I’m good
You go worry about winning your game
Not worried at all, Sunshine
We’ve got it in the bag
I’ll be cheering you on from thestands
Thanks
“Dax. Are you paying attention?”
“What?” My attention snaps to Marcus. “Yeah.”
“Then what did he just say?” Noah asks.
“Don’t be a dick,” I fire back.
“What’s got you so distracted?”
I clear my throat. “Focused on the game.”
I don’t need to tell the guys about Chloe’s plans. Even though it’s all I’ve been thinking about since she told me.
Hockey will be a good distraction. A distraction from thinking about what Chloe is planning on doing at the sex club.
“Dude. You really are distracted.” Bode whacks me on the arm.
“It’s the first game of the season. Give him a break,” Jasper defends.
“Thank you. Just trying to get my head in the game,” I say.
I push all thoughts of Chloe out of my mind and look ahead to our first opponent. Even though it’s preseason, it’s the first chance to see how all of us gel as a team on the ice. We’ve been practicing well together, but playing Seattle is going to be good for us.
They’re one of the stronger teams in the league this season. Coach Andrews has done a good job of preparing us for them.
I’ve been pushing myself harder than ever. I want to be the best player I can be this season. I mean, I do every year, but having gotten so close to the finals and missing out, I want to do everything I can to help get us there.
Not to mention it’d be nice to be better than my brother.
“Alright, men, listen up.” Coach Andrews calls our attention to him. “I know it’s only a preseason game, butthis afternoon I want to see everything we’ve been working on in practice. We’re looking really good right now, and I’m excited to see how we put it all together for the game.”
Looking around, a thrum of excitement simmers in the locker room. Guys are nodding their heads and others bump fists with the guy next to them.
“Let’s have a good clean game and bring home a win!” Coach yells.
“Hell yeah!” Bode says next to me, bumping shoulders with me as we all start to file out of the locker room.
This is what I love. That energy before a game. The excitement is palpable. It’s a fresh slate. No wins and no losses. Everyone is on an even playing field.
Taking the ice, we hear the crowd erupt.
This is the best feeling as we’re cheered on by our fans as pregame festivities carry on around us. Before I know it, the anthems are over and the puck is dropping.
I take my place on the bench as the action starts. Maybe one of these days I’ll be on the first line. I’ve been working hard to get there, so we’ll see.
Marcus passes the puck over to Bode—whose stick work is impressive—as he moves down the ice. Between the two of them, they’re lightning out there.
