Page 37 of Hockey Bois
There was a whoop from Young Greg. “Getting those Ws!”
“Thank you, Young Greg. I’m hoping to have more outings in the future for the team, mostly hockey-related since I know that’s our one unifying hobby.”
“That and drinking,” Donno said and winked at Benns. Nick wasn’t sure, but he had the impression Benns and Donno were friends outside of hockey. It would explain why they played so well together on the ice.
“I also got an update on our stats so far this season,” Benns continued, pointedly ignoring Donno even though he was trying not to laugh. “Turns out we’re the only team this season who hasn’t allowed a single goal during the second period—”
“You’re welcome,” Guy said with a wave of his goalie stick.
“You’rewelcome,” Gail and Brady shot back.
“We’rewelcome,” Young Greg said.
Benns gave a long-suffering sigh.
“So we’re Second Period Titans,” Nick prompted. “Any other stats?”
“Yes, Nicki!” Benns perked up. “We outscore teams in the first period, on average, two to one. Our weakest period seems to be the third. That’s where we lose games. Any suggestions on how to fix that?”
Charged with solving a real problem instead of mouthing off, the room fell silent.
“Actually,” Brady said, his hand raised like he was in school, “could I send some stuff out? I think what you’re doing is a great idea, and I have a list of things we could work on.”
“Wow, look at Jensie,” Young Greg said. “Trying to get that ‘A’ on his jersey.”
“Jens is already listed as an alternate captain,” Benns said slowly, carefully, bewilderedly. “As is Guy.”
“Wait, what?” Gail said. She looked betrayed and stared at Brady. “Since when?”
“Since the team was formed over two years ago,” Benns said. “It’s listed on the official roster.”
“What the fuck?” Lexi said. “How have none of us noticed this?”
“Because you’re all unobservant children,” GG said. “It’s literally listed on every sign-in sheet.”
“I just thought it was their initials or something,” Young Greg said defensively.
“You thought my name was Brady Jensen A?” Brady asked. His tone wasn’t as incredulous as Benns’s or disapproving as GG’s; he sounded genuinely amused. “And that Guy was Guy Prince A? What about Curtis Bennet C?”
Young Greg’s cheeks were scarlet. “I mean…”
“I just come in and sign my name,” Donno said with his hands up in surrender.
“Way more understandable than thinking ‘A’ was part of their names,” Mags said under his breath.
“They should have the letters on their jerseys!” Young Greg nearly shouted. “I’d get that!”
Brady exaggeratedly pulled his jersey over his shoulder pads. On the left shoulder was a patch that was nothing more than the letter “A.”
“Son of a bitch,” Young Greg mumbled. He looked like he was having a mental crisis.
“Anyway,” Brady said as he continued to smooth out his jersey, “I got a few strategies I thought we could work on if you don’t mind me taking over for the next few weeks.”
Benns beamed at him. “I’d be happy to let you share some tips. Or anyone else who thinks they’ve got some good ones.”
“I’m gonna send out a compilation video of the best cellys in hockey,” Lexi said.
“I’m gonna send out a video of goalies losing their shit to get Guy pumped up,” Gail said.
