The crowd went nuts, people yelling and cheering while a few idiot Oiler fans booed him. Damon shot them the bird.
That got the crowd even louder.
Hal chuckled, as did the security folks. “Give them something, Damon.”
Damon cleared his throat, aware Marlie watched from the box. “After the Raptors win, we’ll be gearing up for our next few victories. Wishing you all happy holidays. And I’ll see you at the game come the new year.” He waved.
Everyone was on their feet chanting, “Demon. Demon. Demon.”
Damon left with Hal, not about to lie to himself that hearing his name from the fans felt incredible. He had to heal his knee fast. No way he’d let everyone down before they took the next Stanley Cup.
Hal slapped him on the back as they left the ice. “Nice job. Hope we can count on you to come back soon.”
“You know it, Hal.” Another thing Damon liked about the guy—he insisted everyone just call him Hal and treat him like a regular person.
“And tell Marlie how much I enjoyed talking to her.”
“Oh, you’ll see her again. She’s mine.”
Hal’s smile widened. “Good. She’s genuine.” Unlike a lot of the spouses and companions of some of the team.
“Yeah. She doesn’t take any of my shit.” Damon chuckled. “I just have to figure out a way to convince her I’m the real deal.”
“Then I suggest avoiding the scandals half your teammates get up to.”
“No kidding.”
“Enjoy the rest of the game.” They had another two periods to go. “I have to get back to Milly and the grandkids. We’re supposed to hit the cabin for Christmas and we’re taking extra time so my daughter can have a few date nights with my son-in-law.”
“Nice. Have a great Christmas, boss.”
“You too, son.” Hal left, and Damon turned to head down to the locker room.
He made it just as the coach finished up. Kowalski grinned at him. “About time you got back.”
“I’m just here to watch and cheer, Coach.” He accepted the coach’s hug. Then he flipped off the team, who razzed him about slacking. “Hey, I saw a few things.”
“Please, let’s hear it.” Kowalski stood back as Damon lit into the guys, quickly pointing out what they did right then wrong. Then he pulled Colby aside.
“Yo, man. Been a while.” Colby bro-hugged him. Not easy with all the pads.
“You’re looking good. But two things. Tell Hallman to watch his recovery.” Their backup goalie had gotten some playtime, and he needed it. “He’s getting too caught up in watching the play and not setting up again.”
“Yeah, I saw that, but?—”
“And two, you make sure you’re talking with Lars and Mickey. They can get lost sometimes.”
“Tell them that.”
“No. You tell them that. You’re in charge on defense. Remember that. But seriously, you’re doing great out there.”
“Thanks. You coming back soon?”
“Scared?”
Colby chuckled. “You wish. So are you?”
“I’m getting there. I should be good to play in January. But you’ve saved our asses this season. Maybe I’ll return to back you up.”
