Page 53 of Hockey Bois
Brady tapped the table between them to punctuate each point. His love for Jagr was really adorable.
Nick whistled, somewhat in awe of the passion behind his outburst. “Wow. They must love ’im in Czechia more than you do.”
“He scores a shitton of goals for themandhe helped them earn gold back in the day, so yeah, they love him. And considering the type of crap he’s gotten here in the NHL, it’s nice to be able to retire to a place that knows, respects, and loves who they got.”
“So obviously you’re going to retire to Czechia as well so you can join them in worshiping Jagr.”
“I mean… I’d go there for a game for sure if he were playing. Could be a fun vacation.”
“Are you sureyou’renot secretly Czech? Is that why you love him so much?”
Brady blushed, his shoulders going up as he protectively shrunk in on himself. “He’s a good player,” he mumbled defensively. “He’s a beast, still out there playing at his age when everyone else from his draft class is probably long done with professional hockey.”
Nick held up his hands in mock surrender. “I’m not arguing. I am well aware that he is technically—”
“Technically!?”
“—a good player, even if he didn’t perform for us the way we wanted him to. I just—”
“—prefer pretty boys like Wilson,” Brady muttered.
“So you finally agree Wilson is pretty?” Nick tried not to laugh as Brady nearly choked on his drink. “Wilson is also a competent player who works our PK, power play,andgets top-six minutes. He scores, he skates, he hits, he fights. He’s awesome, so yeah, I can get behind a guy like Wilson.”
Double entendre intended.
“I need to move back to PA,” Brady whined.
“You could always move to Philly if you’re looking for another hockey city—”
“Ugh, never mind. I’m fine here.”
“You’d miss us anyway,” Nick said. “If you left.”
“Yeah,” Brady conceded. “I might.”
*
Curtis Bennet: Just a reminder that our last game of the year is coming up. Not our last game of the season, but there is a break for the holidays after that :)
Gail King: Oh god he’s like the kid in middle school who would make sure to point out the difference between year and school year
Gregory Smegory: Or would give you shit for saying good morning at 12pm
Gregg Cox: You two are the kids who would complain about that kid instead of just politely nodding along
Gregory Smegory: Yikes burn
Alex Warner: We doing anything to celebrate?
Curtis Bennet: I’m glad you asked, Lexi! I was hoping to have another team outing. I realize everyone is likely busy with holiday and family plans, so I thought I’d keep it simple. The Winter Classic as I’m sure you know will be on New Year’s Day at noon. While we aren’t necessarily fans of Detroit or Toronto, it’s usually a fun game and there’s always a chance of there being some real snow!
Marc Garcia: That actually sounds like a lot of fun
Marc Garcia: You thinking a potluck type deal?
Curtis Bennet: I can host since our basement was recently finished. There’s a large TV and lots of seats. And yes, I was thinking a potluck would be easiest! We can provide some of the basics like hotdogs and popcorn, plates and cutlery, soda, etc but would appreciate anything else you might like to bring. I know Guy for example makes a damn good poutine!
Alex Warner: I feel like that’s discriminatory
