Page 185 of Puck Me Back to Life

One fake.

Backhand.

Forehand.

Goal.

The arena loses its mind. I don't even look toward the crowd. I point straight at Noah.

Good pass.

Professional.

He stares at me for half a second.

Then skates away without acknowledging it. I tell myself that's okay. He doesn't owe me anything.

Third period.

Tie game.

Coach shortens the bench.

Every shift matters now.

My lungs burn. My legs ache. The exhaustion almost feels good.

Late in the third, Ash keeps the puck alive at the blue line with a diving glove save.

The crowd roars. He immediately dishes it down the wall.

Dante chips it toward the slot.

The puck bounces once.

Straight to me.

I don't think.

I shoot.

The red light flashes. Hats begin raining onto the ice.

One. Then ten. Then hundreds.

My teammates tackle me against the boards.

Someone yells, “Hat trick!”

I hadn't even realized. The noise inside the arena becomes almost animal.

People are screaming my name.

Kai!

Hayes!

Kai!