Scoring Chance (Utah Fury Hockey Book 9)

by Brittney Mulliner

  Scoring Chance

  Utah Fury Hockey Book Nine

  Brittney Mulliner

  Contents

  Also By Brittney Mulliner

  Scoring Chance

  1. Derrek

  2. Amelia

  3. Derrek

  4. Amelia

  5. Derrek

  6. Amelia

  7. Derrek

  8. Amelia

  9. Derrek

  10. Amelia

  11. Derrek

  12. Amelia

  13. Derrek

  14. Amelia

  15. Derrek

  16. Amelia

  17. Derrek

  18. Amelia

  19. Derrek

  20. Amelia

  21. Derrek

  22. Amelia

  23. Derrek

  24. Amelia

  Thanks!

  Coming Soon!

  Also By Brittney Mulliner

  About the Author

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, organizations, places, events, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

  Copyright © 2020 Brittney Mulliner

  All rights reserved.

  ISBN-13: 979-8604848616

  No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without express written permission of the author.

  Also By Brittney Mulliner

  Romance:

  Utah Fury Hockey

  Puck Drop (Reese and Chloe)

  Match Penalty (Erik and Madeline)

  Line Change (Noah and Colby)

  Attacking Zone (Wyatt and Kendall)

  Buzzer Beater (Colin and Lucy)

  Open Net (Olli and Emma)

  Full Strength (Grant and Addison)

  Drop Pass (Nikolay and Elena)

  Scoring Chance (Derrek and Amelia)

  Royals of Lochland

  His Royal Request

  His Royal Regret

  Her Royal Rebellion

  Young Adult:

  Begin Again Series

  Begin Again

  Live Again

  Love Again (Coming Soon)

  Charmed Series

  Finding My Charming

  Finding My Truth (Coming Soon)

  Standalones

  The Invisibles

  For exclusive content and the most up to date news, sign up for Brittney’s Reader’s club here

  Scoring Chance

  As originally defined by War On Ice, 'Scoring Chances' indicate shots attempts that are taken from areas of the ice where goals are more likely to be scored. Attempts made from the attacking team's neutral or defensive zones are excluded.

  (Per www.hockey-reference.com/aboutadvanced_stats. html)

  1

  Derrek

  The smell of melted cheese, dough, and meat wafted heavy in the air making my stomach growl for the third time in just a few minutes. The promise of pizza from my favorite spot, The Pie, was the only reason I agreed to come to team dinner.

  “Geez, Kid. It’s only been a few hours since we ate. How can you be that hungry?” Wyatt Hartman, the team captain, asked with a smirk.

  I shrugged. He knew how much I hated that nickname but that didn’t stop him or any of the other guys from using it. Back when I first joined the team I’d tried not to react, hoping it would fade off quickly, but I wasn’t that lucky.

  The guys seemed to have a sixth sense for picking up on emotions. They knew when someone was angry, frustrated, embarrassed, or excited. I still wasn’t sure how they always knew. It was likely the result of spending too much time together, but the only thing I’d learned since being here was that there was no hiding. The harder you tried, the more they pushed.

  “Hey, give him some slack,” Erik Schultz, the best left wing in the league, said while glaring at Hartman. I almost thanked him, but he wasn’t done. “The kid’s still going through puberty. He’s probably hit another growth spurt.”

  I clenched my jaw but stayed silent. It had been stupid of me to think I could go one meal without them ragging on me. We were all tired from a tough practice after a long week on the road, but they still didn’t leave me alone.

  I got it. I was young, though I wasn’t the youngest on the team, and being the backup goalie wasn’t exactly the best position to hold. I was here for when Olli Letang, the starting goalie, was injured and the occasional games where he got a break. I dressed out for every game, on the off chance he might need me to sub in. Over one hundred and twenty games on the team and that had never happened. He’d never been pulled, never got hurt, never got tired.

  The months I’d subbed in for him while he healed from the accident were the best and worst times of my career. I finally got to play and prove my worth to the team, but instead of being thankful I kept us from losing while he was recovering, I gained the resentment of the guys for taking over their friend’s position.

  It wasn’t like I was happy he was hurt so badly he missed almost the whole season. Sure, I got playtime, but I didn’t want it under those conditions. I wanted to be the starting goalie because I was good. Not by default.

  We were halfway through another season, and they still didn’t treat me like I was truly a part of the team. I was so sick of trades and guys from the farm team being welcomed with open arms and a freaking party while I was forced to sit in the corner and watch. One day I was going to snap and end up unleashing all this pent up aggression.

  “Hey, guys!” Chloe walked into the back room we’d claimed and took the open seat next to Reese Murray, her husband. Half a dozen women followed her through the doorway before spreading out and finding their husbands and boyfriends.

  I forced a smile and nodded at the few that glanced in my direction. The women took over the conversation and went off about a group date night they were planning. Another reason I was left out of so much. I was one of the few single guys left on the team. I swear they were dropping like flies around me. Even Nikolay, the grumpy, always scowling Russian ended up in a relationship with a beautiful woman. That was one couple I’d never understand. Where Elena was graceful and extroverted, Nikolay was gruff and reserved. She was someone everyone loved being around, and he was a recluse.

  Part of me was a little bummed she turned out to be into him. She was one of the few that didn’t treat me like a kid or an outsider. Maybe if they weren’t neighbors and basically forced together by proximity, I would have had a chance. Sure, she was a few years older than me, but what did that matter?

  Nothing. It didn’t matter at all now. She was clearly in love with Nikolay.

  I sat up and looked at the kitchen area, trying to see if our pizzas were ready. I came along tonight because I was hungry, and a small part of me hoped each time I hung out with everyone that this would be the time they let me in.

  I was beginning to wonder why I bothered. None of the guys would ever cross a line when the Pride was around, but their little quips were just enough to get under my skin and add to the crushing weight reminding me I didn’t really belong. At least in their eyes.

  Elena walked into the room, pulling off her jacket. “Sorry, I’m late. The promo we were filming kept getting delayed.”

  She looked around, saying hi to the people she passed on her way to the open seat next to Nikolay. I was a few spots away from him and on her path.

  She squeezed my shoulder and leaned down. “Good to see you, Derrek.”

  I turned around and smiled at her. “You too. When are you coming back to sports?”

  It had been fun when
she interviewed us and hung around practices. A friendly face had been nice, even if it was only for a couple of weeks.

  She rolled her eyes as she slid into her seat. “Hopefully never. That was so stressful. I like the weather much better.”

  I chuckled but her attention was diverted to Nikolay and Madi Schultz.

  “Hey, Kid.”

  I groaned and turned to see Olli looking at me. “Coach Abrams wants us at practice early tomorrow.”

  I nodded. “What time?”

  “Eleven.”

  “Oh, someone’s in trouble,” Colin Brassard teased.

  I scoffed. “Yeah, me and Olli.”

  “What do you need to practice? Sitting on a chair?” Grant Fisher, one of the guys that usually left me alone, said with a smirk.

  Noah Malkin, last year’s rookie, leaned forward while I narrowed my eyes at him. He was one of the youngest on the team, yet he was treated like a king. Everyone loved him and fawned over him like he was the greatest thing to ever happen to the team.

  “Nah, he needs to get better about opening the door. I hate sliding in and having to jump over the walls to get to the bench, but he’s too slow sometimes.”

  “Seriously, it’s like he’s not even paying attention to the game half the time,” Erik added.

  The guys all started agreeing, fueling the fire burning my self-esteem to the ground. It’s not my job to open the stupid door. I just happened to be close and did it when I could. “Says the guy that missed half his passes last game.”

  He shot me a glare and I matched it with one of my own.

  “Hey, how about we quit roasting Derrek and focus on something positive,” Elena said with a stern tone.

  The guys had the decency to look a bit guilty, although no one offered an apology. I was grateful for the distraction though. I caught her eye, and she gave me a small wink. She knew exactly what she was doing. I wanted to stand up and give her a hug, but I leaned back and hoped the guys were done for the night.

  “What is it?” Chloe asked with excitement.

  “My little sister finished her program and is looking to start as a sports trainer,” Elena said as she sat up with a bright smile. “She has a few offers in Texas, but I was wondering if you’d be willing to give her a call?”

  She was looking at Madi who instantly nodded. “Yes, of course. I’ll reach out and set up an interview.”

  The Pride seemed excited at the prospect of growing their numbers. I wasn’t exactly on their level, but if her sister was half as kind as Elena, I wouldn’t mind having her around.

  “How old is she?” Lucy asked from across the table.

  “She’s twenty-three. She just finished her masters and is getting ready for the board exams.”

  “That’s so awesome. Do you think a position at the clinic would be right?” Lucy looked to Madi.

  “Physical therapy isn’t the exact same thing as what a trainer does, but it would be great exposure. With all the teams we work with, she’d get some experience in her field.”

  Elena nodded. “Experience is exactly what she needs right now.”

  “Is she going to live with you?” Erik asked Elena while eyeing Nikolay.

  “If she’s a good fit and accepts the offer, yeah, she’ll move in with me.”

  A few of the guys chuckled, but Nikolay leveled them with a glare.

  “Nikolay, how’s Yula? I haven’t been able to visit since last week.” Addi, Grant’s fiancé, asked while bouncing her little boy, Eli, on her knee.

  The man finally stopped glaring for a few seconds. “She’s doing well. The doctors are happy with how chemo is going.”

  Elena nodded. “She’s still tired and a bit sick, but she’s doing a lot better. Next week is the end of this course.”

  “That’s so exciting. We’ll have to throw her a party when she’s done,” Chloe said and the women began nodding.

  “I’m sure she’d love that,” Nikolay replied with a sad smile.

  I wasn’t used to seeing the brute so emotional, but I knew his soft spot was anything to do with his family. I couldn’t imagine what he was going through as a brother. I’d lose my mind watching my little sister fighting for her life.

  I wanted to say something to him, try to let him know I was there for him, but I knew it would end up being twisted and used as ammo against me.

  The pizzas were finally delivered to the table and I didn’t hesitate to fill my plate. At least with food to distract us, I could pretend like I wasn’t an outsider with my own team.

  2

  Amelia

  I paced my bedroom while tapping my hand on my thigh in a random beat. I shouldn’t have been so nervous, but this was my only interview outside of Houston. As much as I loved the city I grew up in, I needed out. This place was cursed now. The only thing that would save all the time, work, and energy I’d put into the last six years was finding a job somewhere far from here. I needed a fresh start more than I needed my next meal. I’d survive for twenty-one days without food, painfully, of course, but I wouldn’t survive at all if I didn’t get out of here.

  As much as it sucked, I had to leave my home behind. Even though I shouldn't have to be the one running, here I was, forced to start over in the eleventh hour.

  My phone vibrated in my hand, and I took a steadying breath before answering. “This is Amelia.”

  “Hi Amelia, this is Madeline. Elena’s friend.”

  I grinned, and the beat against my leg sped up. “Hi, Madeline. Thanks for calling.”

  “I’m over hiring at the clinic in Salt Lake. Elena let me know you’re interested in sports training. I almost went that route before deciding on physical therapy. I know working at the clinic isn’t your end goal, but I think there’s a lot for you to learn here.”

  My shoulders relaxed a bit at her warm personality. “I agree. It would be a great opportunity.”

  “I got the resume you sent me. I’m impressed by your training hours. You almost have me beat.”

  I laughed. “Some people might say I missed out on critical college experiences, but I have no regrets.”

  “Me either. I was always more comfortable in a lab than at a party.”

  I beamed. A kindred spirit. “Elena mentioned that your dad is Coach Romney. Did he influence your decision to pick physical therapy?”

  She chuckled. “Oh, if it were up to him, I would be playing hockey. Physical therapy was a happy middle ground for us. I still work with athletes, but I’m not the one out there.” She paused. “Sorry, enough about me. Tell me about what got you interested in the field? What’s your favorite aspect of sports medicine?”

  “Well, when I was younger, I was a gymnast. I got to the elite level and was working toward the Olympics.”

  “No way! Elena never mentioned that.”

  I smiled to myself. She never brought it up unless I did first. “That’s because it didn’t end well for me. I had a catastrophic knee injury when I was sixteen that ended my career.”

  “Oh Amelia, I’m so sorry.”

  “It’s okay. It was really hard at the time, and realizing I had to find a new dream was difficult.” Nearly impossible. “But I didn’t want to leave the gymnastic world behind. I coached while I was in high school and loved it, but it wasn’t something I wanted to do forever. I thought about everyone who helped me get so far in my gymnastics career and considered physical therapy since it was the reason I was able to walk without a brace or cane for the rest of my life, but I wanted to be in on the action. That’s why I landed on sports medicine. I want to be there on the side lines, to prevent and treat injuries, and make sure athletes can keep doing what they love the most.”

  I haven’t talked about my gymnastics career in years. It was such a huge part of my life, until it wasn’t. The accident changed the trajectory of my life, though. I found a new passion and a new way to make my mark on the world.

  “That’s really brave of you. I know too many people who shut out that part of their life
after an injury or when their career ends. They can’t stand to be around it at all. I admire that you still want to be in the sporting world.”

  I briefly closed my eyes. It wasn’t always easy to be around and treat athletes when I used to be the star, but it made me feel good to know I was helping someone else fulfill their dreams, even if I had to let mine go.

  “I’ll admit, it’s still hard to work with gymnasts, so that’s why I want to work for a team.”

  “I understand that. At the clinic, we’re contracted with Salt Lake’s soccer, basketball, and hockey teams so you’d be exposed to a lot of different athletes and sports.”

  “That sounds amazing.” I couldn’t help but smile at the thought of working with professional athletes. I’d worked mostly with the university's football and baseball team during my clinical hours, but this would be a new level of clientele. It would be challenging and intimidating, but it was ultimately what I wanted to do.

  “Well, I know I should probably ask you more basic interview questions or ask something harder, but honestly, I think you would be a great fit for the assistant trainer position. If you’re interested, we’d love to have you.”

  I jumped up and did a silly victory dance while silently cheering.

  I fought to keep my voice level. “That would be great, Madeline.”