Page 13 of Penalty Zone

My head pops up at the collective gasp and roar of angry fans. Liska’s in a fight, and I watch the replay on the big screen. The right wing barrels toward Liska, sprays him with an avalanche of snow, and passes the puck to the center, who taps it in because Liska’s blinded by the snow covering his face shield.

But it’s what happens afterward that makes Liska react. He kneels on the ice as the right wing stands over him, talking. Whatever he says incites Liska to punch him.

Every ref rushes over to break it up, and Coach screams at us to stay off the ice.

Then I see it.

Blood.

There’s blood gushing from Liska’s nose, and everything stops until the ice is cleared.

Coach storms over and grabs the front of my jersey. “Benz, you’re in.” Spit flies from his mouth as he speaks.

“Ready, Coach.”

Leo’s looking at me like I prophesied the future, and he’s not sure if he’s impressed or terrified, but he slaps my shoulder pads in encouragement. It’s my gift and curse. I’m all instinct.

I tap each side of the goal with my stick and ask my pipes for their help. They’ve saved some fast-flying pucks for me.

Both teams are tired, which gives me an advantage. Their legs are broadcasting their intent, and I easily save their shots.

The left wing snows me, and Drake screams at the ref. In the chaos, their left wing taps my leg pad. “You gonna be a pussy like number 30?” I tune out the rest of his insults because they’re trash. Liskaispussy strong because dicks can’t take a flick of pain, and any guy who thinks otherwise is delulu. But I, as a professional, keep my opinions to myself.

Drake sends their left wing into the boards without a backward glance. He’s got fire in his eyes, and if he had his way, he’d level every one of these dicks.

Lucky throws an elbow and knocks their right wing down. The ref doesn’t seem to see it, so it’s one thing on our side. As I see it, it’s preemptive self-defense.

The game clock ticks down, and each second lasts an entire period. The mental stress of staying focused when I canhear the chirps is exhausting. Liska deserves a medal for his performance. Three periods are a marathon in this game.

Their center crashes into me, and the goal is knocked loose, disallowing their score. I don’t think he cares. He’s trying to either hurt or intimidate me.

Lucky scores on the power play.

Two minutes left and we’re ahead four to two.

They know they can’t win, and the ref would need to put all their players in the penalty box if they called everything. The last ninety seconds are the Wild West. High sticks, hooking, slashing, shoving, and we end up icing to keep things moving.

Thirty seconds and I’m under a pile of hockey players waiting for the ref to dig me out while they knee and elbow me. The pads lessen the impact, but I’ll have bruises.

We only need to hang on. Their team gets a misconduct penalty, but we still have to play.

Our third-line right wing finds the back of the net, and the crowd goes wild. We try to play keep away to wind the clock down, but they’re not having it.

With two seconds on the clock, I’m spread-eagle after an aggressive hit. It will make the highlight reel instead of my saves. Dang it.

The game’s over and we won, but the team celebration is minimal. The other team continues to trash-talk as they leave the rink.

I’m slow to leave the ice. After two takedowns, my net offers a safe place for mentally cataloging my aches and pains to ensure nothing is seriously hurt. I test for injuries by removing my helmet, setting it down, and bending sideways.

As I’m declaring myself fit, Leo gracefully walks over to me.

“Mason is with Grayson, and I think you should see him next.” He sounds concerned, which confuses me since we’re on questionable terms.

“Nah, I’m good. Nothing’s hurt.” I shrug, and he scoops up my helmet before I can grab it.

Afraid of sounding too aggressive or too grateful, I hold my hand out for it, and he sighs, handing it over.

We both glance up when we hear my name from the crowd exiting their seats. “Benz better get his shit together if he’s going to replace Liska. He was doing a snow angel in the goal.”

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