Russo straightens slightly beside me. “Huh.”
Now I’m watching properly.
Next drill - tight turns around the cones.
He cuts through them easily, edges biting the ice with confident precision.
No hesitation or wasted movement.
When the puck slides his way again, he handles it without looking down once.
Okay.
Now I’m paying attention.
The other guy in the pair is clearly trying hard, but the difference between them is obvious.
One of them is thinking about every movement.
The other just skates.
Coach calls for a short rush drill.
Two defenders against the pair.
The puck ends up on the newcomer’s stick.
He hesitates for half a second at the blue line, reading the gap.
Then he moves.
Fast.
He pulls the puck slightly inside, forcing the defender to commit, then slips past him with a quick shift of weight that leaves just enough space to cut toward the slot.
The whole play happens in about three seconds.
Where the hell did that come from?
He shoots low.
Chen blocks it easily but still looks a little impressed.
Coach blows the whistle.
“Again.”
This time the rush goes the other way.
The newcomer tracks back instantly, covering the defensive lane without being told.
Russo glances at me.
“You know him?”
“No.”
“Me neither.”
