by David Skuy
“Get the puck!” Barker screamed from the bench. “Whose penalty is it? The kid is two feet tall. Get him!” He had one foot on the edge of the boards. His face was beet red, his eyes bulging. “Get him. Now!”
Adam came at Rocket from the right. He loved to plow guys over, and tired at the end of his shift, Rocket was vulnerable. With no time to dump it out, Rocket jumped, doing a 360 to avoid the hit. The crowd gasped again. Adam’s shoulder brushed against him. He felt his feet slipping. If he turned the puck over now, it would end up in the Blues net.
The game had morphed into slow motion: it was like playing in thick syrup. The puck lay close to the boards. Adam skidded past him, then fell as he tried to spin around.
Rocket bounced on his skates.
He’d done it. He was in the clear, with nothing between him and the goalie but a sole defender. His legs energized instantly and the pain was gone. He would show Barker what a two-foot-tall player could do.
Ahead, the defenceman wiggled his butt to gain some speed. It seemed like an awkward move. Suddenly, the lights went on. This was the same guy who’d nailed him at the Huskies tryout! Like two gladiators, their eyes met.
Rocket pushed as hard as he could. The defenceman turned and skated with his back to him.
For a moment, they were even. Rocket called on his body to give him more. He needed separation, or he’d get knocked down or poke-checked. By the red line, he’d gotten a half-metre lead. Rocket anticipated a desperation dive and knocked the puck ahead.
The next moment he was sliding on his side on the ice, winded. Instead of diving, the defenceman had sliced his stick under Rocket’s skates.
Hopping over Rocket’s body, the defenceman retrieved the puck, spun quickly and rifled a cross-ice pass to Adam camped out against the boards two metres from the blue line.
Rocket raised himself to one elbow. All his energy had been drained by the fall. He felt good, though. He’d drawn a penalty and killed a good chunk off Blake’s. They’d be on the power play soon, and it would be their turn to try and get the winner.
Adam shovelled a quick pass to Ty who was breaking into the Blues zone. Jerrett poured in from the right side.
“Ref! Blow the whistle,” Rocket yelled.
Ty dangled the puck in front of Reid, then flipped it to Jerrett on the right side. Jerrett slowed as André stood him up. Rocket got to his feet. Where was the penalty call? Was this really happening?
Jerrett slid the pass across the high slot to Adam, whose one-timer beat Dominic high to the glove side. All five Huskies threw their sticks in the air. Rocket stumbled toward the ref, sweat stinging his eyes, his chest heaving, his legs heavy and sore.
“What game are you watching?” he said. “You were standing right there. That’s called tripping — and you gave them a goal. That’s even worse than the offside!” He slapped his stick on the ice.
The ref rolled his eyes. “I’m tired of this from your team,” he said.
Rocket watched the ref skate to the scorekeeper. He leaned an arm on the edge of the boards and spoke to him, then touched his hands to his hips and skated back to Rocket.
“Number eighteen, take a rest in the box. That’s a misconduct, so you get to watch the rest of the game. And if you speak to me like that again, I’ll have you kicked out of the league,” the ref said. He pointed to centre for a faceoff.
Rocket dropped his gloves to his sides and looked up at the ceiling. Like a selfish brat, he’d blown it. This could kill their chances of winning — with another power play, the Huskies might even get ahead. Why couldn’t he have kept his stupid mouth closed? The great Rocket had to chirp at the ref and take a misconduct. The Blues parents watched in silence. Coach Sonia’s head shook slowly from side to side. His teammates were looking down at the ice.
They’d had a chance to tie the Huskies and advance to the playoff round, but he’d gone and taken the worst penalty in hockey with less than five minutes to go in the game.
Ashamed, he skated head down toward the box.
CHAPTER 31
At the buzzer, Rocket left the penalty box and closed the door slowly. The Huskies had poured in three goals, and he’d sat fidgeting, pacing and squirming the entire time. Final score was 4–1.
Rocket skated slowly to his end, watching his teammates smack Dominic on the pads and punch each other’s gloves. They were obviously down; it had been so close until his penalty.
The two teams began to line up to shake hands. Rocket slid to the back of the line.
Adam reached out his hand. “Brutal call, bro,” he said. “You almost pulled it off.”
“Thanks,” Rocket mumbled.
Money was next. “Awesome game,” he said. “What’re you doing playing AA?”
Rocket shook hands with the rest of his old teammates. Soon, he was almost at the end.
Ty took his hand and held on. “Did you have to make us look so bad? Bark-Breath almost had a heart attack, and he’s going to scream at us for an hour when we get into the dressing room.”
“You guys deserved the win,” Rocket said. He knew Ty was only being nice. “I lost it.”
“Don’t blame yourself. That ref was a jerk. Everyone on the bench said it was a total penalty. Even Hunter, the guy who tripped you, admitted it.”
“Hard to say that makes me feel better, but thanks. I’m kind of dreading going into our room, too. The boys are going to be mad.”
Some of the guys were filing off the ice. Adam came over.
“Still think you should call some AAA teams,” Ty said. “This is crazy. You can’t play for these guys.”
“You should be playing for us,” Adam said. “Luke is worse than useless. Never passes when you’re open, and when he does, it’s always too late.”
Rocket didn’t want his Blues teammates to hear this. “I’m not sure about that. Maybe if I grew.”
Ty and Adam looked uncomfortable, and he felt bad. Not their fault he got cut.
“Catch you later, boys,” he said quickly. “Good luck with the rest of the tourney. I’m not sure if I can come tomorrow for the final. No ride …”
“We’ll give you a lift,” Ty said. “I’ll message you.”
“Yeah. Cool,” Rocket said. “You boys better win, though.”
“Bark-Breath will kill us if we don’t.” Ty grinned.
Rocket gave their shin pads a slap and headed to the door. Things would still be different with Ty and Adam, but he knew now that they could still be friends, even if they didn’t play on the same team or at the same level. Even if he hadn’t been cut this year, there was no way they would have kept playing on the same team and the same line forever. They would have moved on to different teams at some point — or maybe one of them would have stopped playing.
Rocket stepped off the ice. He couldn’t imagine a time when he wouldn’t play hockey, but the idea of not playing didn’t seem so crazy now, not like it used to.
He stopped in front of the dressing room door. Here comes the guy who blew it, he thought as he pushed the door open.
“Hey, get ready,” Blake said to him. “You, me and the ref are going out for burgers. He can teach us how to suck up to him.”
Rocket sat beside Michel.
“The guy was a clown,” André said. “How’d he call that offside?”
“Rocket gave me the perfect pass, and I was going to dangle the goalie and roof a backhander glove side, I swear. I had it all figured out,” Blake said.
“You were going to trip over the faceoff circle,” Noah said.
Blake laughed. “But I’d have fired a bullet as I was falling.”
Coach Sonia came in. “Obviously, a disappointing finish,” she said. “We learned an old lesson: you can’t beat the refs. This won’t be the last time a ref blows a call.”
“Two calls,” Blake said.
She nodded at him. “I’ll grant you that. Anyway, this is no time for lectures. Lots of good things happened, and a couple of bad things that we’ll ha
ve to deal with when the season starts. Matthew’s mom was nice enough to make cupcakes for everyone, so help yourselves. There are drinks, courtesy of André’s father. Now give yourselves a cheer for almost beating a AAA team.”
The boys let out a rambunctious roar and began talking all at once. Matthew’s mom began to hand out the cupcakes. Rocket wiped his blades with a rag and slid them into his bag.
“Hey, Rocket, what did you say to that moron?” André said.
He wished André would drop it, but he told him.
André snorted in disgust. “That’s garbage. You’re allowed to say something.”
“It’s not like you mouthed off like Blake,” Reid said.
Blake laughed harder than anyone. “I just needed some attention. Sorry, guys. I’m neglected at home.”
“Don’t forget about next Saturday, boys,” André said.
“Awesome.”
“I won’t.”
“Better be food,” Blake said, as he took a chomp out of a cupcake.
“Not for you.” André grinned. “You’ve got an anger management problem.”
“I only lose my temper when I’m hungry — or when a ref blows a call.”
“Hey, Rocket. You’re coming, right?” André said.
Rocket stared at him.
“You got my email, about watching the hockey game at my place?”
“I don’t know, maybe my mom did? I’ll have to work it out with her, about a drive and stuff. When is it again?”
“I’ll send another,” André said.
Rocket zipped his bag and stood up. It would take a long time to get home — three buses. He had to clear out. “See you guys next week, I hope.”
“Take it easy.”
“See ya.”
“Good game.”
“Yeah. Great goal.”
He rolled his bag to the door and grabbed his stick. He took a deep breath and turned around. “Sorry for that penalty. I won’t do it again. Stupid thing to do — and it cost us the game.”
“No worries, bro.”
“Ref’s fault.”
He nodded to them and left. On the Huskies, each guy competed with his teammates for ice time, a spot on the power play or the kill — everything was a huge competition. You could never relax. The Blues made him feel like he was a teammate. They knew he’d blown it by taking that penalty — and they were letting him know he was forgiven.
The pain of losing melted away, replaced by pride in how they’d stepped up and almost outplayed the Huskies. Not bad for the worst team in AA. This was one game he’d never forget.
CHAPTER 32
“Is there a Rocket in the house?”
Barker was leaning against the boards, a huge grin plastered across his face. He winked. Next to him, the Huskies manager, Rob Thompson, was wearing an equally big smile.
Rocket wasn’t quite sure how to answer.
“You gave us quite a scare,” Rob said. “To be honest, I think we got lucky. Hunter deserved a tripping penalty. I was impressed by your two-way game, too. You shut down Ty and Adam at the same time! How can one player shadow two guys? Tell me?” He laughed and elbowed Barker.
Rob was wrong. Noah had covered Adam. He wondered what these two wanted.
“Listen, Rocket,” Barker said. “I’m a straight shooter. I tell it like it is. Ask anyone. That’s just me. Like or lump it. I don’t care. So when I tell ya I made a mistake cutting you, then you can believe it. Period. I blew it. Not proud of myself, but people make mistakes and I’m human. I didn’t listen and made a judgment call based on your size. But here’s something for you to think about.” He paused and held his hand to his chest. “How can you measure the size of a boy’s heart?” Barker nodded slowly, and he raised both eyebrows, as if he’d said something incredibly profound.
Rocket had to stop himself from rolling his eyes. That cliché was from the ice age.
“Straight out,” Barker continued. “We want you back. I still can’t believe I cut the leading scorer on the team — in the league, even. Am I the biggest idiot in the world?” He slapped Rob’s shoulder and the two men laughed. “We have a couple more tourneys before the summer break, and I see you between Ty and Adam. Obviously, I can tell you’re blown away, and I feel bad that I put you through this. I do — we all do. So what do you say?” He paused for a moment. “Rob, I swear the Rocket is speechless.”
He wasn’t really — more like angry. It felt like they were telling him to come back, like he didn’t have a choice. “What about Luke? Where will he play?” he said.
Barker let the air seep slowly between his lips. “Luke will have to learn that the best players play — and guys like him watch. Let me tell ya, Rocket, we have huge plans for the Huskies. We’re not only going to be the best in the league, we’re going to be the best minor bantam team in the country. We’re planning a trip to Europe, so heck, why not the best in the world?”
“Let’s tell the boys right now,” Rob said. “Come into the dressing room. Mitchell will be so excited to have you back — and everyone else, too. Let’s do it.”
Rocket looked over at the ice. The Zamboni had a final strip to finish up the middle. The boys for the next game were huddled by the doors, waiting to get on. Parents were walking around the boards to the stands behind the players’ benches. Back on the Huskies? He should be pumped, ecstatic, over-the-top happy. This was what he’d dreamed of since that horrible moment when Huskies cut him.
Luke would be benched for practically the whole year, and Barker and Rob couldn’t care less.
Then there was Coach Sonia and his Blues teammates, especially André. Maybe he was wrong, but somehow he felt the boys played harder because of him. They also treated him like he was important, like they really wanted him on the team — like they actually liked him.
The Zamboni stopped near the boards to drop the snow before getting off.
“Thanks for the offer,” he said to Barker. He felt dazed and weak. “It’s nice of you. But I signed with the Blues, and I don’t think it would be right to quit on them. Maybe next season.” Even as he spoke, a part of him couldn’t believe he’d actually turned Barker down.
Barker’s face grew hard and cold. He looked at Rob. “Is this kid actually telling me he’d rather play AA hockey with a bunch of losers? Seriously?”
Rob smiled and let out a short, nervous laugh. “I spoke with your coach, Bryan, a nice lady, for sure. She said she’d give you your release and wouldn’t stand in your way, considering what a great opportunity this is for you. I admire your sense of loyalty. I know it’s sudden. Why don’t you take a day or two to decide?”
Barker scowled. “I’m not begging, here.”
“Don’t bother. I’m staying with the Blues,” Rocket said looking into Barker’s eyes.
Barker’s lips twisted into a mocking smile. “Throw away the most amazing opportunity of your life? I don’t get kids today. I guess I was right about you in the first place. Your heart’s the same size as your body — tiny. I only want real hockey players on my team, and I don’t see one in front of me.”
“We don’t need to get unpleasant,” Rob said.
“I only play for real coaches,” Rocket said, “and I don’t see one in front of me.”
Coach Sonia walked over.
“Congratulations, Bryan,” she said. “I know this is what you wanted, and I’m happy for you.”
“Yeah. Congratulations, Bryan,” Barker said. “Have a good year.” He walked off.
“Um, good luck,” Rob said. “I’m sorry about all this and …” He seemed uncertain about what to say next, so with a wave, he turned and went into the lobby.
“I said no,” Rocket said to Coach Sonia.
Her eyes widened.
“I signed with the Blues, and that’s who I’m playing for. I’m done with the Huskies.”
“I understand how you feel about getting cut,” she said. “I’m not sure you’re making the right decision, though. Is this your pride t
alking?” She put a hand on his shoulder. “It might be hard to get back to AAA. Do you really want to give that up? You’re such a talent; I’m not sure AA will challenge you.”
“I’m not giving up anything. I’m going to try to make the NHL — nothing’s going to change that. If I’m good enough to make a AAA team next year, I will. If I’m …” He gritted his teeth. “If I’m too small, then that’s the way it is. I like the guys on this team, and I don’t like Barker. No way I play for him.”
“We’re happy to have you, Bryan. You’re an inspiration to the other boys, truly. I can already see the difference. I’ll tell you what, I bet you’ll make the NHL, too. Size is—”
“I know. You can’t measure the size of a player’s heart.”
Coach Sonia laughed. “I hate that expression, too. I was going to say that size is important in hockey, but there’s a place for a few special players who can be effective without relying on raw power. That’s what I hope to teach you this season.”
“I’m ready to learn.”
André, Blake and Noah walked by.
“See you Saturday,” André called out.
Rocket waved his stick. “Take it easy, guys. Good game.”
“Get that temper under control,” Blake said, and they all laughed. The three boys went into the lobby to look for their parents.
“So what’s up for this summer?” Coach Sonia said.
“Not too much, mostly doing my training.”
“Of course, training,” she said, with a twinkle in her eye.
Had he sounded too intense there? He spotted his mom and waved. She came over with Maddy.
“Hey there, firecracker,” Maddy said.
He rolled his eyes at her.
“Excuse me, Coach,” his mom said. “We really need to get going. We’ll miss the bus if we don’t hustle.”
Rocket clenched his fists. It hadn’t occurred to him. He’d acted so tough with Barker and Rob, but by turning down the Huskies, he’d messed his mom up. He could’ve gotten rides from Ty and Adam again. Without Griffen, they’d be on the bus all the time, and that took way longer. Some of the Blues had offered to give him lifts, but what if they didn’t live near him, or what if their parents didn’t want to do it? He’d done it again — thought only about himself.