Page 50 of Off The Rush
“Focus, JD,” I tell myself, shaking my head slightly. This game is crucial, not just for the team, but for our… whatever this is between Emma, Luka, Alec, and me.
“Let’s do this!” Luka shouts, his gray eyes blazing with determination as he skates past me.
The game starts and Luka is a beast out there on the ice, all raw power and skill. I watch as he scores the first goal within the first two minutes of the game, the crowd erupting in cheers around us.
“Nice one, Luka!” I call out, more than impressed by his performance so far. If he keeps this up, maybe, just maybe, we can make this work.
But despite his need to score, Luka can’t help getting caught up in a fight with an opposing player. They exchange heated words before fists start flying, and I wince as Luka takes a punch to the jaw. The refs quickly intervene, sending Luka to the penalty box, his face a mask of pure fury.
“Focus,” I remind myself again, my heart pounding in my chest. Play starts up once more, and the other team is coming towards me, fast and relentless. They shoot the puck to my upper right, and I react on instinct, snatching it out of midair with my glove.
“Nice save, JD!” one of my teammates shouts, patting me on the back as we regroup.
“Thanks,” I reply, trying to keep my emotions in check. This game is far from over, and there’s still so much at stake. But for now, all I can do is play my best and hope that Luka can score those goals… and maybe, just maybe, we’ll have a chance at something with Emma.
The second period begins, and I’m more determined than ever to keep the opposing team from scoring. Sweat drips down my forehead as I tap the net in my usual routine, focusing all my energy on making this a shutout game. Shot after shot comes at me like bullets, but I manage to deflect each one with precision and raw instinct.
“Keep it up, JD!” my teammates encourage me, their faces showing just how much they’re counting on me. And I won’t let them down.
When Luka swoops in and sinks a second goal into the opposing team’s net, our side of the arena roars in approval. My heart swells with pride for him, though I know we can’t afford to get too caught up in celebration just yet.
“Nice job, Eriksson!” I call out, giving him a nod of approval as he skates by, his gray eyes filled with determination.
Within minutes, Alec appears from seemingly nowhere, weaving through the other players like a snake before landing a goal of his own. The crowd goes wild, and even I can’t help but cheer for him, despite knowing what it might mean for our bet. It’s obvious that Alec isn’t keeping the puck away from Luka, but I also know that he would never do anything to jeopardize the success of our team.
“Way to go, Campbell!” I shout as he passes by, and he flashes me a quick grin before returning to the game.
The third period is upon us, and my nerves are more frayed than ever. Each time the opposing team lines up a shot, my heart leaps into my throat, but I refuse to let them score. With every save, I think of Emma’s smile and the possibility of a future with her, and it pushes me to be better.
I almost let a puck slip past me, but with a last-second dive, I manage to block it. My heart is racing, and as I get back on my feet, I see Alec and Luka both open for a pass. It’s a split-second decision, but I send the puck soaring towards Luka.
He controls it effortlessly, skating past the defense with an intensity that leaves everyone in awe. As he shoots the puck into the net, the announcer’s voice booms through the arena: “Eriksson makes a goal off the rush!”
“Yes!” I scream, pumping my fist in the air as Luka completes his hat trick.
There are ten seconds left when their star player escapes our defense and skates right for me.
It feels like time slows down to a halt as the puck comes flying at me. I move right and my balance is completely off when I see it going towards my bottom left. I know it’s going to get past me but I throw my body down on the ice to try and stop it in time.
The final buzzer sounds and my heart is in my throat as I slowly stand up.
Relief almost brings me to my knees when I see I landed on the puck.
It was a shutout. I did it.
Luka did it.
I roar in excitement as our team celebrates.
Luka skates over to me, a wide grin plastered across his face, and we share a bear hug right there on the ice.
“Great game, guys!” Alec says, joining our celebration. There’s no anger or resentment in his eyes, and I can’t help but think that maybe he didn’t try too hard to stop Luka from scoring. But why? Does he want this?
We skate off the ice together, our hearts full of triumph and hope. We’ve managed to pull off not just a win, but possibly something even better.
Stepping out of the locker room, my heart still races from our victory on the ice. Luka, Alec, and I walk out together.
Emma’s waiting for us, her wavy brown hair cascading over her shoulders as her green eyes sparkle with excitement. She saw my shutout, and I can’t help but feel a surge of pride at the thought.
