Page 28 of Hockey 101

I jump in. Well, after we scored, we really started dominating the play. It felt like we were going to tie things up, until Unger took that tripping penalty.

She adds, And then Portage scored while Unger was in the sin bin—er, I mean, the penalty jail thingy.

Mats rubs his forehead. Is it true that you’re the sports editor?

Andy straightens and squares her laptop on the table. Yes. I understand that I’m not qualified, but I learn fast. I’ve been on the newspaper staff since my freshman year.

He holds up a hand. It’s okay, Sinc tells me you’re a good writer. Hopefully you’re a good editor too?

She nods.

I know someone who would be a good game reporter for you. He does video and stats for our team. But he would definitely need a good editor. I’ll have to check with him first, though.

Andy’s mouth is set in a straight line. For some reason, she really wants to write, even though her hockey knowledge sucks. Okay, that could work. Although I don’t even know why an editor is needed from what I’ve read in our archives.

Have you ever read any real sports journalism? Mats asks.

I’ve read last season’s game stories, if that’s what you mean, she says.

No, I mean really good stuff. Like in Sports Illustrated or The Athletic.

I nod. My dad’s a big soccer fan. Some of the UK outlets do football stories that are interesting and hilarious—even for non-fans.

Andy takes notes. Okay, I’ll check all those out. Thanks so much.

I’ll send you some links, I offer. I already have her number, and this gives me an excellent excuse to message her.

Then Schmidty and Swanny slide into the booth, bringing their own dinners.

Got your homework done now? Swanny asks Andy.

All finished. She shuts her laptop and slides out of the booth. I’ll do the rest back in my room. You guys have been stellar, and I really appreciate all your help.

Wait, don’t you need me to read over the final final story? I plead.

She shakes her head. I’m good now. It’s not going to be perfect, but it will be significantly better than the last one. Roy, let’s exchange numbers and you can let me know about that stats guy.

He takes her phone. Sure. But call me Mats.

Once she’s pocketed her phone, I stand up. It’s late. I’ll walk you home. Andy opens her mouth to respond as our waitress swoops in with a tray of drinks.

Whoa, cowboy, you can’t leave now. Someone has sent you guys a round of drinks here, She motions behind her. It’s from the ladies across the bar.

Bergy raises a beer in salute and there’s laughter from across the pub. Andy waves me off. Stay and enjoy yourself. And relax, you’ve more than repaid your debt to me.

All I can do is watch as she winds her way out of the pub. Once she disappears into the night, I sigh. I don’t want my debt to be repaid. I want her to call me whenever she needs help with hockey stuff.

Desperation isn’t a good look on you, Swanny taunts.

Fuck off. I pick at the lettuce on my plate and try to brainstorm more ways to help Andy. Then it strikes me—this is my big chance. If I can spend time teaching Andy about hockey, we’ll be able to connect in an authentic way. She’ll find out that I’m not just some one-dimensional jock. And once we get to know each other better, I’ll be able to ask her out again.

9

THE A TEAM

ANDY

I ARRANGE FOR the least arrogant of the male volunteers at the Messenger to cover the next home game—subject to my editing, of course. But I attend anyway, both to watch the game and to carry out my recruiting mission. Emily is delighted to accompany me again, and screams extra loudly when Jack scores a goal.

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