Mason Harrison is the captain of the hockey team, undeniably good-looking, and always knows just what to say. But he doesn't come without his flaws... After a traumatic relationship leaves him unsure and fearful, Mason doesn't know when he will be r...
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- - - - MASON - - - - cum on feel the noize - quiet riot
I don't think I've been this nervous to play hockey since my first game at Troyvens Creek four years ago.
Back then I was scrawny and a little bit scared of my upperclassmen teammates. I was also unsure of my capabilities as a player and terrified of stepping onto the ice and utterly failing. But now, I've settled into life as a collegiate athlete, and I'm confident in my skills.
Today, however, I'm nervous about playing in front of Riley Adams.
The nerves started as soon as I woke up this morning. In fact, I was so nervous that I overcooked Codie's eggs, and I had to listen to him whine the entire drive over to the rink for morning skate.
Then as I was lacing up my skates, butterflies took off in my stomach, and my heart began to pound a little harder underneath my chest. Even though it was hours prior to puck drop, I couldn't settle down.
And now, as I stood in the hallway outside the locker room waiting for all of my teammates to make their way out, those same butterflies returned in my stomach.
Shaking my hands out and taking a deep breath, I tried to calm my nerves. But as the music picked up and I heard the rumbling voice of the arena's announcer, I wanted to throw up.
"Nervous or something?" Stevie, one of the younger players, had an ear-splitting grin - the kid was always smiling - and tapped my foot with his stick.
Just then Codie stepped out of the locker room and made his way over to stand by my side. "Harrison's got someone special in the stands."
A series of "oohs" and whistles broke out amongst the boys, and I couldn't help but smile as the tips of my ears turned pink.
"You gonna score for her Sonny?" This time Mack was smiling at me.
"He better score." Coach Olson was marching down the hall as he spoke and the joking demeanor among us quickly disappeared as he joined us.
Not long after that, the lights in the arena dimmed, and our walkout song began to blare, making everyone in the stands go crazy.
Hearing thousands of people scream and cheer for you as you skate your way onto the ice is a feeling like no other. When I first began playing in Governor's Arena, I had a hard time not peering into the crowd and analyzing all of the hyped-up fans. But now, I felt like the noise grounded me. It helped settle me into my groove - especially today - and reminded me of what I was supposed to be doing out here.
I was supposed to win. And fuck, did I want to win badly today.
For the majority of warm-ups, I stayed focused. I briefly made passes to Codie and then took a couple of shots on Mack, who was in the goalie crease. Then I even flipped a puck over the boards to a little girl wearing a bright pink version of our home jerseys.
