Chapter 54: Chapter 54

HAYDEN

I didn’t know the best way to explain it, but game days had a rhythm.

It usually felt like a ritual of sorts. Every player had their game day routine, most people were even superstitious about it, but I didn't think it was that deep. I would admit that one's game day routine played a significant role in their preparedness.

For me, I like to wake up early, shake off the nerves with coffee that was probably stronger than it needed to be, run through warm-ups until my legs feel alive, and try not to overthink the fact that the stands would be full by puck drop.

Usually, I was good at keeping my head down, it was just me, my teammates, and the ice.

But today? I could already feel the eyes.

Word had gotten around that a few NHL scouts were showing up again, and the locker room buzzed with it. Everyone tried to play it cool, but you could see the extra sharpness in how guys taped their sticks, hear it in how hard we slammed the pucks against the boards during practice drills.

“Big night, Michaels,” Coach said as we went through our pre-game strategy. He clapped a heavy hand on my shoulder. “Scouts or no scouts, just do what you do best. Don’t force it. You play your game, the rest takes care of itself.”

I nodded, gripping my stick tighter than I meant to. “Got it, Coach.”

"Good. And keep your head on straight. You've been consistent, and it shows, so don't start acting like you need to impress anybody."

Easy for him to say. He didn’t have his parents texting him every other day about “thinking seriously about the draft.”

By the time we hit the ice, the arena was buzzing. The sound of skates cutting across fresh ice, the chill hitting my face as I stepped through the gate, this was where I belonged.

We began our usual warm-ups on the ice, and I caught sight of Coleen in the stands, sitting with Mark, bundled up, her hair catching the rink lights in a way that made her look exquisitely beautiful. Just the sight of her was enough to make my chest tighten.

She was smiling at something Mark said, but then her eyes found me, just for a second. And yeah, I definitely skated harder after that.

Jason noticed. “Dude,” he said, gliding up beside me, “You’re grinning like an idiot.”

“Shut up,” I muttered, trying to fight it back.

“Ah, it’s love. Beautiful, nauseating love.” Jason peeled off before I could jab him with my stick.

The game started, and all I can say was that the first period was fast and physical. I won the opening faceoff, drove the puck deep, and set up our winger for an early shot on goal. The game was off to a great start, and that felt good.

I knew the scouts were somewhere in the stands, but I didn't pay them any mind. Every time I looked up, all I could see was Coleen.

We finished the first period tied, 1-1. In the locker room, Coach barked reminders at us to focus on our game, but he didn't fail to praise us. So far, so good. We were holding it down on the ice pretty well.

My phone buzzed on the bench as I was grabbing water. I didn’t even need to check it to know it was my father.

“Just saw the scouts on TV. Don’t blow this. Think about declaring this year. The NHL won’t wait for you.”

I shoved the phone back into my bag and refused to answer. Not now.

During the second period, we came out flying. The rival team played rough, one of their defensemen nailed me against the boards hard enough to make my teeth rattle. Thankfully, Jason got in his face, buying me a second to get my breath.

And then it happened, I picked off a pass in the neutral zone, broke down the ice, faked left, went right, and buried the puck top shelf.

It was a fucking clean goal, and I was way beyond pumped, but the only person I looked for was Coleen. She was on her feet, clapping, yelling something I couldn't hear. My chest felt like it might burst.

We were tied again by the third period, but there was no way we were going to let it end in a tie. Jason dug the puck out of the corner and sent it to me in the slot. I let it rip. The shot beat their goalie glove-side with less than a minute on the clock.

I don’t even remember celebrating. All I remember is the sound of the final buzzer and my teammates yelling, the fans losing their minds, and one voice in my head telling me not to check my phone.

After the game, I showered fast and ducked the scouts lingering near the tunnel. I knew what they'd say. "Great game, kid. Have you thought about the draft?" I wasn't ready to have that conversation. Not yet.

When I finally made it out to the concourse, Coleen was waiting near the railing with Mark, grinning from ear to ear.

“That was insane,” she said as I walked up, hair still damp from the locker room. “Two goals? You were unstoppable.”

“Thanks,” I said, suddenly feeling awkward and tongue-tied. “Glad you could make it.”

Mark clapped me on the back. “Kid’s turning into a superstar. Just don’t forget the little people when you’re famous.”

I laughed. “Don’t worry. You’re unforgettable.”

Coleen rolled her eyes, but she was still smiling, and something about that look, pure, proud, no judgment, hit harder than any scout's approval ever could.

Later, alone in my car, I finally checked my phone to find more texts from my dad.

“This is your moment. Don’t waste it. Declare now. Finish school later.”

I didn’t respond. I just sat there, staring at Coleen’s picture on my phone instead. It was one I had taken of her during our first date.

How was I supposed to chase this dream, the one I’d had since I was a kid, without losing the person who felt like home?

I didn’t have the answer yet. But I knew one thing for sure, whatever came next, I wasn’t giving up either of them.