Page 169 of Saving Forever with the Hockey Captain

"Shoulder coming along?"

"Getting there."

"Everyone's been pulling for you."

"I appreciate that."

The exchange lasts less than thirty seconds, but as soon as the volunteer walks away another family approaches. There’s a little boy, no older than seven, clutching a miniature Blizzards jersey against his chest.

His father leans down. "Go ahead, buddy."

The boy looks up at Jamie with enormous blue eyes. "Are...are you Captain Walker?"

Jamie's smile softens instantly.

"I am."

"I wore your number today."

"You did?"

The boy nods so hard that his winter hat slips over one eyebrow. "My coach says captains always help their teammates."

Jamie kneels carefully so they're eye level. "Your coach sounds like a smart guy."

The child beams. "Can you sign it?"

"I'd be honored."

Jamie takes the tiny jersey, asking for the boy's name before carefully writing across the number on the back.

When he hands it back, he doesn't stop there. "You know what makes the best captain?"

The boy shakes his head. "The one who notices when somebody else is having a tough day."

The child thinks about that seriously.

"I can do that."

"I know you can."

His father quietly mouths thank you before leading him toward the rink.

I stand a few feet away watching the entire exchange.

Not once does Jamie glance around to see who's watching. Not once does he appear impatient. For that little boy...there is nobody else in the building.

Another family approaches.

Then two sponsors.

Then a woman who introduces herself as the director of one of the adaptive hockey programs.

Every conversation is different.

Jamie remembers names.

Asks about surgeries.