Page 32 of Summer Shot
Chapter fifteen
Lucas
The sound of my skates scrapping against the ice calms me. I started coming back to the rink almost daily since we got back from the beach, hungry to feel the sense of ease that only the rink can give me.
Practice finally starts again today. From the videos I’ve seen before they got extended offers, our new players have some work to do, except for Ryder King.
A blur of motion, Ryder quickly speeds across the ice, beating some of the fastest juniors and seniors on the team during full ice sprints. He reminds me of myself when I was a freshman, confident and at home on the ice.
My eyes widen larger than pucks watching his remarkable stickhandling. Moving through the cones with the grace of wind over glass, Ryder dances down the ice. His turns are tight. His hands are quick. He doesn’t miss a beat.
At the blow of a whistle, Assistant Coach Parrish divides us up to scrimmage so the coaching staff can get an idea of where the team is at, where strengths are, where improvements need to be made.
For once in my life, I don’t want to be on the ice; I want to sit out so I can observe the players and solidify my choices for alternate captain. Instead, my eyes follow several of the players while I'm on the bench.
To no surprise, Keith stops ninety-nine percent of shots fired at him, continuing to be one of the best goalies I’ve seen in college hockey.
Each pass from Blake Hursh is crisp and strong, setting up his linemates to shoot flawlessly.
Silas Harlan could be a good contender for an alternate captain. He directs and encourages like a leader on the ice. He defends the net like a mama bear protecting her cub.
My jaw almost drops watching Blaine Mitchell flow across the rink like water—almost as smooth as Ryder. His game has vastly improved. Is his shift in attitude as real as his new skills on the ice?
One thing’s for sure, Ryder and Blaine vibe off of each other really damn well. They manage a hot breakaway together during the scrimmage and sneak one in past our backup goalie, Jenson.
“Holy shit.” Blake pulls me aside after practice before we headed into the locker room. “Ryder might be better than Nick Bellinger.”
That is a bold statement. But there is no doubt in my mind that with Ryder on the team, we have a good shot at making it to the championships this year.
“Hey, Ryder,” Keith shouts as we enter the locker room. “Really fucking good job.”
“Thanks, Tendie,” Ryder calls back with a wide grin across his face. “The Wyverns are ready to kick ass this season!”
Ryder doesn’t need his ego stroked, but he gets compliments from just about everyone in the locker room.
“Great practice today, guys.” I pull the attention away from him. “But we’ve got a long way to go to get to that championship this season.”
The guys’ faces fall at my seriousness, smiles and locker-room jesting seizing.
“But if anyone can do it, it’s this fucking team,” I bellow, lifting the mood back up. Cheers and chants of excitement erupt around the locker room.
“Donato,” Coach demands, walking into the locker room. ”Come see me in my office once you’ve finished up.”
A hushed “Ooooo” ripples around the locker room.
“Oh please,” Blaine says, throwing a towel in my direction. “We know he’s not in trouble.”
“The world would have to end if he was,” Harlan chimes in, chuckling.
“Speaking of the world ending, how’s Libby,” Ryder teases Blaine.
Blaine cocks an eyebrow at him. “What’s she have to do with the world ending?”
A boyish grin starts across Ryder’s face. “Because you have a girlfriend. From what I’ve heard about you, that means the world is ending.”
“No one said anything about a girlfriend,” Blaine chirps back.
Ryder’s sly smile now stretches from ear to ear. “Fuck yeah. Come be my wingman tonight.”
