Mighty Ducks: Game Changers

Episode 6- Twigs

I've never been allowed to be there when Coach Cole gives his famous tournament play speech. If you could even call it that. I wouldn't know, I've never heard it.

"No, it's for players only," Coach Cole told ten-year-old me the first time I tried to follow Jace into one.

"But Dad," Jace started.

"Jace, you know it's for players only. She's not a player. So she'll have to sit this one out."

Anyway, Jace comes over after it, to show off his new Mighty Ducks jersey. Number 11, like always.

"So, maybe you will be happy with them?" I ask, noticing his smile. I wonder whether something happened between him and Sofi and that's why he's so happy.

"Yeah, maybe," Jace says, looking down at the jersey in his hands.

"Hey, honey, who is that?" Mom asks as she walks out of the kitchen. Her and Greg aren't working for once.

"Oh it's just Jace. He got his jersey at the thing tonight," I say.

She comes around the corner more to see out the door. "Oh, hey Jace!"
"Hi Mrs. Griffin," Jace says, smiling.

"We're about to eat, you want to stay for dinner? It's just pizza, nothing special."

"Uh, I should actually probably get back to my dad..." He trails off for a second, looking at me. "Uh, actually, I will stay."

I smile and step aside, letting him come in.

Greg is sitting at the dining room table when we get out there.

"Oh hello there Jace," Greg says, sticking his hand out.

Jace shakes his hand. "Mr. Griffin."

I sit across from Jace as Mom brings out the pizza from the dining room. We all dig in, and Greg starts talking to Jace about the teams this year and who's mostly likely to make it to the summer showcase.

"Greg," I say, smiling. "Let him eat in peace. He spends most of his time playing hockey, he probably doesn't want to talk about it over dinner."

"No, it's fine really," Jace says. "I really don't care."

"So, Jace, are you ready for tournament play?" Mom asks. "Feeling confident with the Mighty Ducks?"

"Uh yeah, I think they're a great group of kids. We could have a shot at least making it to the Finals."

Greg nods. "That Morrow kid, though. He was usually the leader for the Ducks, right? And now he's on your dad's team?"

"Um, well, yeah I guess. He told his mom that he didn't want her to pick him, like I told my dad."

"Why didn't you wanna play on your dad's team this year? You didn't think you could win with him or something?" Mom asks.

"Mom," I say. Jace is starting to look uncomfortable. He's saved by his dad calling him.

"Sorry, I have to take this," he says, standing up with his phone and walking into the kitchen.

"What's wrong with him?" Greg asks.

"Nothing's wrong with him. Him and his dad just aren't getting along that well lately. I think he blames his dad for the glitch or something. Whatever it is, just please stop bothering him about it," I say.

Jace comes back into the dining room, and he doesn't look happy. "Um, sorry, but I have to go now. Thanks for the pizza."

"Oh, no problem. Is everything alright?"