AAOOOSC! Wheatie Bits!

E. 8. "The Game of Juniors" (4/8)

August 5th

In the USA Hockey Arena, a match between Finland and Sweden is happening. Up above on the back stands in the small area is Team Canada in their suits. They are watching the foreigners glide around the neutral ice and pass the puck among each other over and over.

Brett lets out a heavy sigh, having his elbows on his thighs with his hands occupied by a disposable coffee cup. "This is so boring," he groans. "They can't get the puck out anywhere. How did they even make it to this showcase?"

Carter is dully looking out at the stalemate game from the row below. "Tell me about it." He flicks his eyes up at him. "They're playing like mites."

From the row above Brett, Kale peers down at the two with pursed lips. "We're playing in the same showcase as them so..."

"Ugh, right." Brett rolls his eyes and takes a sip from his cup.

Carter twists his body to look at the defenceman. "So, we're gonna win?"

"Yes." Kale lets out a heavy sigh while rubbing his hands. "Gotta get in the game mode."

Brett stares out at the occupied eye with a look of resolve. "Any empty net I see—" He sweeps his free hand across the ice's direction. "—I gotta fill it in with a puck."

Kale raises his eyebrows at him. "Even if Jake Dog's in front of it?"

The forward immediately takes in a sharp breath while becoming still. "Yes," he forces out with a tone of hurt. "I have to."

Carter furrows his eyebrows at him in confusion. "'Jake Dog'?"

Brett loosens himself and gazes down at him. "Jake Oettinger..."

A scowl falls on the goalie's face. "Ugh, him." He whirls away from him with an annoyance.

Brett then peers up at Kale. "Claguer, defend well." He turns to the goalie. "Hartsy, cover that net. And me—" He places his free hand on his dress shirt-covered chest with a haughty mien. "—I'll just do my best to score some goals."