The Mighty Ducks Imagines

Blessing In Disguise

Shit. Oh, no. This can't be happening. It all went so wrong so fast. I was just practicing in the alley like I always do. Unfortunately, I messed up my timing. My slapshot sent the puck too far and it smashed through the windows of some dude's truck. Obviously, this guy slammed on the breaks, got out of the car and is currently berating me.

"I'm so sorry."

"Why does this always happen to me? It's happened more times than you'd think." The old guy rants.

"I'm sorry. It was an accident, alright." I continue to apologise.

"Yeah, I've heard that before." He scoffs.

"I'll call my dad. He'll come fix this, I promise."

"You do that." He's pissed.

What have I done? I can feel my hands shaking as I find the number.

"I'm at work. Is everything okay?" He asks upon answering.

"Not really. I accidentally smashed a guy's car window. I need you to come talk to him."

"Jesus, Y/N. Where are you?"

"The alley. You know the one."

"I'll be there soon."

I hang up the phone and put it back in my pocket. Stammering slightly in fear, I tell the man that my dad is on his way. Luckily, he's cooled down a little bit. In an attempt to make it less awkward, he comments on my gear.

"Those gloves are too worn-out. Not gonna be much help like that."

"They're my dad's old gloves. He won stuff." I become slightly defensive.

"This feels all too familiar..."

"Because your windows have been smashed before?"

"Yeah, but it was also by a kid who was practicing slapshots in an alley. Actually, it was this alley." He recalls.

"What a coincidence." I laugh nervously.

"You skate?"

"Yeah, of course."

"He couldn't - not at that point. He had power though. So do you. Ever think about joining a hockey team?"

"Well, yeah, but I'm not exactly an expert on making friends. Most of the time I'm by myself with headphones on. I listen to a lot of rock from the 80s and 90s because of my dad." Why am I telling him this? He doesn't care.

"This kid was the same at first. He protected his future teammates though. Met his best friend on the team. You couldn't separate them - best enforcers around." This sounds kinda familiar. "I wonder what happened to them. You kinda look like him."

"Are you a coach?" I try to figure it out.

"Yeah. I took a long break but I'm back."

"Did you ever coach a guy called-" I get interrupted by my dad turning the corner.

"What happened?" He asks as he makes his way over to us.

"Dad, I'm sorry. I really didn't mean to. I was practicing slapshots and I hit his car as he was going past." I ramble.

"It's okay. I did the same thing to- Coach Bombay?" He questions as he recognises the man. "It's Fulton. Number 44, Fulton Reed."

"I should've known."

"How are you?" My dad hugs him as I stand awkwardly.

"I'm good. Would be better with windows. Why does you family always break mine?"

"It's kinda our thing." He chuckles.

"I can't believe my eyes. After all this time, I'm talking to the one and only Fulton Reed. I can't believe you have a kid now. How old is she?"

"Nearly 17. Not much of a kid anymore."

"You married?"

"Yep. For 19 years now."

"Really?" He seems shocked. "I had no idea."

"We invited you to the wedding but you never responded. Same with Connie and Guy's wedding."

"I guess I didn't get it with moving a lot. 19 years though... Wow. Congratulations."

"Thanks. You know her actually."

"I do?"

"Yeah. Remember Julie Gaffney?"

"No way. You and Julie?" Dad nods at his surprise.

"I'd love to catch up but I need to get back to work. How about you come over for dinner tonight? I'll invite some of the guys for a mini reunion."

"That sounds great."

"Awesome. I have to go but Y/N will give you the address. I'll pay for the windows."

"Sure, thanks. Good to see you."

"Yeah, you too, man. Y/N, do me a favour and call everyone to see if they'll come. I'll call your mom and tell her."

"Okay." I agree as he leaves. "I'm really sorry about the windows."

"Don't worry about it. It runs in the family."

"So, we're cool?"

"Not yet."

"What?"

"Grab your stuff and get in the truck."

"Why? I just met you."

"I've known your dad since the early 90s. Besides, you're gonna do some work for me at the Ice Palace because of the windows."

"But my dad said he'd pay for them." I protest.

"Yes, but he didn't break them... This time. If you do a good job, I'll help you with your shots. Sound good?"

"Yeah." I sigh.

Doing as he says, I pack my things into my duffel bag and climb into the passenger seat. During the ride to the rink, I call everyone who lives nearby - making sure to put them on loud speaker so Bombay can say hi. Now at the Ice Palace (which you wouldn't notice unless you were specifically looking for it) the work begins.

Cut to the dinner...

I'm so tired. There's like no staff at that place. No wonder he had so much stuff for me to do. Thankfully, he kept his word and helped me with my skills. He even offered to let me try out on the team he's working with. That situation was a blessing in disguise.

Now at home, I'm in charge of letting everyone in. To nobody's surprise, Portman (my godfather) turns up last. To be fair, he brought alcohol for them and a cool ring for me.

"You're late.

"I had to get stuff. Don't complain, alright. I'm taking you to that concert next month."

I roll my eyes and walk back to the others with him. Everyone's here. Dean, Connie, Guy, Ken, Averman and Adam - even Charlie - join us for a huge dinner. It's weird seeing them be with Bombay again but I'm glad it's happening.

Despite the conversation mainly being memories, I seem to contribute a lot. After eating, we all play some games. This feels like a family reunion. Taking a break from the laughing, Bombay makes a speech. At the end, he directs his attention to me.

"And you. In just one day, you've shown a lot of potential and a strong work ethic. You're just like your parents. Never think that's a bad thing because they are some of the best people I know. Here's to the next generation of Ducks." Everyone cheers and raises their glasses. "You're gonna be a star player. Maybe even a captain." I smile and quickly glance at Charlie.

"Thanks, Coach." That's the first time I've called someone coach other than my dad or Dean as a joke.

Here's to a new chapter...