Page 11 of Dreams
“Really, Coach?” Josh’s jaw hung open.
“Yes, really. What, you think I’m bullshitting you?” He leaned forward and looked Josh in the eye.
“No, Sir.”
“I’m going to need a lot more from you,” he continued. “You’ll get more ice time.”
“I can do it,” Josh said, a grin spreading across his face.
“I know you can, son. But, understand, this is an experiment. Your buddy Mack can’t seem to play well with others, and I need him to be less of a lone wolf. Coach Peterson has pawned off the Mackenzie problem on me.”
“I understand.” Josh got up to leave, but Coach Scott stopped him.
“I have something else I need to ask of you.”
“Anything, Coach.” Josh waited expectantly.
“I want you to work with one of the young rooks. Carter Neil. We think he might stick when the season starts. He’s very green, but also very good.”
“What do you need from me?” Josh clasped his hands behind his back and stood still.
“Just show him the ropes. He missed the start of training camp, but he’ll be here today and wants to come in for a quick on-ice workout. We’re not holding a spot for him, but we’re fully prepared for him to come in and earn one.”
“I’ll be here.”
“Good man,” Coach Scott said, nodding his head towards the door. “That’s all I needed. You can go.”
Josh grinned as he walked into the locker room and found Mack waiting for him. He’d never started on the first line before. It was a big deal. Normally, a guy like him wouldn’t get the chance. Increased ice time. Increased value to the team. He wasn’t much of a goal scorer, but maybe that was about to change with a center like Mack. Now all he had to do was tame the beast.
He wanted a long hockey career. It was the only thing he’d ever wanted to do in his life. He felt more at home on the ice than he did anywhere else. Everyone had their sanctuaries. That was his.
There were so many things he gave up to get to where he was. All he ever did was work to improve his game. But it was okay because it was all paying off.
“What’d coach want?” Mack asked as they pushed through the glass doors into the sun.
“Someone’s getting a new winger.” Josh threw an arm over Mack’s shoulders and punched him in the stomach.
“Finally,” Mack said, ducking out of Josh’s grasp and shoving him. “Someone that will make me look good.”
“Yeah, you need all the help you can get.” They were both laughing.
“This calls for a drink!” Mack clapped him on the back.
“If by ‘drink’ you mean delicious protein shake before a long nap so I can return here later to meet the new kid.”
“All work and no play-"
“Don’t finish that,” Josh cut him off.
“Means you need to get laid.”
Josh snorted. “Haven’t heard that variation.”
“I wrote it just for you.” Mack held his hand over his heart before punching Josh in the shoulder.
“At least you’re good at something.” Josh laughed before ducking away from a second punch.
“Fine.” Mack sighed mockingly. “I’ll just have to enjoy tonight’s shenanigans and the puck bunnies I had lined up all by myself.” He shook his head dramatically. “The things I do for you.”
