Page 58 of The Pucking Proposal

“Not at all. All the parents signed waivers, and I think most of them are hoping to get their kid on the news as the next hockey phenom,” I tell her, glancing over my shoulder at the parents. “Let me rally them for you.”

Joy nods and turns to Ellis. “You ready for B-roll?”

The quiet man throws his camera to his shoulder, which seems to be answer enough.

I skate back to DeBoer and tell him what’s going on. “Every kid get a chance at goal?” Once he confirms they have, I say louder, “Circle up!”

As the kids surround us, I look them over. They look drained, but this should put a little spark of life back into them.

“Great job today, guys. One last thing ... if you’re up for it ...” I trail off and the kids nod eagerly. With a grin, I point toward Joy and Ellis. “See that lady down there? She’s from the local news station, does all the reporting on the Moose, and she’s doing a story on our hockey camp.” Whispers of excitement work their way through the group. “See the guy beside her? He’s recording for the story. Anybody want tomaybebe on television a little bit?”

“I do!”

“Yes!”

A variety of other answers to the affirmative ring out, and I grin even wider.

“All right, remember the shuffle push drill from earlier? We’re doing that again, but this time, you’d better look like you learned something today,” I joke. “Line up on the far red.”

Kids scatter to the line as fast as they can. I look to Ellis, who gives a thumbs-up. “Go!” I shout, and the first batch of kids takes off. They definitely look better than they did this morning, and that’s after hours of grueling work. It’s amazing what the promise of a little face time on TV can pull out of them.

We have the kids do a few highlight moves of what we’ve learned today, all while Ellis videos them and Joy watches on with a smile. To be fair, I don’t think she’s watching the kids, but rather, is watching me with them. Or at least, I’d like to think she is.

When Ellis nods that he’s got enough, I wave at them and call the kids over to me and DeBoer once again while Ellis and Joy interview a few parents.

“Great work today, everyone! One thing I’d like you to pay extra attention to is ... you were dog-tired after taking all those shots on your goal from me and DeBoer, yeah?” They nod, looking at each other insupport. “But what happened when you heard there was an opportunity to be on the news?” I don’t wait for them to answer, but rather roll right into my pep talk. “You dug deeper, did more than you thought you could, and demonstrated what you’re truly capable of. Remember that? You don’t need a camera in your face to be your best. That’s your choice to make each and every time you skate onto the ice, go into a classroom at school, or tackle a new day in your life. You hold the power to do your best, so don’t let anyone stop you. Especially yourself.”

The kids clap politely and I dismiss them, truly hoping they heard me and use the lessons from today both on and off the ice. Several kids skate straight for their parents, grabbing gear for me and DeBoer to sign or their phones to take selfies with us. Some parents carefully walk onto the edge of the ice to take pictures with us too.

It takes a while, but eventually, the kids and parents clear out. DeBoer holds up a fist and I bump it with my own. “Thanks for today, man,” I tell him. “Couldn’t have done it without you.”

“Yeah, right,” he scoffs. “I know you didn’t want me here.”

“Hey!” He glares at me, daring me to lie to his face, and I sigh. “You’re right. I didn’t want you here ... at first. But you really came through today—in the planning and the execution. I think I’ve misjudged you, Eric, and I’m sorry.”

He flinches at my earnest apology, but then he smirks. “Why’re you calling me by my government name? You’re not my mom, Days.”

“Fine,” I sigh. “I thought you’d be a pain in my ass and spend the day trying to fuck the moms, but you didn’t, soooo ... good job, I guess. Asshole.”

“That’s better,” he chuckles. “Good job to you, too, or whatever.” I think that’s it, but then he dryly adds, “I was afraid you’d be telling kids to fuck off and making them cry, and all the while, the moms would be fighting each other to be the first to throw their bras at you.”

I laugh hard at that.

In a twisted way, we’re calling a truce. We don’t have to trade braided friendship bracelets, but I’m not quite so pissed that DeBoerwill fill my role one day. As long as it’s not soon, we can be chill. Hell, maybe I’ll even invite him to the next hotel hot tub meeting.

Nah, let’s not go that far.

“I’m out. Merry Christmas, Days.”

“You too,” I tell him. When I turn around, I see that Joy is sitting in the bleachers by herself. Ellis must’ve wrapped up when the parents and kids left.

I skate over to the board in front of her. “Wanna take a loop with me?” I ask.

She holds up her foot, showing me her New Balance tennis shoes. “No skates.”

“I’ve got you,” I say, holding a hand out.

She peers at me curiously, but she comes to me without hesitation. I pick her up over the wall easily and set her on the ice carefully. Facing her, I place my hands on her hips and lift her until her feet are on top of mine. “It’s like dancing,” I whisper in her ear.

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