I take the backseat of the bus, feeling like an imposter as I look around at the talent. I give myself a mental pep talk.I’m talented too, so I’m here for a reason.
I expect everyone to leave me to myself, my headphones blasting Slipknot as Alexi comes and sits next to me. Out of respect for the captain, I take the headphones off and hear what he has to say.
“Hello,so´lnyshka.”
“Are you calling me a prick or something?” I ask, and he belts out a laugh.
“No. Definitely not. Are you ready for today?”
“I’m just the backup.”
He grunts and shakes his head. “You need to be ready, are you ready?” I nod my head, and I’m ready to put my headphones on when he speaks again. “You’ve done well at practice, but an NHL game is going to feel different than the minors. It’s louder, the guys are bigger, it can be intimidating.” I shrug my shoulders, even though he’s inciting the fear of God into me right now. “Just treat the warm-up like you’re playing, yes?”
“Yes, I can do that.”
“Good boy,” he says, nudging my shoulder with his. I swallow thickly, thankful as fuck that I can’t perfume. Not only because it would be incredibly fucking embarrassing, but it would also ruin everything.
“I’ll be ready,” I tell him, and he smiles.
When I say that Alexi Bandnin is the most intimidating person I’ve ever met, I might mean it. It’s not because he’s mean or scary, it’s because he’s so fucking nice while being so goddamn big. Like, who gave him the right?
Eli and Mikael are sitting in the same row as us, and they are bickering when Alexi shoves Mikael’s arm.
“Stop arguing with your brother-husband before the game.”
“Shut the fuck up, Bandnin,” Mikael says back.
“Well, if that’s how you talk to your brother-husband, then I understand why he’s irritated with you.”
Eli laughs, and I have to hide one in the crook of my arm.
“When are you going to fucking retire anyway?” Mikael jokes.
“What and leave you all to your own devices? Never.”
“Oh, okay, old man.”
Alexi laughs and lets Mikael’s insult roll of his back. Alexi is definitely one of the oldest players in the NHL, but it’s wrong to call him old when he looks likethat.
“Ignore him, Alexi. We will push you with a walker around the ice if we have to,” Eli says, and there are another round of laughs on the bus.
Alexi grins and stands up, holding the headrest of the seat in front of us. “Would anyone on this bus like to challenge me to a duel?”
An eruption of laughter takes over the bus, my own included, and damn, it feels good to laugh.
“A fucking duel? We’re not in the union, comrade.”
“I don’t see anyone raising their hands!” Alexi says with a booming voice, and that’s when the laughter dies down. “Now, are we going to sing the fucking song or what?”
Mikael groans, and Eli smiles, standing up as the whole bus starts singingWe Will Rock Youby Queen. It’s the most cliché thing in the world. But if it’s a team tradition for away games, then it is what it is. I join in, belting out the tune and slapping my thighs to the beat. Alexi is still standing and gives me a gentle smile before continuing his awful rendition of the song.
* * *
We’ve just finished warm ups. The ice at UBS Arena is complete trash; it’s watery, and I know the ice crew members will have to shovel the slush and ice off frequently. I’m on the bench, fully dressed, eager, and hopeful. Johannson wasn’t looking too hot in practice, and I have a feeling if he lets in an unnecessary goal, then I might just get my chance.
My dream of playing in the NHL is solely based on me wanting this guy to fuck up—which I know is wrong. But to be honest, I don’t care. Johannson is an Alpha, so he’s had the physical ability given to him genetically. I’ve had to work endlessly, destroy my body, and put aside everything for this. Not that Johannson doesn’t deserve it, but it’s so close, and I want it.
Coach wasn’t kidding, the Islanders are playing like shit, and our front line is taking full advantage. Alexi on left wing, Eli at center, and Mikael is playing left defender. They are kicking the game off strong, showing we didn’t come here to mess around.
