Page 26 of Soulmates and Slapshots
I roll my eyes but can’t stop grinning. “Yep, there he is—myfriend.”
She lets out a dramatic sigh and resumes clapping. I do the same, watching Weston skate effortlessly around the rink, high-fiving his teammates and soaking up the love from the crowd. All the players move like they’re part of the ice—fluid, fast, and completely in control. It’s mesmerizing to watch.
I’ve tried ice skating in the city a few times, and it never ends well. My experiences usually involve a lot more wobbling, gripping the rail, and apologizing to everyone around me after accidental collisions. The way these players effortlessly slide and spin blows my mind.
“Here we go,” Aunt Dee says, sliding to the edge of her seat as the puck drops.
And just like that, the game begins. Wow, it’s aggressive. Bodies are slamming into boards, skates are slashing through the ice, and the puck zips from player to player in a blur. It’s all happening so quickly I’m not sure where to look. This game feels different than any sporting event I’ve ever been to, and I’m already completely hooked after a few minutes. Every move, every pass, every near miss has me on the edge of my seat.
Naturally, my eyes keep finding Weston. I cheer when he blocks a shot and feel my pulse quicken when he’s near the puck. I’m more invested than I expected, and not just because of him…though that doesn’t hurt. Plus the image of him standing in a soaking wet T-shirt is still engraved in my brain.
Whatever happens tonight, I already know I’ll never forget this. The noise, the energy, the team, the thrill—this vacation might just turn me into a hockey fan.
The first goal is scored by Asher Tremblay, and the crowd erupts like a firework show as soon as the puck hits the net. I watch in awe as the players swarm around him, a huddle of sticks and skates and joy. Asher grins, lifts his gloved hand into the air, and points into the stands with purpose. So that’stheAsher, the one Mabel mentioned.
“Yes, Asher!” Aunt Dee shouts, as if she’s been his number-one fan since the day he laced up his first pair of skates.
“Asher is a breakout star from the Renegades. We’re lucky to have him,” she tells me.
I nod like I know what she’s talking about.
“Oh, and the goalie is from France. Wait until you hear that accent. Plus he’s so good, he never lets anything pass into that net.”
I laugh. “How long did you spend researching this team?”
She shrugs, completely unapologetic. “Not long. I mean, I don’t knoweverything, but I know enough to keep up.”
Ha. There’s no way I believe that. I guarantee she knows more than most of the people in these stands.
After the electric energy of the first period, I take a quick break and head for the restroom. On my way back, weaving through the crowd buzzing with chatter and the smell of hot pretzels, I spot two familiar faces near the concession stand.
“Hi, Mabel,” I call out with a wave.
She turns, her smile wide. “Hey, Fiona! What do you think of your first Ice Breakers game?”
“It’s incredible,” I gush. “I don’t think I’ve ever been to a sporting event quite like this. I’m completely hooked.”
Her friend Willa is standing beside her holding a cup of hot cocoa. “The Ice Breakers have that effect. Are you enjoying Maple Falls?”
“I love it,” I admit without hesitation. “Just don’t tell my aunt. She’ll start plotting ways to make me stay permanently.”
“Oh, that sounds exactly like Denise,” Mabel says with a laugh. “If it were my mom, she’d already be house hunting for me.”
Willa leans in slightly, her eyes twinkling. “Did you catch Asher pointing toward Mabel after he scored?”
I look at Mabel, eyebrows raised. “Ahh … so that’s what he was doing. Aunt Dee called him a breakout star. Honestly, I’m a little worried about how much insider knowledge she has on these players.”
They both laugh.
“And the goalie is from France,” I add, feeling a little too proud that I know something. “I’ve clearly become an Ice Breakers trivia expert thanks to my aunt.”
Willa laughs. “This team is exploding with talent. It’s going to be an excellent season. My husband says there are a few players on the rise—Asher and Weston Smith.”
Hearing her mention Weston causes a stir in my gut.
Mabel nods solemnly. “Now we just have to make sure they can stay in Maple Falls. Everything feels so uncertain right now.”
There’s a heaviness in her voice that settles between us. We linger in the hallway a few more minutes, but the sound of the buzzer overhead signals the end of the break, and it’s time for the game to resume. I give Mabel's hand a quick squeeze before hurrying back to my seat. I don’t want to miss a thing.
