Page 103 of Campus Crush
The next day, I got to the rink two hours before game time, my hockey bag slung over my shoulder. The place was nearly empty, just a few staff members setting up for tonight’s final game against Montana State. Today’s game would determine which team led the Mountain West conference and I desperately wanted to make up for our loss last night. We still had plenty of season left, but winning against one of the best teams in the state would go a long way in making sure we made it to the playoffs a few months from now.
I’d texted Coach Maxwell earlier, asking if we could talk before everyone else arrived. I hadn’t had much time to process my fight with my dad and come to terms with my new financial situation, but I knew there was a strong chance I might not be able to play hockey next year. Coach deserved to know what was going on, especially if I ended up needing to get a job before our season was over.
He was already in his office. “Kane,” he said when he spotted me.
I dropped my bag by the door and took a seat across from him. “Thanks for meeting me, Coach.”
He sat forward, leaning his elbows on his desk. “Everything alright? You seemed distracted during yesterday’s game.”
“That’s actually what I wanted to talk to you about,” I said, leaning back in my chair. “I’m dealing with some…family issues.”
Coach’s expression tightened. “Your father?”
I shouldn’t have been surprised he’d picked up on the tension. Coach Maxwell might be young, but he was perceptive as hell.
“Yeah. We had a falling out. It was a long time coming, but he cut me off financially.” I took a deep breath. “Which means I might not be able to play hockey next year, depending on what job I can find to finish school.”
Coach studied me. “Have you talked to the financial aid office?”
“Yeah, they gave me information on getting loans and applying for scholarships, but said I didn’t qualify for any athletic scholarships since our team is only a club team.”
He sat back in his chair. “Hmm. Let me do a little digging to see what options I can find for you. I’ll do what I can to keep you on this team. You’re an incredible leader, Kane.”
“Thanks, Coach. I really appreciate that.”
Then he asked me something I hadn’t really expected from him. “How are you really doing with all this, Foster?”
The use of my first name caught me off guard since he usually only called us by our last names.
“I’m…” I started to say “fine” automatically, then stopped myself. “Actually, I’m pissed. And worried. But also…relieved? Is that weird?”
He shook his head. “Not at all. Toxic relationships drain you, especially when they’re with family. Sometimes cutting ties is the healthiest thing you can do.”
“A part of me wishes I’d been strong enough to cut ties sooner,” I said.
He cleared his throat. “Listen, Kane. You’re one of the strongest players I’ve ever coached. Not just in skill, but in character. The way you lead this team, the way you’ve stepped up for your friends—that shows me exactly what kind of man you are.”
I swallowed hard, unexpectedly moved by his words.
“Whatever your father thinks, he’s wrong,” Coach continued. “And I’m not just saying that because I need my captain focused for tonight’s game, though I do.” He cracked a smile. “I’m saying it because it’s true.”
“Thanks,” I said, my voice rougher than I intended. “That means a lot. More than you know.”
He nodded once, then his demeanor shifted back to all business. “Now, about tonight’s game. MSU’s defense adjusted to our offensive strategy yesterday. We need to mix things up.”
I straightened, grateful for the change in topic. “I was thinking the same thing. Their defensemen were anticipating our passes across the neutral zone.”
For the next thirty minutes, we talked strategy, the weight on my shoulders lightening with each passing minute. By the time the rest of the team started trickling in, I felt centered again, focused on what I could control—my performance on the ice.
Drew was the first to arrive, eyeing me curiously as he dropped his bag next to mine.
“All good?” he asked.
“Yep, just came in early to talk strategy with Coach.”
“Good,” Drew said, pulling out his skates. “Because we need your head in the game tonight. Yesterday was a shit show.”
I couldn’t argue with that. We’d been sloppy and unfocused. It had been an off night for all of us, but if we wanted to keep our position in the league, then we couldn’t afford any more off nights.
