"Too late," Dex says. "Kid's up one-nothing."
Colby tries to restore order.
"Passing drill," he says, sending the puck toward Dex.
Dex swings and completely misses.
The puck ricochets into the cones.
Orange plastic explodes across the floor.
Kids lose their minds.
"That was strategic," Dex says confidently.
"You whiffed," Bobby says.
"Advanced technique," Dex replies. "See kids, that takes hours of hard work and practice."
"Let Maddie try," one of the kids shouts.
Maddie runs out onto the gym floor before anyone can stop her.
"Alright," I say, crouching beside her. "Stick like this."
She lines up.
Takes a swing.
The puck slides straight into the net.
The gym explodes.
"MADDIE! MADDIE! MADDIE!" the kids chant.
She throws both arms in the air.
Dex jogs over and lifts her like she just won a championship.
"Natural talent," he announces. "Definitely my coaching."
"You were chasing a second grader five minutes ago," Colby says.
Coach blows a whistle.
Kids freeze.
"Alright," he says. "Lesson time."
He picks up the skate he brought with him.
"Anyone here ever tried running with their shoelaces untied?" he asks.
Every hand shoots up.
"What happens?" he asks.
"You trip!"
