Page 73 of Dreams
Chapter Eighteen
A loud chant made its way around the arena. “Let’s Go Penguins.”
Columbus was so close to Pittsburgh that their fans always made the trip to see the teams play. And they played a lot. It made for a good rivalry, especially since they’d met in the first round of the playoffs the year before.
A battle ensued. Jackets fans started getting into it. “Let’s Go Jackets” picked up steam as it wound itself through the stands, drowning out the Penguin’s faithful.
A buzz of energy surrounded the team as one line left the ice and another jumped into the play. Josh flew down the ice, pumping his legs as fast as he could to get into position. Mack had the puck. He stick-handled around two Penguins before dumping the puck ahead. Josh raced to get there first. As he swung around behind the net, dizziness swept over him just long enough to lose the puck. It was gone in an instant, and he raced to the other end of the ice.
A new line was put in and Josh stepped through the small door before scooting in next to Mack on the bench.
“What was that, Josher?” he asked, nudging his shoulder. “You had that guy.”
“Sorry, Man.”
“Don’t apologize, Dude. It isn’t the first time you’ve screwed up a play I know you could make in your sleep.”
“Uh, thanks?”
The horn sounded, ending the first period with the teams tied at zero.
Josh removed his helmet as he followed his teammates down the hall to the locker room, running a hand through his sweaty hair.
Mack pulled him aside. “You’d tell me if something was wrong?”
“Yeah, of course.”
“You don’t look good, Josh.”
“I know I don’t have this pretty face,” Josh laughed, trying to ease the tension. “But it just gets you in more trouble than it’s worth.” He slapped the side of Mack’s face jokingly.
Mack swatted his hand away. “I’m not kidding, Dude.”
“For once.”
“You look like you’re about to keel over.”
“I’m just not feeling great,” Josh finally admitted. “I’ll be fine. I want to finish the game.”
“Don’t be a dumbass.” He paused. “If it gets worse, tell Coach.”
“Sure thing, Boss.” Josh saluted, and Mack finally grinned. He slung his arm over Josh’s shoulders and they joined the team.
They re-entered the ice to a chorus of cheers. Josh scanned the crowd until he found the right section and the girl he was looking for. She didn’t take her eyes off him until he looked back towards the guys.
“You ready?” Mack clapped him on the back.
“Yeah,” Josh said. “Let’s do this.”
His skates sliced through the ice as he picked up speed. The Penguins had the puck, but not for long. Glancing quickly at Mack, he barely caught the side of his mouth turning up into a smile, and knew exactly what his friend was thinking.
Josh may not have the skill of a first-liner, but the way he could read Mack and vice versa put him there. He pumped his legs, not slowing until he was closer. Mack tied up the Penguin along the boards, trapping the puck between them. Josh dropped his shoulder and propelled himself into the other man. A clean hit. The glass wobbled back and forth from the impact, and a roar came from the crowd. The Penguin shook his head in a momentary daze as Mack took off on a breakaway. The goalie didn’t stand a chance, and the Jackets were up 1-0.
They celebrated, and then it was back to business. Now they had a lead to protect, changing the game entirely. Josh was sent back out a few shifts later and immediately took off to where Zak had two Penguins trapping him in the corner with the puck.
He suddenly felt like he was seeing them, but they were far away. The sounds from the arena faded into the background, giving way to a loud pulse in his ears. It sped up, and he stumbled before righting himself. His name was yelled over the noise. Somebody - Mack - was asking what he was doing. He looked up and Zak was no longer in front of him. The play moved on to another area of the ice.
A tingling started in his fingertips and then his hands grew weak, his stick clattering to the ice as a result. Unable to think, the only thing he felt was sheer terror as his legs gave out and he fell head-first into the boards, the arena disappearing into the blackness.
