Shortly after, I got to do just that when the final buzzer sounded and we beat Montreal two to one.
Fuck yeah, we did.
I skated across the ice, picking up speed as the guys celebrated the win, and as the rest of my teammates flooded onto the ice, I jumped.
And missed.
Sprawled out on the ice, I couldn’t help but laugh. Fucking hell.
I was surrounded by laughter and shouts of, “Dude, you okay?” and “Fuck, man” as I pushed myself up.
“What the hell happened?” Micah asked, humor lacing his tone.
I shrugged. “Guess I got the zoomies like Pucks.”
He chuckled and slapped my back. “Fucking zoomies, dude.”
“Man, you just face-planted.” Dom chortled. “Fucking amazing.”
“You okay, man?” Tally asked, knocking his gloved hand on my helmet.
“Yeah, the pads saved me.” Had Dani seen my fall? Hopefully, it made her laugh.
Timmy grinned at me. “Zoomies is the perfect description.”
After the rest of the guys teased me and we all head-tapped, congratulating each other on a great game, we headed back to the locker room.
“First round is on me tonight,” Tally called out just before Millsy walked into the center of the room.
“You should totally play up that face-plant to Dani, Tucks. Women like to be caring and helpful when we’re injured,” Sin said.
“Seriously, I get why you’re perpetually single, but how are you still getting laid?” Santa called out, and I burst out laughing. Also, Dani would probably just throw me an ice pack and ask if I was okay.
Tally grinned. “It’s the best when Santa’s got jokes.”
“Ladies love me,” Sin boasted.
“Until they wake up in the morning,” Tally said.
“Please. I don’t let them stay the night. In and out,” Sin said.
“We don’t need to hear how you’re a one-pump chump, Sinclair,” Millsy shouted.
I snorted as Sin blustered. The rest of the guys taunting Sin doubled over in laughter. Damn, I loved them.
“I believe that’s what we call a burn,” Tally said. “Nice one, coach.”
“I try. Now sit your asses down so I can tell you that you weren’t awful tonight but maybe get a few more goals next time so I don’t have to stress pull out my hair until the last ten seconds.”
“Will do, Coach. And it was the last fifteen seconds,” Dom yelled.
“Fuck off. Go shower. Dom, Tally, Tucks, I’m pulling you for media, so be quick.”
“You should mention the zoomies, Tucks. The press will love that shit,” Micah said, chuckling.
“Oh fuck off,” I muttered, but someone was bound to ask anyway. It was endearing to be a goofball, right?
After my shower, I pulled on my clothes and grabbed my phone, spotting a text from Dani. Had her father reached out to her? I hoped he hadn’t shown up at the family suite. She didn’t need that shit tonight. Not that the man should be allowed in there, but sometimes rules were broken for legends.
