Page 6 of Puck Like A Girl

Coach Johnson calls for everyone to take a ten-minute break, but when the other four guys trying out skate to our side of the rink to get their water bottles, number thirteen glides across the ice to where the three girls have been cheering him on all day long.

He’d better not let them distract him, or I don’t care how good he is. His ass will be off the team.

I watch as he lifts his mirrored visor, straining my neck to get a glimpse of his face, but the girls are huddled around him so close I can’t make out his features.

I glance back at the four other guys trying out for the team, finding each one lacking in one way or another. Whether it’s their lack of real skill or the smirk on their faces, I can’t see any of them contributing anything to our team and our goal of another championship.

It looks like number thirteen is our only hope. I sigh and slump back in my chair. The thought of never playing hockey again and working full-time at my hometown’s box factory sours my mood even more.

five

Teagan

“How do I look out there?” Kelsey and Ashley flank each side of me while Britt stands in front of me, blocking out the curious stares from the players and coaches, straining their necks to get a glimpse of my face. I lift my visor to take a drink of water from the bottle Britt hands me.

“You look amazing. There is no way you won’t get a spot on the team.” Britt’s enthusiasm makes me smile. She’s the best friend anyone could ever ask for. Growing up together, we were more like sisters than friends. I’ve often hoped one of my three brothers would marry her someday so we could be real sisters, but for some reason, my brothers have always been a little standoffish around Britt, except over the last year.

Ever since Britt didn’t come home with me for Thanksgiving and Christmas break last year like she always does, my brothers have grilled me on her whereabouts. They question me on who she’s dating or who she’s hanging out with, acting more like jealous boyfriends than family friends.

“You’re skating circles around the other four guys.” Kelsey hands me a towel, nodding at the four other newbies across the ice, all trying out for one of the two coveted spots on the hockey team.

Kelsey and Ashley answered our ad for roommates when Britt and I first transferred to State College over the summer four months ago. They have both been super supportive in my quest to join the Men’s Hockey Team. I’m going to miss living with all of them when I get picked for the hockey team. But I’m going to miss Britt most of all.

One of the team requirements is for the whole hockey team to live under the same roof at the Hockey House. Something about bonding and building team relationships. I’m not looking forward to sharing the same space with nineteen horny guys, but it’s a small sacrifice to finally accomplish my dream of playing on a high-caliber hockey team.

Except the thought of sharing the same living space with Coulter, Fin, and Royal doesn’t seem like a sacrifice at all. It sounds more like a dream come true. I imagine sharing the same bathroom with them, conserving water by showering together. Maybe living with them won’t be so bad after all.

Stop thinking about them like that. I tell myself. They are going to be my teammates, not my fuck buddies.

I snap down my visor, not looking at anyone on the other side of the ice and trying to wipe the image of sharing more than a living space with Coulter, Fin, and Royal. But it doesn’t help that my clit decides to pulse at the thought of being with all three of them at the same time.

The coach motions for everyone to gather around for the unveiling of the two open spots, “Wish me luck.” I smile over my shoulder at my girls as I skate to the other side of the arena to stand next to the other four potential candidates. Britt and the girls' shouts of encouragement give me the strength I need to finish what I started.

If I don’t get one of the spots, I’ve already decided to skate off the ice, not removing my mirrored visor to lick my wounds without the ridicule of the guys on an all-male team. If I make the team, I'll gladly remove my mirrored visor, still prepared to withstand the negative reception.

“We’ve made our final decision. If we call your number, please forward.” The assistant coach, Greg, calls, and I hold my breath. It’s now or never. My dream will either become a reality or a distant memory. He glances at the clipboard in his hand, his eyes scanning the top sheet of paper. “Number twenty-six.”

A skinny player gives a shout, thrusting his hockey stick into the air. He skates towards the assistant coach, stopping inches away from him. His smug smile makes me want to punch him in the face. I can’t believe they picked him for the team. His skating is choppy, and he pulls his arm to the left when he shoots.

“And the other spot goes to.” The assistant coach hesitates, glancing up. His eyes passing over the four of us remaining players before landing back on the clipboard. I take a deep breath and hold it, knowing my whole life hangs on his next words. “Lucky number thirteen.”

I let out the breath I was holding in a woosh, letting his words sink in. I did it! I made the men’s hockey team. Britt and the girls jump up and down, yelling and whistling at the announcement. I don’t move, letting my mind take in the good news.

Coach Johnson coughs, gaining my attention. I snap my eyes at him as he nods his head in the direction of the other new player on the team. I take the hint, giving my little cheering section a wave as I take my spot next to number twenty-six.

“Like I said before the tryouts even started, this year we’re picking our new players by their skills. No names, no stats,” Coach Johnson addresses the veterans on our team before turning to the guys who weren’t selected for the team. “I’d like to take this time to thank all of you who tried out for the team. If I didn’t call your number, you are dismissed.”

The three guys left standing by themselves mumble a thank you to the coaching staff as they skate off the ice to the locker room.

Coach Johnson respectfully waits until the last of the three guys leaves the ice before continuing. "Receiving the least amount of votes out of the two players selected is Jared Polich. He’ll be playing one of the defensive positions. And receiving unanimous first-place votes from our three team captains is Teagen Hayes.”

I unhook the strap under my chin and place my hands on the sides of my helmet.

“She’ll be playing the left wing position.”

Masculine gasps and feminine shouts of joy fill the rink as I slip the helmet over my head, shaking out my long blonde hair so it falls in waves down my back.

“What the fuck, Coach? We’ll be the laughingstock of the college world if we have a girl on our team.” Royal stands, clenching and unclenching his hands at his sides.

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