Chapter Twenty-Two
MAVERICK
It was the last game of our current home streak. And we were undefeated.
The buzz in the arena felt heavy.
Not just for the undefeated streak.
Tonight, as I looked around, the support for Coach and his family was pretty obvious everywhere.
Normally there were a handful of signs from fans wanting a puck, a stick, wanting one of us to wish them a happy birthday. Usually at least two signs from women begging Abel for a kiss.
Not for this game.
There were three times as many signs and every single one was for Coach and Carrie.
When we took the ice before the game, the crowd started chanting for Coach.
It became so loud and so obvious, Coach had no choice but to address the fans.
Both hockey teams lined up and we all stared at Coach.
He stood behind the bench, nodding, taking it all in.
He then stepped out onto the ice and began to wave to everyone.
We all hit our sticks on the ice.
Finally, Coach pointed to center ice.
Telling everyone it was time to play hockey.
And that’s just what we did.
Reid skated down to the net with me.
“Got a shutout in you, Mav?”
“Of course I do,” I said. “Going to stay out of my way?”
“Of course I will,” Reid said.
“Let’s finish this with a win for Coach and Carrie,” I said. “I’m not sure how the road trip is going to go.”
“We’ll deal with it,” Reid said. “Let’s grab this one first.”
Reid turned and skated away.
I stood in front of the net and promised myself to protect it with my life.
I put myself into game mode.
Forgetting everything.
Except Madison.
She was somehow glued into my mind.