Chapter 8

CHAPTER EIGHT

Brantley

“ S ixty minutes,” Coach Moss says to the boys in the locker room. They’re all suited up like modern-day gladiators, holding their hockey sticks and listening intently. “Sixty minutes to achieve the dream we’ve all had since the first time we laced up our skates. Sixty minutes to greatness. Sixty minutes to immortality. Give me everything you got for the next sixty minutes and when you’re an old man bouncing a grandkid on your knee, you’ll have an epic story to tell that excited little face.”

The boys are nodding as they listen. I look at Sebastian Kemp, his blue eyes brimming with intensity. He’s been in the league for five years and brought home three Stoney Cups with the Miami Eels. Winning one with the once worst team in the league will cement his legacy in hockey history forever. I know he wants it badly.

So does Harris Sutton, the skilled veteran. He’s probably on his last season and how incredible would it be for the flamethrower to skate into retirement with a Stoney Cup raised over his head? His wife and son will be watching in the front row tonight and I know that’s going to push him to play even harder.

“Lay it all out on the ice tonight,” Coach Moss says, clenching his fist. “Leave nothing behind. At least then, win or lose, we’ll have no regrets.”

Tucker’s jaw is clenched as he nods his head. The beast enforcer is probably thinking about slamming his fist into Carson Rochon’s face. The two brutes have been dancing around each other all series long. The crowd has been frothing at the mouth waiting for those two beasts to collide in an epic battle.

“We’re the best team in the league,” Coach Moss says, the intensity in his voice rising. “The best team hockey has ever seen!”

“Fuck yeah!” Austin Gambill shouts. Win or lose tonight, the talented rookie has a long career ahead of him. He’s going to be one of the greats one day.

“We got this, boys!” Edvard Svensson shouts.

“If Edvard can date Gemini-X, then anything can happen,” our goalie Nolan Barlowe says and everyone laughs. From what I heard, the Swede has been dating the famous pop singer, Gemini-X. I hired her to perform on my yacht for a charity gala and they caught each other’s eye.

“Damn straight,” Edvard says with a big grin on his face. Even he knows that she’s wildly out of his league.

“Let’s focus out there,” Coach Moss says, raising his voice over the chatter. “Let’s bring one home for San Antonio!”

“ Yeah! ” the boys shout, pounding lockers and smacking sticks on the benches.

I feel my pulse thundering in excitement. I’ve come to like these boys. I’ve watched each and every one of them grow throughout the season.

I want to see them win.

“In the words of the great Edvard Svensson,” Coach Moss says with a grin. “Let’s go grab that greatness by the balls!”

Everyone cheers and laughs as they head to the door. I’m standing beside it and each one of them acknowledges me as they pass with a nod of their head or a smile.

Our goalie, Nolan, is the last one out. He stops and nods respectfully. “Thank you for the opportunity, Mr. VanMorgan. It’s been the best year of my life.”

“Mine too,” I say, placing a hand on his shoulder. “Let’s finish it strong.”

He grins. “You got it, boss.”