Page 66 of Icebound Attraction

We take our seats, and he leans forward to stare at us with serious eyes.

“I wanted to tell you both personally that the scout present at the last game was extremely impressed by your performance.”

I can hear my pulse pounding in my ears as I try to concentrate on his words. This information feels like a great victory. Chase and I look at each other, smiling broadly.

Coach Franklyn smiles.

“In fact, he was not only impressed by your sporting skills, but also by your academic records. Liam, you've done the right thing! He sees great potential in both of you. He firmly believes that you have what it takes to go far in the NHL.”

The words seem to hang in the air and I can hardly believe my luck. The NHL - it's every ice hockey player's dream! It's been mine since I was a kid! Chase also seems to need to digest what's just been said before reacting.

“He has already established contact with certain teams who are ready to come and observe you in upcoming games, and possibly draft you later.”

We can hardly contain our joy. A feeling of gratitude and pride runs through me and I can't help but jump.

“It's crazy!” I exclaim.

Chase is just as enthusiastic.

“Dude! We made it!”

Coach Franklyn nods but keeps a straight face.

“Nothing's won yet, guys. You have the talent and the determination. Now it's up to you to work hard and seize the opportunity. The world of professional hockey is a challenge, but if you work hard enough, you can make it.”

The coach's words penetrate deep into my consciousness. This chance is a gift and I'm ready to give it everything I've got.

Chase and I exchange a glance and I can see the same determination in his eyes.

“We're not going to fail, coach,” I say, confident.

He smiles proudly.

“I know you won't. You've earned it.”

He explains the details of the period ahead. And together, we leave the office with a sense of euphoria that's hard to put into words.

On the way to the locker room, I still can't believe my luck. I'm touching my dream with my fingertips! If I take this step, if I manage to show what I'm capable of during training sessions, and also during games, I have every chance of being taken in the draft, and so does Chase!

And as I get rid of my gear, I feel that all the hardship, all the hard work and all the sacrifices were worth it.

Chase and I look at each other and we don't need words to know what the other is thinking. The future is ahead of us, and we're ready to seize it with both hands.

Completely fired up, we decide to celebrate and head for a bar we like, off campus.

The idea that this day could be the start of an exciting journey lends the atmosphere something magical. The bar is busy and the mood is festive. People are laughing, chatting and enjoying the moment. Chase and I look for a table and order some beers.

Each sip feels like a toast to the future, and the smiles on our faces are unwavering.

The euphoria lasts for a while until I remember that I haven't told Emily yet! Caught up in the joy of the moment, I completely forgot! Shame on me!

I quickly take my phone out of my pocket and send her a message. As I wait for her reply, the bar fills up more and more and the atmosphere becomes more cheerful.

It doesn't take long for my screen to light up, announcing a response.

* Liam, this is great! I'm so happy for you and Chase! Unfortunately, I've already made plans for tonight with the girls and I won't be able to join you to celebrate. But I'll raise my cup to your success!

Her words bring a smile to my face. Even if she can't be there, I know she's proud of me and that warms my heart.

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