The team made it to regionals in the Frozen Four and I couldn’t have been more proud. Two more games and we could be Frozen Four champions. Coach Dalton was already getting super nervous, but I told him for our first year this was great. He was getting pressure from the dean, but seriously, the dude needed to relax because this was outstanding for our first year, with only two of us, and just picking up an assistant coach two months ago.
The last four months had been hard work and a lot of fucking stress, but god, I wouldn’t change it for anything. I had had my doubts about making the decision, but having Jude and Forest remind me why I chose this helped, and coming home to them every day helped too. We still had some time apart, but nothing like my old schedule and thank god for that, because being away from them was godawful.
I walked into the locker room seeing Parker already getting ready with earbuds in his ears, tuning out the world. My goalie was doing stretches and the rest of my first and second line walked through the door. I checked in with the guys to make sure they were ok, then I met with Dalton to go over a few things before the guys warmed up on the ice.
I was so focused on getting the guys ready that I didn’t even notice who was in the stands until the end of the first period. Riggs, Gomez, Clarke and Cap all stood together with Forest andJude. A big sign that said ‘Go Coach Webber’ was spread out in front of them and had me wanting to cry like a baby.
They whistled and shouted as I waved at them following the team to the locker room.
“Damn, Coach, was that Hunter Riggs, Romeo Gomez, Noel Clark and Jeff Ravino from the Yetis!?” one of my forwards asked, almost yelling.
“Old news, dude.” Parker rolled his eyes.
“Not everyone got to meet Riggs and Gomez after New Years,” I said, shoving Parker playfully.
“Everyone should have been here if they were serious about hockey,” Parker snapped.
“Calm your tits, Parker,” Tommy said, sitting down. “We don’t all live and breathe hockey.”
“I know and it shows,” Parker retorted. “While I’m playing professional hockey, y’all will be sitting at desk jobs wishing you were me.”
I laughed, but Parker was right, if he kept playing the way he was, I wouldn’t doubt he was going to get drafted. The guys argued as Dalton and I went over a few things and I gave the first pep talk of the night. I would never get used to the way these boys looked at me, other than Parker, who looked like I was scratching nails on a chalk board. My heart always felt full after one of our pep talks, but today it felt especially full.
“No matter what happens today, you guys played an amazing year,” I said, looking at every player. “You put in the work, the effort and the dedication it took to get here. Win or lose today, celebrate how far we've come and I’m proud of each and every one of you. Now let's go win this game!”
The boys did their little chant, hyping each other up until they were a shouting mess and then they raced out.
“Thanks for staying here with me,” Dalton said, patting me on the back. “I don't think I ever told you thank you.”
“You don’t have to thank me,” I chuckled.
“I don't know anyone who would have turned down a Toronto offer to coach college hockey,” he said, and I froze.
I had told no one about the offer.
“How the hell did you know that?” I narrowed my eyes at him.
He shrugged. “I have my ways, but thank you. You’ve made coaching bearable and I couldn't have done it without you.”
“I was ready for a change and let’s face it, I’m getting older. Lord knows how much longer I had on this knee, might as well bow out gracefully,” I said.
“Still, I think it's awesome you did that for us.” He slapped my shoulder as he went out on the bench and I followed.
We did not win the semifinals, but that was ok. I felt proud of how far these kids had come, even if there were a few who were sorely disappointed, mostly Parker.
“We will get them next year, Parker,” I said, clapping his shoulder as we left the arena.
He shrugged, trying to act indifferent.
“We made it pretty far,” I stated. “That just means we have more time to practice on our weak areas and time to get better.”
“Parker!”
We turned around to a man in jeans, boots and a Stetson. His hat was low enough I didn’t get a good look at him.
“What the hell are you doing here, Nash?” Parker grumbled.
“I heard my baby brother was on his way to the Frozen Four,” the man said.
