Skating On Thin Ice

Fallen With The Night

Saturday morning, Nathan tried his hardest to get to the stadium before anyone else. He spent all day there running over plays, watching the building engineers clean the ice, and roaming while the workers got the arena ready for the opening game day. When it came just before the game began and all the players had just finished warming up on the ice in casual clothing, Nathan listened to the radio to hear what everyone had to say.

"Radio 350AM, it's game day, people! Doncaster University is coming alive!" Daniel laughed. "I'm taking bets now; what's the final score?"

"5-0, landslide win," Robert predicted. "I think Kameron will come in and coach the team herself."

Layla scoffed. "Why won't you all give this man a chance? Coach Peterson is working hard to make this team a success. Why not let him do his job?"

"I want to see this game already. We have 25 minutes out until the puck drop." Daniel continued. "We are going against the Western Michigan coached by coach David Uchitel. I'm sweating like a whore in church, people."

Layla laughed while Robert chuckled. "This is the biggest game for this team. It's the fate of whether or not Nathan Peterson will be able to come out and prove himself or be carried out of the game by a mob. You better get in your cars or get on your snow boots cause everyone is closing down shops, the daycares are ready to watch the little ones, and let's fill up the stands with red and black tonight. Doncaster Kings play-by-play report by your three favorite voices in just a bit."

Nathan turned off the radio when he saw Jamie appear in the doorway of his office. They held eye contact for a moment, both of them knowing a lot was on the line tonight.

"Ready?" Nathan asked.

Jamie crossed his arms and looked at the clock. "Let's do this."

Nathan felt as if he was floating when he walked out of his office and towards the locker room. When they walked in, all twenty-six of the hockey players were sitting around in either full gear or near full gear. He stood in front of them and let out a deep sigh.

"This isn't about me; this isn't about you; this is about the school," Nathan confessed. "They're all expecting a win, so let's give it to them."

Jamie snickered from his spot, leaning against the wall. "Kameron, you want to say anything?"

All eyes landed on Kameron, who was taping her stick. "Let's leave their teeth on the ice." She grumbled.

Nathan's heart skipped a beat when all the boys roared with life, startling him. They grabbed their sticks, put on their helmets, and walked out of the locker room. Nathan walked out with Jamie on his heels and Jenny and Andre catching up. He stopped at the doors right before they would be exposed to the stadium. The sound of the screams and cheers filled his ears and rattled his brain as the announcer yelled excitedly into his microphone.

"Tonight, in Doncaster, Michigan, the moment you have been waiting for has come. Two teams square off at the start of the season, where every game feels like a must-win. Playing against the Western Michigan University, ladies and gentlemen, Let's get ready!"

Nathan stood off to the side as the players rushed out and onto the ice. He slowly walked out and stood by the sideline benches. When he looked back, he saw Aaron and Maya sitting a few rows back. Aaron was clapping and cheering while Maya was just looking around, bored.

On the ice, Kameron smiled as she looked out at the crowd. She stopped when she saw Damian standing up, clapping for her. He winked at her when they made eye contact, one which she sent back to him. She stopped smiling when she saw her dad in the front row staring at her. He smirked at her knowing what she could do; it was in her blood. She knew she couldn't lose.