Breaking the Ice - Inside Out

The Big Game

Riley woke early on the day of the big game, her mind already buzzing with anticipation and nerves. She glanced at the clock—5:30 AM—and sighed. Sleep had been elusive, her dreams a chaotic mix of victory and defeat on the ice.

In the dim light of her room, she pulled on her team jersey, the familiar fabric cool against her skin. The Firehawks' emblem felt heavy on her chest, a reminder of the weight of expectations she carried.

Downstairs, her mom was already in the kitchen, brewing coffee. The scent was comforting, grounding. Riley grabbed a granola bar, her appetite nonexistent, and joined her mom at the table.

"You nervous?" her mom asked softly, concern etched in her eyes.

Riley nodded, taking a sip of coffee to soothe her dry throat. "Yeah, a bit. It's a pretty big game."

"You'll do great," her mom said, placing a reassuring hand on Riley's shoulder. "Just play your game. Remember why you love hockey."

Riley managed a weak smile, grateful for her mom's support even as doubt gnawed at her. Could she really play her game with Val watching? Could she prove herself when every move she made felt scrutinized?

Her heart pounded in her chest, each beat a reminder of the immense pressure she felt. She glanced out the window, the morning light casting long shadows across the quiet street. Riley felt both an urge of emotional turmoil and a need to be the best. She was afraid of which part of her would be her successor.

Am I really ready for this? she wondered, her mind racing. Every mistake feels magnified with Val's eyes on me. What if I mess up? What if I can't handle the pressure?

She clenched her fists, trying to steady her nerves. The need to impress Val was overwhelming, a constant presence that loomed over her every action. She couldn't shake the fear that she would disappoint her coach, her teammates, and herself.

As she gathered her gear, Riley took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm of emotions inside her.

-

The ride to the arena was quiet, the early morning streets still and empty. Riley stared out the window, lost in her thoughts. The arena loomed ahead, its lights flickering to life in the pre-dawn darkness. Inside, the familiar sounds of skates on ice and shouts of encouragement filled the air.

Riley sat in the backseat of her mom's car, her mind replaying Val's words over and over. "Well, Minnesota, you better show me some of that Midwestern grit on the ice today."

They arrived at the arena just as the sky began to lighten, casting a faint glow over the ice. Riley stepped out into the crisp morning air, her breath forming misty clouds in front of her.

Inside the locker room, the atmosphere crackled with anticipation. The team was focused, each player going through their pre-game routines with a mix of intensity and nerves. Coach Roberts paced back and forth, her voice a steady stream of encouragement and strategy.

Riley laced up her skates with purposeful precision, the sounds of the locker room fading into background noise. Her mind was singularly focused on the game plan, on the challenge of facing Ridgeway Academy, their fiercest rivals. She tried her best to avoid Val as she didn't want to increase her already shot nerves.

Unfortunately, Val caught Riley's eye across the room, a soft smile playing on her lips. "You've got this, Minnesota," she said softly, her voice filled with unwavering belief.

Riley nodded, her throat tight with gratitude and nerves. Val's faith in her meant everything, but it also intensified the pressure. She couldn't afford to let Val down.