“He shoots and he scores! Lightning Logan is on fire tonight with his second goal of the game.”

It was the last period, and we were tied two to two. Face off was between me and Machard. We stood there, in position, waiting for the puck to drop. His blue eyes burned into mine and I could see the anger in them as if he was waiting for the perfect opportunity to tear me apart.

“Dude, I’m sorry about your knee.”

“Fuck you, Jackson.”

The puck dropped, and as I hit it with my stick, Machard threw his stick down, took off his gloves, and came after me. Remembering what the coach said to me yesterday, I couldn’t just stand there like a pussy and let him beat the hell out of me, so I threw my gloves off and we circled around each other.

“This is the last period of the game and we’re tied. Wait until the game is over and then we can do this,” I said. “Let’s not get ourselves thrown into the penalty box.”

He glared at me as we circled around each other.

“Seriously, Gavin. Let’s just finish the game.”

“Fine. But once the game is over, I’m coming after you, Jackson.”

He skated over and picked up his gloves, putting them back on and picking up his stick. The crowd booed us, but I didn’t care. I’d welcome a fight anytime, and believe me, I’d started plenty of them. Now wasn’t the time and I needed to make sure we won this game. With ten seconds left, I came up behind Tommy as he passed me the puck. Skating down the center, dodging the opposing team, I shot it right into the net so fast that the goalie didn’t even see it.

“And Lightning Logan does it again! The New York Rangers beat the Washington Capitals, three to two, winning their second straight game of the season.”

The crowd cheered and I prepared myself for Gavin’s warning. As soon as the game was announced, the gloves came off and he came after me, grabbing on to my jersey and throwing the first punch. I retaliated as my fist hit his jaw and his hit mine again. Holding on to each other, we both went down as he landed on top of me, punching me with his hard fist. The refs pulled him off and broke up the fight. The crowd went crazy and Tommy helped me up.

“Nice fight, Logan. What the hell were you doing? You weren’t fighting back.”

I wiped the blood that was dripping from my nose with my hand. “It’s the least I could do for breaking his knee.”

When we got into the locker room, the doc walked over and examined my face. “Your nose isn’t broken and you don’t need stitches. You’ll survive.” He grinned as he put a butterfly bandage across the cut above my eye.

“Jackson,” I heard Coach Gene say as he walked into the locker room. He placed his hand on my shoulder. “I’m proud of you for what you did.”

“Thanks, coach.”

“Excellent game, boys. What a way to start off the season. We don’t have a game for a couple of days, so take that time to rest up before we head to Michigan to the play the Wings.”

After showering, Tommy asked if I was going to Louie’s to celebrate.

“Nah, I think I’m just going to go home. Why don’t you come over and we’ll kick back some beers? Maybe order a pizza.”

He shrugged. “Sure. Sounds good, but I was hoping to get laid tonight.”

I looked at him and raised my brow. “What the fuck? Don’t be looking at me, dude.”

He chuckled. “Tonight will be bros before hos.” He patted my shoulder.

Tommy Goodwin and I had been best friends since I was first drafted to the NHL. He was scouted by the Rangers around the same time I was when he played hockey for Boston University. Being thirty-one years old, he had the same views about relationships I did, except he was in a three-year relationship once with a girl named Maddie who constantly cheated on him, claiming that he was never around as much as she needed him to be. That was five years ago. She had since married, had a kid, and from we heard, was now divorced.

****

Keeping my eye on the puck, I made an inside pass over to Nate, who took it and passed it to Tommy. Jones, on the other team, slammed Tommy against the board, pushing his head into it several times before the refs could get over to break it up. Tommy fell to the ground and I skated over to him to make sure he was okay. As I looked up, I couldn’t believe what I saw. My dad and Maggie were sitting in the third row, center seats. Our eyes met and my dad gave me a small smile and a nod. I hadn’t talked to him since that night at his house. He didn’t call and I didn’t bother. I gave him a slight nod as I skated away and the game continued.

Eight games played so far with eight straight wins. We were on fire this season, and not just me, but my whole team. There was no doubt in my mind that we were going to play in the playoffs once again and the thought elated me. As Tommy and I stepped out of the locker room, I saw my dad and Maggie standing outside the doors.

“Hello, son.” My dad smiled.

“Hey, Dad. Maggie.” I nodded.

“Great game.” He placed his hand on my shoulder.

“Thanks.” I looked down.

“We better head out. I just wanted to tell you how great you were out there on the ice.”

“Thanks, Dad. I appreciate it.” I gave a small smile.

“I know you’re busy but don’t be a stranger, son. Stop by some time and we can talk.”

“Sure, Dad.”

He and Maggie walked away and Tommy stood there with a blank look on his face.

“What?” I asked.

“I think that was the first time I ever saw your dad sober.”

“Me too. At least over the past eighteen years.” I sighed.

Placing his hand on my back, Tommy spoke, “Come on; let’s get out of here, go get drunk, and find some hot chicks to fuck. My dick is screaming for a little attention.” He smiled.