She’s wearing a Sun Kings jersey.
Myjersey.
Why mine? And what does that mean?
The next thing I know, Stingin’ Ray skates circles around us, making a big show of it as our arena ushers walk down the steps between the seats, handing out stickers and miniature plushies of our new mascot.
Most of the guys have neutral expressions on their faces, except for Ethan and Elias, who high-five Stingin’ Ray when he skates past. I don’t know who’s in that suit, but the guy—or gal—is borderline psychotic. Kind of reminds me of the Flyers mascot, Gritty. I hope Stingin’ Ray doesn’t have freaky googly eyes behind those oversized sunglasses.
Bree’s voice breaks into the music again. “And now the results of our ‘Name the Arena’ contest. We had nearly five thousand votes with one clear winner.”
Whistles and cheers fill the stands. The upper-level LED boards flicker to life in a synchronistic wave, circling the arena with flashing waves and hints at the official name until the lights gather into letters, form the words, and flash as she declares the winner.
“Welcome to the Sunfire Arena!” Mic still in hand, she claps before handing things over to Rebecca.
“Good evening, everyone. We are so proud of our team and what we are building here in Sarabella. Of course, none of this would matter without the love and support of you, our fans.”
More cheers erupt. The LED banners pulse with the words ‘thank you’ in all caps.
Rebecca smiles and waves as she waits for the crowd to quiet.
“You’ve all given us so much, and now we want to give something back to our beautiful community. Next month, wewill hold our very first Fire & Ice Fundraiser Event.” She winks at Bree, who beams at her, making me ache for that same smile to be directed at me again. The distance between us is killing me.
Standing to my right, Luke elbows me in the side. When I glance at him, he hovers a hand over his face. I get the message loud and clear.School your expression.I give him a quick nod and tuck my chin.
Rebecca continues, “We have an entire weekend of events planned for you, including a Date a Hockey Player auction fundraiser.”
A series of gasps lead into an all-out riot of excited cheers. As I scan the fellas’ reactions to that one, I see a mix of mocking leers to mild dread on their faces.
Rebecca hands the mic to Zach, who flashes a very broad white smile. “I’m so glad I’m spoken for.”
Laughter peals out, then quiets, allowing him to continue. “As you all know, we have one of the best goalies in the league—Wade Pierce.”
My gaze darts to Zach, who waves me over. I glance at Luke, who shrugs as if to say he has no idea about this, then tips his head in that direction, telling me to get moving.
I swallow the bile in the back of my throat and push off my left skate, leaving the circle to glide toward Zach.
He watches me as I get closer and spin around to stand next to him.
“Goalies are supposed to stay in the crease…but not this time!” He pauses, letting the crowd hang on every word. “During the Fire & Ice event, we’re throwing the ultimate challenge: an All Goalies Game! The best netminders from all over the country will form teams and face off in a mini playoff for a trophy. And if you’ve never seen it, picture our very own Wade Pierce, fully geared up,” he gestures down my uniform, from leg pads tohelmet, “fighting for the puck, taking shots on goal, and showing what it really means to defend the net!”
This time, the crowd not only cheers, but stomps their feet, too.
Zach mouths, “Thank you.” Then he nods toward the team, letting me know I can retake my place.
As I skate toward the fellas, a chant breaks out from the stands.
Pierce! Pierce! Pierce!
Surprised, I slow my roll and lift my stick in acknowledgement. I’ve heard them do it for the Pay-man for obvious reasons, and for Jammer, but never for me.
As I get closer, the fellas tap their sticks on the ice in front of them, and several chant along.
I glide to a stop next to Luke, who lifts his chin, letting me know I should bask in the moment. To my left, Pay-man elbows me in the side while a cheeky grin spreads over his face.
Bree’s voice booms through the arena as the rest of the lights turn on. “Let’s play hockey!”
We skate off the ice, giving the crew time to clear the rink while they get ready to bring both teams out and do the national anthem.
