Page 50 of Full Strength

“Well, thanks.” He stood up and walked away, probably to have another awkward, unnecessary conversation with someone else.

It really wasn't a big deal to ask Nikolay to come. He was a cool guy and had proven in the past few weeks that he was serious about being the best player and teammate he could be. I could only imagine how hard it would be to come into the NHL at twenty-five, and to get on this team. There was a lot to live up to but he’d worked hard and played well in games. It was all anyone could ask. Plus, the team was a family no matter how long you’d been there.

I finished putting on my pads and went out to the ice to warm up. Derek, the rookie goalie, was already in his position stretching and basking in the attention of the audience. I did my best to ignore him as I skated along the walls. I couldn't wait for Olli to heal and get back out here where he belonged. That wouldn’t be a reality for a while though. Not until next season, if his therapy went well. I knew how hard he was working though. He’d be ready, Madi would make sure. We’d all let her know we couldn't tolerate Derek for longer than absolutely necessary. We’d accepted that this season was probably going to be a loss. If we were lucky, we’d make it to the second or third round of the playoffs, but it would be a challenge without Olli. All the other teams were aware that our goaltender was the weakest link. All of the lines had to work harder than normal on defense to keep the puck from getting near him. We weren’t perfect though and neither was he. Not that he realized it. He acted like we should all be grateful to be in his presence. The kid was nineteen and had ridden the bench the last season. He had no reason to be cocky, especially since the only reason he was starting was because Olli was injured. None of that seemed to make it past the thick layer of product styling his hair.

He was ridiculous on the ice and even worse off. He was totally into himself and thought he was a goalie turned model. He was the only player that I’d ever met that styled his hair before a game. Not only did we wear helmets, and his even covered his face, but we also sweat buckets. It was ridiculous and all the guys teased him about it. Too bad Derek thought everyone was jealous.

I shook my head and tried to focus. As much as the kid drove me crazy, he was the best goalie we had at the moment. During game time, I had to treat him like I would Olli. I had to have his back and hope he’d do his job.

“How many do you think he’ll let through before blaming his glove or the ice.”

I glanced over to Erik and shrugged. “Three.”

He nodded. “Brassard said two.”

I laughed. That was something that had actually happened a few times already this season. Derek struggled taking responsibility for missing blocks and getting scored on, and he found the most random things to blame it on.

Brassard skated by, looking up at the audience. “Where is everyone?”

I looked up and realized about half the seats were empty. By this time, it was normally packed. “I’m not sure.”

Erik looked around before heading toward the area where the Pride sat. He stopped up against the boards and waited until Madi hurried down. He gestured up and she yelled something back but I couldn’t hear. A moment later, he met up with us. “A huge storm rolled in this afternoon.”

“A thunderstorm?” Brassard asked sounding hopeful.

Erik shook his head. “A snow storm.”

I groaned. Salt Lake had snow regularly, but there were usually a few huge storms through the winter that would surprise the city. White-outs could happen and people did their best to stay off the roads.

I scanned the Pride area and noted several women were missing including Emma, Kendall and Addi. Maybe she just hadn’t left work yet. She did say she wouldn’t make it before the game started.

“I hope it isn’t too bad.” This was one of the major reasons I decided to move across the street from the arena. When these big storms hit, I liked knowing I’d always be able to make it to practice or games. If I couldn't make it across the street, then everything should be cancelled.

I went through the motions before the game. Starting with drills then passes before heading back into the locker room to wait for the opening ceremony.

Once we stepped onto the ice, the crowd went wild. There’s nothing like the applause, roar, and clapping of the audience to get your blood pumping before a game. I live for these moments.

I watched as the ceremonial puck drop took place before heading back towards the bench for the game to start. I felt confident that we had this game in the bag but it was always nerve-racking until we had a few goals on our side.

I try not to think about the fact that half the pride was missing, or that the arena was so empty on a game night. The storm must be even worse than we’d heard. Since I got here so early in the afternoon I hadn’t seen outside in several hours. The skies had been grey then, threatening, but no snow.

I wanted to check on Addi before we came out but I didn’t have a chance to get to my phone. When I’d checked the section where the Pride sat before the game started, she still wasn’t here. Maybe she got caught up at the salon, or maybe something happened with one of the girls. Hopefully nothing that bad happened though.

I wanted to know where Eli was. If he was with the sitter or with one of the girls. I wanted to make sure that he was okay, too. Having that thought was foreign to me. I wasn’t used to caring about very many people besides myself, but now I felt a sense of responsibility for him and his well-being. I needed to know that he was being cared for. That he was warm and full and safe, but there’s nothing I could do about that right now. My focus had to be on the game. On doing what I needed to do. The team came first now. We were all worried, but none of us were letting that take over. We had a job to do. Personal problems came after the next three periods.

Hartman and Eric came back in with the first line and it was my turn on the ice. I kicked my leg up and over the boards taking off toward Brassard who had the puck in St Louis’ area. I checked over my shoulder for Nikolay and Reese. They were close behind, spreading out to take position. We still had possession of the puck, so I hurried to get where Brassard needed me.

“Mine.” I called out and he shot it straight toward me. I took the puck to the left corner and dodged an opponent. We were in their zone but I didn’t have an open shot so looked around for someone to be open.

Reese was ready, slapping his stick on the ice so I got the puck to him. He spun, sending it to Nikolay before getting in a better position in case Nikolay’s shot didn’t make it in. Reese passed it to Nikolay who quickly returned it back to him and Reese hit the puck towards the goal with a perfect slap shot.

By some miracle the goalie wasn’t prepared. It seemed like he was looking in the complete opposite direction. The puck went flying in like it had an open invitation.

I headed straight for Reese, holding him and hitting him on the head with my gloved hand. “Nice job, Murray.”

Nikolay joined us, patting Reese on the back. “Great shot.”

Reese grinned. “Thanks for the assist. I want more of those passes tonight.”