I start to follow automatically.
“Hey. Lee, isn’t it?” Coach uses the name I’d given gruffly at the start.
I freeze.
He’s looking directly at me.
“Stay a second.”
The rest of the guys leave the ice one by one until suddenly the rink feels much larger and much quieter.
I’m still standing there near the faceoff circle.
Coach skates toward me. He stops a few feet away and studies me, arms folded loosely across his chest.
Then he nods once.
“That was impressive.”
Relief hits so hard I almost sway on my skates.
I keep my head slightly down.
“Thanks,” I mutter.
“We’re in a tough spot right now,” he continues calmly. “Our left wing’s going to be out for a while.”
I nod slightly.
“So, here’s what I can offer.”
My heart is pounding now.
“A temporary place with the team,” he says. “You train with us, play while we need the cover.”
He shrugs lightly. “After that… we’ll see.”
The words take a second to fully land.
I got it.
“That is,” Coach adds, “if you want it.”
“Yes! Thank you!” I keep my voice low and my words to a minimum, but I can hear my own excitement bubbling through.
He smiles faintly at that. “Good.”
I’m almost dizzy with happiness.
I did it.
I’m back on the ice.
Playing real hockey again.
“You’ll just need to meet with the physio for a quick physical exam.”
The words slam into my brain like a puck to the helmet.
