither side scored during the first period.

It was twenty minutes of pure frustration. Back and forth, but with no headway on either side. Tension grew thick and heavy when, near the end of the period, Kourinko cross-checked Silas into the boards. They nearly came to blows, until Dane intervened.

During the second period, Axel and I had our chance to play on the same line.

His size alone was intimidating, but it was his knack for finding the openings that made him a star. Less than a minute after the ref blew the whistle, Axel managed to grab ahold of the puck and when he was about to get crushed by Whitman, he shot it to me in a pass that I could only describe as beautiful. Even I could admit the asshole had talent.

Too bad the same couldn’t be said for me in that moment because my shot sucked.

No goal.

When intermission was called, we took our break, rehydrated, and regrouped. Coach Banning didn’t hold back when it came to his analysis of the game so far.

“Rowland, Lund, nice plays, but I want you to see them through,” Banning explained. “Remember what we talked about in practice. No stalling near the net. Hesitation kills momentum.”

I wanted to argue and tell him that I was busting my ass, but I was cocky, not dumb. And Coach had a point. Something was off with me. I was so intent on the team winning that I wasn’t focused enough on my own plays.

“The same goes for all of you. It’s a tough game but we’ve got this, let’s see it through,” Banning looked around and locked eyes with Silas. “And a reminder, don’t let guys like Kourinko goad you into a stupid fight. The last thing we need is Langston on a power play. Understood?”

Silas bit his lower lip and nodded, glaring back at our coach.

“I didn’t hear you?” Banning added with a raised eyebrow as he looked around the room.

“Yes, Coach!” everyone called out.

Coach finally smiled. “Good. Now go get your spot in the semi-final.”

Fucking right. Langston was going to play their last game of the season. We’d knock them off their pedestal and then some.

I headed into the third period with renewed fire in my veins. Every play was fast, hard, and brutal. Fighting for the puck, fighting for an opening. Thankfully, no actual fighting. I finally got my chance with ten minutes remaining, after another incredible pass from Axel. I took my shot, and watched it whiz through the goalie’s knees. It hit the net so fast it boomeranged and bounced out just as quick. But I didn’t miss it and neither did the crowd. The roar of student cheers bombarded my ears.

The buzzer sounded and I glided around the net, then raced back to center ice to celebrate with my teammates.

And the first player to pull me in for a hug? It was the last person I expected.

Axel

The rush of witnessing that goal, even if it wasn’t mine, was heady.

So was the guy who scored it. The sheer joy in Jace’s smile, the way it lit up his entire face, I couldn’t look away. And I surprised myself by grabbing ahold of him and hugging tightly, both of us panting hard, sweat soaked, and exhilarated by that play.

Was I frustrated that I had another assist and not a goal? Yeah, of course it bothered me. But the fact that we were up by one, against my former teammates, was still sweet. And watching that goal? It was a highlight I’ll never forget.

I never really clicked with the guys at Langston. Probably my own fault. I never wanted to be there in the first place. Because I knew that I hadn't earned that spot. People there respected me, but it was because of my family history with the school, not because of how I played. But things were different here. Due, in no small part, to playing with Jace. Maybe Coach had the right idea.

It appeared that I’d been wrong about Jace, like I was about so many things.

If I was wrong about Jace, then I was wrong about Preston. I had to talk to him, and soon. Even if it hurt. Even if it meant letting go of someone I thought was my friend. I couldn’t stand to be lied to.

Still, a part of me told me to hold back. Be cautious. Just because Jace was getting to me, didn’t mean I had to give in.To him, or these crazy feelings he was inspiring. Feelings that offered nothing but confusion and more questions.

When it came to hockey, I thrived in the offensive mindset.

When it came to everything else in my life, I tended to lean into my defensive instinct.

But I didn’t know what stance to take when it came to this unexpected play going on between me and Jace.

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