PROLOGUE
THE PUCK NEWS
Rasmus Westerholm traded to the Peacocks
January 5, 2024
Blog post by Quinn Matthews
In a move that sent shockwaves through the hockey world, the Lynx traded their star right winger, Rasmus Westerholm, to the Peacocks.
In exchange, the Lynx will receive Tobias Barrera and Cory Ellis. The trade is already sparking contrasting opinions among fans and hockey analysts, even though it has been less than two hours since it was announced.
For the Peacocks, the acquisition of Westerholm is a bold statement of their ambitions. Already one of the league’s top teams in recent years, the Peacocks are betting on Westerholm’s star power to push them to the championship again. Known for his speed, precise shooting, and skilledplaymaking, Westerholm is expected to elevate the team’s offensive firepower.
However, there is one pressing question: how will Westerholm coexist with Jasper Åkerman, his long-time rival and now teammate? Considered an unstoppable duo during their college years, their relationship took a turn after an unspecified incident drove a wedge between them during their senior year.
The rivalry escalated to new heights a year ago when Åkerman infamously broke Westerholm’s nose during a game, cementing their status as bitter enemies on and off the ice. As the hockey world adjusts to this new development, all eyes will be on Westerholm and Åkerman when they hit the ice as teammates once again.
Can the two superstars set aside their differences, or will their rivalry ruin the team’s chances for another title?
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1
I WASN’T EXPECTING A MASKED MAN TO ANSWER MY CALL TONIGHT
RASMUS
Ten weeks before the trade
The last Friday in October
I’m still riding the high from yesterday’s late-night win against the Woodpeckers, one of the hockey teams in the City, as I head to meet my college teammate, Felix. He also had a great game last night when his team, the Peacocks, beat the Shamrock in Boston.
The best thing about New York City is that there’s always something new to do and explore. The city buzzes with an electric energy that pulls you in. It’s a far cry from the more laidback, quiet rhythm back home in Minnesota, where I’ve lived for the past six years.
The small coffee shop Felix mentioned in his text is tucked away on a quieter side street. As I step inside, the mixed aroma of roasted beans and freshly baked goods greets me. The menu includes Swedish-style cinnamon buns, and I can’t help but wonder if they’re as authentic as kanelbullar back in Uppsala.
I spot Felix near the entrance, his medium brown hair a little tamer than during our college days. Other than that, he looks the same as he has for the past ten years of our friendship. He’s wearing his signature dark-framed glasses and a purple Peacocks hoodie. Some things never change—he only dresses up during game days.
“Rasmus,” he exclaims when he notices me, standing up to greet me with an easy hug. “I almost didn’t recognize you without that beard!”
“I lost a damn bet last night and had to shave it off,” I explain as I return the hug and slide into the booth across from him. “So, goalie life still hasn’t worn you down?”
Felix shakes his head, amused that I’d even ask that. “Not a chance. Although, I’ll admit, the Brooklyn traffic tests my patience every day.”
“Fair enough. Have you ordered yet?”
“Yeah, got us both black coffees and cinnamon buns. They should bring them to the table.”
“It’s like you know me.”
He chuckles nervously. “Yeah, well, besides Jasper and Em, you’re one of my closest friends.”
And there it is. His first mention of Jasper Åkerman, our former college teammate, his current teammate, and the guy everyone thinks I hate with passion. The truth is way more complicated. That’s why we never talk about him. Heck, I didn’t even know Felix was still close friends with both of us before last year when Åkerman broke my nose during a heated game.
I keep telling myself I don’t care, but somehow, I still ask. “How has he settled into your team this year?”
