25. Chapter 25

The puck dropped, and the game surged into life with frenetic energy.

Today would be a make-it-or-break-it moment for myself and the Hawks. As a senior, winning the Men's Frozen Four Tournament would look excellent to NHL scouts. This is my big chance to prove to the world and myself that I have what it takes to make it in the pros.

I've got the girl. All I need is the championship.

"Focus on the puck, not the refs!" Coach Carl shouted from the bench, his gaze sharp and commanding. "We play our game!"

Topher stands, leaning against the plexi-glass as he watches us. I know this may be the last game Topher ever coaches us. He is going to move up and be a head coach soon. We may all go on to play for different teams or go in different directions. I need to keep my focus on this game. Everything else will fall into place.

Back on the ice, I positioned myselfdefensively, reading myself as one of my opponents came speeding toward me. He was ready to score, but I was going to stop him.

Tripp and Jace raced down the ice, their skates cutting deep grooves into the smooth surface. The opposing team"s defensemen tripped and scrambled, frantically trying to regain his footing as they zoomed past me. The score was tied 1-1, and the tension in the air was palpable. Suddenly, a shot flew towards our goal, but I leaped and deflected it with my stick just before it could cross the line. My eyes followed the swift movements of my teammates as they skated down the ice. The sound of hockey sticks clashing filled the air as we fiercely battled for victory.

"Come on guys, keep battling," I mumbled to myself, as I remained crouched and in position.

Our defense was on fire, blocking shots and intercepting passes flawlessly. And then, in a flash of skill and precision, Tripp broke away from an opponent and sent the puck soaring into the opposing goal. The blaring red light signaled our triumph and the rink erupted into cheers and shouts.

Cheers erupted from our team, and we knew we had secured the win. We broke the tie and now won 2-1!

The crowd was going crazy and the guys all around me were yelling and cheering. However, there was only one face I cared to see. My eyes searched the press box until I found Ashlynn. Jumping up and down, she was screaming and cheering for me. It was the greatest feeling in the world.

As a team, we skated toward the bench where Coach Carl and Topher were losing their minds with excitement.

"We won! We did it!" Jace shouted, as he held his stick high in the air.

Sadie rushed through the crowd, jumping into Tripp's arms as she flew into our area. She wasn't supposed to be in the box with us, but no one was going to tell either one of them that.

"Boys, you just won an amazing game. Go out tonight and celebrate. You earned it!" Coach Carl yelled.

We all pumped our fists in the air, the energy soaring as we headed to the locker room.

***

An hour later, we finished our interviews with local media and the podcasters that Sawyer and Ashlynn had secured for us. The trophy was secured with Coach Carl, and we were now free to enjoy our night in Las Vegas.

Rushing out of the press room, I found Ashlynn standing in the long corridor waiting for me. As soon as she spotted me, she ran toward me and leaped into my arms. I spun us around as I kissed her like a wild man.

I got the girl.

I got the win.

Life was amazing.

"You rocked out there," Ashlynn said, hugging my neck tightly.

"It felt awesome to secure that win," I laughed into her hair.

"You deserve this win and so much more. I love you, and I'm so proud of you," Ashlynn gushed.

"I love you, too. I need a shower and to go out with my girl," I tell her, finally placing her feet back on the ground.

"Let's shower together and then go out. Me and you, baby," she tells me.

The guys walk past me, slapping my shoulder.

"We all going out?" Jace asks.

"Let's make this a night to remember!" Sadie yells, holding onto Tripp tightly.

"I think we've all earned a night out," Topher agrees, shocking us all.

With my friends and girl with me, I know that no matter what we do, it will be a night to remember.

I love this life I've somehow built for myself. I don't know what I did to deserve any of this, but I am blessed and will spend the rest of my life showing those around me how much I appreciate them. They never gave up on me, even when I gave up on myself. No matter what life brings, I know that I will always make it through.

Instead of being told to puck off, I found my way and can't wait to see what else this life has in store for me and Ashlynn.

The End