Linemates - Adam Banks

Italy - 11

"It's been all team USA tonight. They lead Italy six to nothing. They've really dominated this game. Both Banks and Gaffney have two goals, Dwayne and Connie with the other."

"Banks, Conway, Gaffney. Change it up," called Bombay, the three players waiting for their teammates to get off the ice so they could go on. Italy took the puck across the ice, shooting straight into Goldberg's glove as he froze it.

"Nice save, Goldie." Remarked Indiana, tapping the goalie on his pads while skating by.

Goldberg smiled, "Have no fear, Goldberg is here! Hey man, there was nothing on that. How about a real shot?"

Goldberg took off his helmet, placing it on the top of the net, "Hey, Paisan, meatballs slowing you down? Uh, how do you say, in italiano 'wussy.'" One of the team Italy players pushed Goldberg, causing the referee to intervene. "What'd I say?"

Moments after, Fulton's shot cleared the defense and rang off of a post and in. The crowd jumped up and celebrated along with team USA. After three periods, a hat trick from Banks, two goals from Guy, and a goal from Kenny, the score ended at eleven to nothing. Indiana was right about the pasta, however. As she and Banks continued to light up the scoreboard, it was obvious what team Italy's goal was-- to hurt team USA's star players.

Indiana peeled off her gear in the locker room, feeling the sting of a cut on her neck. Indiana thought back to a moment during the game where she was checked hard into the boards by one Italian player while competing for the puck, where another player high sticked her. She looked at her arms again, noticing the bruises from both the Italy and the Trinidad game. Just because their team won on the scoreboard, doesn't mean they won physically.

"You alright?" Luis asked from beside her, eyeing her bruises and cuts. Indiana nodded softly, her whole body feeling sore. This was the hard part about being a smaller sized player who was unable to throw their weight around.

After the game, the three girls returned to their hotel room and showered. After getting dressed, it was clear the shower didn't cool Julie off. "God, I just don't get it," expressed Julie.

"It's complete and utter bullshit. You're faster and way more talented than Goldberg," stated Indiana.

"Don't tell anyone I said this, but you're right. Julie deserves a chance to prove herself and I can't believe Bombay won't give it to her," said Connie.

"Y'know what, I'm going to head by his office and see if I can talk to him about it. After two games I think I deserve an explanation," stated Julie. The two girls hummed in agreement.

"Wanna go catch a bit of the Iceland game? See what we're up against while Julie talks to coach?" Asked Indiana.

"Yeah, sure. Let me grab my jacket and we can walk over," said Connie. The three girls walked down the stairs into the lobby, noticing Luis leaning against a pole.

"Hey, Luis," said Indiana.

"Sup, Indie," replied Luis.

"We are heading to the rink to watch the Iceland game if you'd like to come. I hear they're playing Canada," explained Indiana.

Luis shrugged, "I was supposed to meet this girl from team USA soccer a while ago, but I guess she stood me up." Indiana frowned as she noticed the sad tone on Luis' voice. The boy thought for a moment, weighing his options.

"Sure, I'm down," said Luis. So, the three girls and Luis walked to the rink, finding an empty spot in the bleachers by the glass. The Iceland team was already up three to nothing with thirteen minutes left in the first period. As the game continued, team Iceland continued to bury team Canada not only on the scoreboard, but on the ice as well. Team Iceland was throwing vicious checks at every team Canada player who received the puck.

"Holy crap," said Indiana, watching as a Canadian player was checked harshly into the boards.

"We are going to get killed," stated Luis. Connie once again elbowed the boy.

"We will be fine," Connie stood up as the Zamboni made its last trip around the ice before the third period. The game was rather uneventful for the Canadien team, as they were shut out by team Iceland, eleven to nothing. "I'm going to stop by the bathroom," said Connie. "Wait for me?" she asked Indiana, who nodded. With that, Connie shuffled her way through her two friends and began walking up the stairs to the concourse.

"I think I'm going to go talk with Bombay, I saw him walk in a few minutes ago. I'll be out in a few; this shouldn't take too long." stated Julie. Indiana wished her sister luck before she left, leaving only Luis and Indiana. Indiana noticed Luis lean back and rested his arm directly behind her, gripping onto the bleacher seat for support. The two engaged in small talk which quickly simmered down after a few minutes. With the awkward silence, Indiana began to look around at the people who attended the game. Both Iceland and Canadian fans stood proudly wearing their colors. As she continued to scan the crowd, she noticed a familiar blonde boy decked out in red, white, and blue sitting next to his father. Adam turned to look back at Indiana as if he had felt her eyes on him. He smiled when he saw her, but instantly frowned when he saw the company she was with. Indiana cocked her head in confusion after watching him shake his head and turn his attention towards center ice. Indiana turned once again to see Adam's father looking now. Not wanting to make any sort of impression, Indiana turned away quickly and pretended she was looking for someone.

"Who is the girl?" Mr. Banks asked his son, who was obviously showing signs of frustration.

"Who, her?" Adam asked, nodding his head in the direction of her and Luis, watching as Luis pointed on the ice and apparently made a joke, causing Indiana to laugh. "She's just one of my teammates."

"Alright, Adam. I won't push you to talk. You know why you're here and what you need to do. I know you will focus on what matters most," Mr. Banks stated. Adam closed his eyes for a moment, sighing deeply.

"Yeah, dad. I know why I'm here," stated Adam. "Can we just get going? I'm pretty tired and I need to rest up for our upcoming game." Mr. Banks agreed, grabbing his coat and walking back up the stairs. Adam took one last look at Indiana, who had already been looking at the boy, before turning away and walking out.

Luis must have been watching, "So... You and Banks are--"

"Friends, Luis. We're friends," stated Indiana.

"You sure?" asked Luis, wanting a straight answer from the brunette girl.

"Positive. I'm here to play hockey, Luis. That's it," she responded harshly. After Connie had returned from the bathroom and Julie had returned from the office of Coach Bombay, the group went back to their hotel rooms and separated for the night.