Page 93 of Play Maker

“We do.”

Ethan and Sean started chanting ‘cougars roar’ and the rest of us joined in, gathering in a circle, feeding off each other’s energy, the excitement outpacing our nerves.

“We’re gonna kick ass!” someone yelled out.

Holy fuck, it was me.

My teammates shouted “hell, yes” in return and we bumped fists, patted helmets, and headed into our warm-up, psyched and ready to play.

And when Coach put me on the first line, along with Jace, Dane, Kayden, and Finn, I was beyond happy. Even with the weight of expectations sitting heavier than my pads, I was ready.

I glanced down at my red laces and took a deep breath.

Get that fucking win.

By the time the ref blew the first whistle, I was centered, calm. Calmer than I’d ever been during any game in my life. The puck dropped and Jace stole it in a dizzying flash of movement. Warrington, one of Grainger’s best forwards, couldn’t compete. We were off, breaking away in a rush, as I raced after Jace, with our captain joining in the fray.

The first period of play felt like forever, but despite our best efforts, we couldn’t break through Grainger’s defensive wall. Everywhere we moved they were there, stealing passes and blocking shots. Hell, they probably didn’t need a goalie at this point, they were that good.

Second period, and we finally got our mojo back.

Dane scored halfway through with an assist courtesy of yours truly. Instead of being hung up on the fact that I wasn’t the one to sink the puck, I counted my win and kept my eyes out for another opportunity, another play. Doing what I did best. And the rush of being a part of any winning play was everything.

By intermission, we were still ahead by that one goal, but I could tell from my teammates’ faces that they were as frustrated as I was. One goal was good, but the tide could turn against us just as quick.

It left no room for error.

By the last period, we weren’t just fighting for the puck, it was all-out war. Maddox’s blocking skills were put to the test, three, no, four times.

Warrington scored and suddenly the game was tied.

After a time-out and a ‘push harder’ talk from Coach, we hit the ice with all the energy we had. The momentum came to a head, with Jace taking control of the puck and deke’ing around so many players, it was hard for me, let alone our opponents, to keep track of him. Then Delaney, Grainger’s captain, got the drop on Ethan, cross-checking him into the boards, the loud crunch of contact making everyone wince. We skated over tocheck on our teammate, and a fight almost broke out between Colin and Delaney. Thankfully Ethan was just rattled, and not seriously injured. He and Dane managed to calm Colin down, before things got ugly.

No penalty was called, though, and while we were trying to stay in the cool zone, Coach went ballistic. No power play.

With five minutes remaining, Delaney aimed his sights on Jace.

I was too far away and couldn’t get in between them. My heart leapt to my throat as I watched Delaney gunning for him. Thankfully, Jace moved like a slippery eel and narrowly avoided getting crushed into the boards. But me? I broke out in a cold sweat, brimming with fear and fury.

As if sensing that I was about to go full throttle on Delaney, Jace skated past me and patted my ass. Just one reassuring touch and I was good.

Three minutes later, Jace, with an assist from Ethan, scored a hell of an amazing goal. We celebrated as the crowd around us grew silent.

Next thing I knew, the final buzzer sounded off.

2-1 isn’t the best game we’ve ever played, but it’s enough to win this one and secured our place in the finals. We flew at each other, hugs and shouts and bouts of swearing mixed in with the celebratory cheers. I was riding a high that couldn’t be contained as we skated off the ice and headed back to the locker room. The feeling stayed with me until I got dressed and my phone buzzed.

I had to get this meeting with my parents over with as quick as possible.

Jace walked over to me as I made my way to the exit.

“You okay?” he asked.

I wanted to reach for him, but I steeled myself.

“I’m fine. Just want to get this visit over with.”

“I’ll meet you out front in fifteen.”

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