The Ties That Bind

24. this moment

p a r k e r

The third and final period is about to start, and we're down by one. If we continue to let the other team score, not only will we lose this game, but we will lose the Stanley Cup.

The silence is deafening in the locker room. A few of the guys already look defeated. We're missing good opportunities to shoot the puck into the net. We're not making smart plays. We're not working as a cohesive unit.

I don't blame them for being tired. These past few weeks have been absolutely exhausting. I, myself, am drained from the constant practices and games almost every other day. But, that's what hockey is all about. Passion, hard work and dedication. I want to engrave that mentality into my teammates's brains.

"Listen up, boys!" Their heads turn to face me. "We might be down one, right now, but that doesn't mean the cup is out of reach. In fact, it's never been closer. We need to bring our A game and stop slacking.

"Remember what I said when the season first started? We need to prove to everyone out there, to our parents, to our coaches, to ourselves that we deserve the Stanley Cup. As Captain of the team, I want to say it has been an honor leading you guys. The most rewarding feeling is being out on the ice with you all. I see how hard you guys work in and out of practices and games.

"We have dedicated blood, sweat, tears... and some teeth into this sport. We can't let this win slip from our fingers. I know I should be telling you guys that winning shouldn't be our first priority. That hockey isn't all about winning. But let's be real... the Stanley Cup is at stake here." My comment makes the guys laugh. "So let's get out there and take what is ours. Blaze on three, 1, 2, 3, BLAZE!"

•••

The loud buzzer sounds throughout the arena. "GOAL! DEACON SMITH! The game is now tied four-four."

To my surprise, Deacon celebrates his shot by riding his stick down the ice, as if it were a horse. My best friend, may be serious most of the time, but he has his moments. I can't help but laugh at his silliness and skate over to celebrate with him.

I exhale a breath of relief. We haven't won yet, but now that we're tied, we are one step closer. Come on, Blaze! We got this. We have one minute left on the clock to make a shot, or we're going into overtime.

Sixty seconds to claim the prized trophy.

Adrenaline courses through my veins as I try my best to prevent the Canucks from scoring. And let me tell you, they're not easy players to defend.

Sweat trickles down my face, my nerves on high alert. Once the puck is dropped, our forwards attack. Deacon gets a hold of the puck and rushes it to our goal. But, it gets stolen from his possession.

I watch meticulously as the puck travels closer to my area. Gunnar, a forwards for the Canucks, wears a fierce look of determination as he shoots the puck toward the goal. Luckily, my quick reflexes stop it from going in. Phew.

Thirty seconds.

Gunnar and I fight for the puck. We're both grunting and pushing each other. My stick his his. His elbow shoves my body, causing me to lose my balance and fall. I quickly get up, and with renewed tenacity, I get possession the tiny disk.

Fifteen seconds.

Swiftly, I weave away from Gunnar and skate to the center of the ice. I hear Deacon calling my name, so I pass it to where he's waiting.