Page 105 of Defensive Zone

Chapter 19

“And the helmet goes to Baz. Fucking killed it out there tonight.” Cheesy grinned and plopped the Viking helmet on Max’s sweaty head. The MVP of the night always got the Viking helmet and then passed it on to the next MVP after the next game. It was tradition and Max loved it.

He also loved the goal and two assists he’d gotten tonight along with a few great hits to keep Calgary from scoring more than twice. The Strikers had taken the first playoff game six to two. They were fired up and ready to trounce Calgary.

The Strikers had come out swinging and looked strong tonight. He truly believed that would continue this round. They just had to keep playing smart.

And his focus had been where it needed to be tonight. He’d gotten a good luck kiss from Gabi right before he’d gone on the ice, and it’d been just what he needed. They weren’t advertising their relationship, but she hadn’t objected when he’d kissed her in front of some of the guys.

That was all that he had wanted, not to have to hide it or his feelings.

Now he couldn’t wait to go home and really celebrate with her.

“All right, great game, boys,” Bugsy said, a smile cracking his typically serious face. “Solid work from every line, no unnecessary penalties, and no injuries tonight. You should be proud of yourselves. I know you’ll probably hit up C&B tonight, but don’t go crazy. Morning skate and tape review at eleven.”

“I hate to say it, but I’m surprised you didn’t prank him before the game. Or any of us,” Nessie said to Max after Bugsy’s speech.

“Are you trying to taunt him?” Crow groaned from the other side of Max.

“Yeah. I’m asking for it,” Nessie said, shaking his head.

Max didn’t say a word as he reached into the bag he’d tucked into the stall.

“I’m only going for one drink tonight at C&B,” Crow said.

“Yeah, me too,” Max said, his finger on the remote button. He looked at his teammates as if nothing was wrong.

“You can’t wait to celebrate with Gabi,” Nessie said. “We saw that kiss in the hallway.”

Max smiled. “We told Ava and it’s all good.”

“Another one bites the dust,” Crow said.

“You wish you were that lucky,” Max said.

And then he pressed the button.

There was a loud boom as confetti and a blue cloud shot up from the bin in the middle of the room that held their jerseys from the game.

“What the fuck, Baz,” Bugsy yelled.

“Are you kidding me? Take that helmet back from that fucker,” Jake said.

Nessie shook his head. “Just couldn’t resist.”

“Happy playoffs,” Max said with a shit-eating grin. “Your fucking faces.” He pumped his fist.

“That shit better come out,” Bugsy said.”

“Ah, they’re being washed tonight anyway, and it’s the team color. I special ordered it to match. Have a little fun,” Max said.

“I swear to god, you are a pain in the ass,” Bugsy said, but he was chuckling.

As they all headed to the showers, Max spotted the equipment manager.

“Hey, Randall, if it doesn’t come out, give me a call and I’ll come down and do the laundry,” Max said.

Randall was used to Max’s antics and never got annoyed. Which was why Max always made sure to get Randall whatever he needed, from glass seats to holiday bonuses. It paid to have a helper on the inside.

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