We’re a well-oiled machine, moving across the ice. Cal U’s defense isn’t ready for us as I deke the defenseman and easily put the puck in the back of the net.
The stands erupt.
“Holy shit, you motherfucker!” Randy glides over to me and jumps onto me. “I don’t think we’ve ever scored that fast before!”
Looking at the time clock, nine seconds have ticked by.
“It’s going to be a long game for them.” Marcus ispositively giddy as he slaps me on the helmet as we head back for the ensuing face-off.
“Don’t get cocky now,” I tell the two of them. A fast start doesn’t mean anything when we still have the entire game left to play.
“Keep playing like that and I will be.”
I roll my eyes at Randy and take the face-off. The poor kid doesn’t look quite so cocky anymore. He’s not fast, and I take the puck out from under him. This time, we’re not as lucky. Cal U’s defense is ready for us and blocks what could have been an easy pass from Randy to me.
Our guys are ready at the other end of the ice. We have one of the best defenses in the country, and they easily block Cal U from getting anywhere close to our goalie.
Taking the puck back toward their end of the ice, Marcus slides into position as I pass the puck off. Randy follows behind, blocking their defenseman so Marcus can take the shot on goal.
The lamp lights up behind the goalie.
2-0 Sand Sharks.
“Fuck yeah!” I congratulate Marcus on another easy goal.
“Wanna save one for me, boys?” Randy asks.
“Gotta take your own shots, Randy,” Marcus tells him.
Coach calls for a line change before play resumes. Finding my spot on the bench, I look around the crowd.
Electric. That’s the only way to describe it. There’s no way I could find Angie in here right now. But I’m hoping she’s here.
And it’s that thought that carries me through the rest of the game.
7-2. An easy win if there ever was one.
“Great win, boys! A hat trick from our captain and an assist? Hell of a game, Hollins.”
“Thanks, Coach.”
“Practice is canceled tomorrow. Take the day, rest up, and I’ll see you all on Monday.”
Thank God. I could use a rest day. Between practice and studying, I have no life.
“Anyone down to party tonight?” Randy asks. “I’ll pick up some kegs on the way home.”
“You know it!” Isaac tells him. “You up for it, Gladiator?”
“Gotta celebrate a win,” I agree, even though I know I’ll make it an early night.
I take a quick shower, wanting to go out and see if I can find Angie.
As I leave the locker room, Cal U is walking out of the visitors’ locker room and heading to their buses.
“Hey.” I call over their player who’d been trying to keep up with us all night.
“Me?” He looks around, like he’s trying to gauge who I’m talking to.
