Thin Ice

𝟓𝟒

LUKAS POV

This past week has been full of goodbyes.

Today is one of the most important goodbyes, saying goodbye to the Arctic Wolves.

I have been on this team since I could walk. Fuck, I grew up with this team. This team is like a family to me and it's going to be hard knowing that today is the last time we're all playing together.

The only thing that makes me hopeful for me continuing hockey after high school is the fact that college scouts are supposedly here today. It's great if I get discovered by another college but there's only one college I have my eyes on.

"No way this is the last time I'll be using my hockey locker," Alex mutters towards me. I watch as he shakes out his socks and throws them on.

"It'll be weird seeing someone else use locker number thirteen," I pause as I glance over the engraved number. This has been my locker since I joined this team over ten years ago. No one else wanted it since thirteen is supposed to be an unlucky number but I took it. I also took the jersey number thirteen because of the same reason, no one wanted it. Now I'm number thirteen. Romero, 13.

"I loved locker fifteen," he mumbles as if he's actually emotional over this.

"You're acting like you're giving up a kid," I joke to lighten the mood. I'm going to miss my locker too but not that much.

"Well-," he takes a long pause. "It is my baby," he interjects with a smirk. I roll my eyes and roll my jersey over all my padding.

I glance down at the familiar logo and mascot that has been on this jersey since we bought them, years ago. This is my last time as an Arctic Wolf but I hope that it isn't my last time as number thirteen.

I glance around the room and check to see where everyone is in their getting ready process. A quarter of the guys are fully ready, half of the guys are padded up, and the other quarter looks like they just got here.

I let out a sigh and plop down on a nearby bench.

"What's running through your mind, Cap?" Kent questions. He takes the open seat next to me and smooths over his jersey.

"Just thinking about this team," I admit. This whole day, nostalgia has waved over me in short bursts. I've been coming here almost every day for more than a decade and now I'll have to start over in a new rink with new people.

"You've been a good Captain," he states after some moments of silence.

"I tried. I know I was sloppy the past month since I was working with Julie but I really tried to dedicate my all to this team," I continue to pour. I've never been that close with Kent but I see no reason to pour my heart out considering the circumstances.

"Not to sound sappy but you're inspiring," he mumbles to where only I can hear him.

"Seriously?" I quickly question. No one has ever told me that because in my eyes all I did was threaten to bench people all season.

"Seriously. I'm going to Wisconsin in the fall and in a couple years, I want to try and be Captain. I've been taking notes from you all year," he explains with a soft smile. I'm glad Kent is going into hockey instead of choosing another profession because he's one of the best players on the team.

"That's great and thank you," I reply with a smile. I hope his note leaves out where I beat the fuck out of Josiah and benched him for half the season just in spite of him.

"Do you know who you're going to make Captain for next year?" he questions and I start to think. I've never put much thought into it. I completely forgot that that's even something I have to do.

I glance around the room and start to think. I'm not that close with the younger guys but there's only a couple who have determination and drive for this game.

"I have an idea," I spit out.

"I wonder if it's who I'm thinking of," he begins to wander.

I wonder too..

The younger guys that actually care about hockey consist of Jordan and Kyle. Jordan has an attitude but knows when to lock in and get things done. Kyle is kind of a pushover but cares about hockey. So between the two of them.. Jordan. I see a bit of myself in him now that I think about it.

I glance over at Jordan and I catch him muttering plays under his breath.

Yup definitely Jordan for Captain.

~

Twenty minutes pass by and it's time for me to look corny as hell.

I rise on the bench and clear my throat.

"Everyone huddle up," I announce to get their attention. I watch as all their faces look up and grow closer to me. "I want all of you to look around the room and study others faces," I pause and give them time to follow as I say. "This is the last time we will all be in the same rink, on the same team, altogether. This is the last time this batch of Arctic Wolves will play together. For some of you, this is your last time wearing a jersey because you don't plan on continuing this. That's perfectly fine but I want you to look at the back of your jersey and take in your number. Someone else will be wearing it in place of you next year. This is my last time being Romero, 13. I know this is sappy and I'm never this heartfelt but I'm so proud of you guys" I add as my voice cracks. I drop down from the bench and fall into their group hug.

I'm not one to cry easily but there's something in the air I guess.

They break the hug and I finally have my source of air again.

"Last one best one!" I shout as the group rises in cheers. I watch as each person files out the door and fist bumps Coach Deetz. That's been a tradition since we were waddling on the ice.

Even though Deetz can be a prick at times, I'm gonna miss him.

"Romero," Deetz whisper shouts as I walk out the door.

"Have you decided?" he vaguely questions but I know exactly what he's talking about.

"Jordan Grey," I pause as I watch his face fall confused. "He has a drive for hockey, knows what he wants and goes for it, knows every play to get us to win, and won't stand for anyone acting out of character. I see myself in him," I admit as I look up at Deetz.

"Is that your final decision?" he questions after a break of silence. I reply with a nod and he walks off.

I let out a breath and follow to take my usual spot on the bench before the games.

Last one best one?

~

Sigh so many goodbyes

Hopefully they win!!