Here’s one good thing about missing regionals to be home with the kids. I was streaming it at home, but I didn’t have to keep my composure. Out here, with the live crowd, our competition if we win this game watching on … it’s hard to look passive when all I want to do is scream for our guys to fight.
I’m encouraging where I need to be, but we can’t let the other team know how desperate we are for this win.
The thing is, we’re up by two. It’s not a solid lead, but it’s something. The game is close, but it doesn’t feel that way because our guys have possession of the puck more than the other team. They’re in our attack zone, constantly taking shots on goal.
The play is aggressive but legal. No one wants to be thrown in the sin bin tonight. This is it for a lot of them. Rossi and Schofield graduate this year. We’re going to need a new goalie. Someone who’s sharp and fast like Schofield. But I’m getting ahead of myself. That’s next year’s problem.
Right now, our problem is a hotshot forward from St. Cloud who keeps firing bullets at Schofield.
Like a champ, he denies them all, but I know it’s only a matter of time before one slips through, and the mind of a hockey player is a weak thing. It’s the weakest part of an athlete’s body.
We train them, we make them take care of themselves on the outside, but all it takes is one hit in confidence, and the whole thing can collapse.
I’ve been so enthralled in the game that I’ve only spared glances to where Jasper is sitting with my siblings a few times. He’s so good with them all, especially the twins. Each time I’ve looked over, if he hasn’t had his eyes on me, he’s been fussing over them, making sure they’re fed and happy.
Hazel’s on his other side, and it looks like she’s explaining to him what’s happening on the ice. It’s cute.
The crowd breaks into a commotion. The one second I’m not paying attention, and I miss something.
“What happened?” My gaze flits over the ice.
Beside me, Coach Hogan is stoically silent.
“Asher almost got one in,” Beck says from my other side.
“Come on, come on, come on,” I mutter under my breath.
Beck grips my shoulder. “They’ve got this,” he tries to reassure me.
“Dude, don’t jinx it.”
“I’m not. I’m just saying, look at them out there. They’re working as a team. They’re kicking ass.”
And when I focus, not only on what’s happening on the ice but the team’s demeanor, they really do look focused and determined. They’re not panicking, but they’re not letting their small lead get to their heads.
As the clock winds down and we’re safely through to the final tomorrow, the celebratory hugs and back slaps are quick.
The guys head down to the locker room, but Coach Hogan turns to Beck and me. “You two have been an amazing help this season, and I know we wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for the both of you.”
“Does this mean I get to come back next year?” Beck asks.
“If we take out the win against Cornell, CU will have to give me the budget to hire you full-time.”
Beck grins. “Aww, who would’ve thought the loudest mouth you’ve ever coached would end up being your employee.”
“Don’t make me change my mind,” he grumbles but then heads down the chute to give the team a pep talk for tomorrow.
Beck and I trail after him, and when we hit the locker room, I can already hear Coach Hogan going over the rules.
“Rest up. No partying. The job’s only halfway done.” He’s all authoritative and scary, but at the very last minute, he softens. “Great game out there. I’m proud of all of you. No matter what happens tomorrow, win or lose, I’m undoubtedly watching the best hockey I’ve seen.”
“I’m offended,” Beck mumbles.
I fold my arms. “Hey, so am I. I was once his player too.”
“You got plans for tonight?” Beck asks as the rest of the team hit the showers.
“Yeah, Zoe’s looking after the kids in the hotel room while Jasper and I stalk the halls to make sure players aren’t sneaking out. Why’s that?”
“Was wondering if you and Jasper”—he shudders—“wanted to go for drinks in the hotel lobby bar. We can watch the front doors from there and make sure none of the guys are trying to sneak out. Though I don’t think they will. Not tonight. It’s too important.”
“Considering you can’t even say Jasper’s name without cringing, I’m gonna go with no if you’re going to make it weird.”
“It is weird. He was my professor, and do you know he hates hockey and jocks and—”
“I’m well aware of his hatred for our sport, but he’s also grown in the time I’ve known him. He doesn’t think all of us are stupid meatheads anymore.”