Page 55 of Don't Look Down
Time is ticking down in the third period of our game against the New York Empires. We’re currently tied at two goals each with less than three minutes remaining. New York scored twice in the first period, while we scored a goal per period.
Watching the play from the bench is anxiety-inducing. It’s a team effort, but I want to be out there.
It’s just about time for a line change, and I’m ready. Seconds pass like minutes. My heart rate is elevated, and I’m breathing a little fast. I inhale a measured breath to get myself under control. Taking the ice like this would be a recipe for disaster.
“Leighton, Murdock, and Spence, you’re up.” Coach Boucher calls the shift. Leigh and I brace ourselves. Thane Murdock is just a bit slower to move. Tonight is his debut as a Bull Shark. He’s been out on the ice already tonight, but he’s definitely feeling the pressure of the clock.
His hands are a bit shaky around his stick and there’s a slightly green tint to his fair skin. He takes a deep breathand squares his shoulders while I watch. Nodding to myself in approval, I reach out and give his shoulder a squeeze. He’s a late season trade, only with us for about a week now. We have good chemistry on the ice. We’re working on making it great.
As soon as the other defensemen come off the ice, I’m over the boards and skating toward the puck. Murdock quickly follows. The Empires are in our zone.
New York passes the puck from player to player, then shoots a bullet at our net. Murdock bodily blocks it, but gains possession of the rebound. He shoots the puck at Leigh, and we’re off, blades slicing across the ice into their zone.
Their center checks Leigh, and there’s a scramble for possession of the puck. Leigh manages to slam the puck away down the boards, bringing the play temporarily behind the net.
New York hits the puck, attempting to send it down the ice, but LeBlanc is faster. Skating quickly and taking possession. LeBlanc to me. Me to LeBlanc. I feel and see the play right before it happens. Leigh is in perfect position for a screened shot, blocking their goalie’s view of the puck.
And they’ve mistakenly left the new guy open. Apparently, they haven’t discovered his party trick. No idea how his talent has managed to fly so far under the radar. He’s a great addition to our line, and he’s ready for this.
LeBlanc fires the puck to Murdock, and the defensemen shoots a bullet right over their goalie’s shoulder. It goes right into the top corner of the net with some of the deadliest accuracy I’ve ever seen. Coach acquired a defensive sniper for the record books.
Our bench goes wild, and our scattered fans lose their shit. Murdock’s celly is a simple stick raise and a fist pump as he skates in front of our bench.
His first goal as a Bull Shark. Yep, he’s going to work out just fine on our team.
The arena gets quiet. A somber mood settling in. It’s New York fans realizing their team’s chances at a dub are dwindling.
There’s a very miniscule chance of them tying it up again.
Thirty seconds remain.
The Empires’ defense rallies. They gain possession of the puck during the faceoff. Driving us deep into our defensive zone. They’re not going down without a fight.
Neither are we.
Davi drops into the splits, deflecting their shot yet again with his pads. Another player attempts another shot on goal with the rebound. Access denied.
He manages to keep the puck out of our net until the clock runs out.
Fuck, that was a rough game.
We barely squeak by. But we’ve got another two points.
We’re on a high from the win, exhaustion hanging heavy in the air as we make our way to the visitors’ locker room. That was a hard-fought win.
All-Star Break can’t come soon enough. We need that week off. Not gonna lie, I’m usually butt hurt when I’m not selected as an All-Star. This year, I only feel relief.
And anticipation.
One more game to go.
If things work out like I hope they will, I’ll get to spend some time with Sky. Our schedules haven’t allowed us to meet up as much as I would have liked. I don’t know what I was expecting. I know how chaotic my schedule is. It’s a miracle he hasn’t dropped me yet. Not many people can tolerate the forced distance of a professional athlete.
Sky not only tolerates it, but he seems to understand. It just increases the urge inside of me telling me I need to be around him more.
After my shower, I’m leaning against one of the locker room walls. Too keyed up after the game, although I’m wiped. Even though I’m ready to head back to the hotel, Leigh is taking forever as usual. The hotel is right next to the arena, so we don’t need any form of transportation to get there aside from our feet.
I pull out my phone to catch up on missed calls and messages. Let’s be real. I’m expecting messages. It’s our habit now. If Sky watches the game, he’ll text me stream of thought messages throughout. He texts like he’s talking directly to me.