21

I could do this. I’d done it before on a few occasions. It was no big deal.
And luckily, when I sat down in front of the single microphone on stage, looking out at the rows of reporters, the questions that came my way were easy to answer. Because the answers were true.
Were me and my teammates under pressure after that first goal to maintain our lead ? Of course we were. There was always pressure to pull out a win, especially the further into the season we got.
How was my shoulder after the hard hit I took into the boards in the second ? It was good. Nothing to worry about. Hockey players knew how to take hits, and I was no different.
For my goal, did I see an opening, or did I shoot blindly and hope it went in ? In the position the Knights were in, I knew it wouldn’t be smart to just shoot the puck at the net. We didn’t want to give Tampa the chance to grab the rebound, head to the other end of the ice, pull their goalie, and score. So when I saw the opening on the ice, I aimed for the top right corner, knowing that would be the hardest place to protect in the stance Tampa’s goalie was in.
How did it feel to be a part of both the goals tonight ? Absolutely amazing.
I was smiling and laughing with the reporters, getting ready to wrap things up and let Nyberg take the hot seat-though one reporter decided to take things in a different direction.
Rohan Basak with the Score. Can you confirm or deny the rumor that the Knights are looking to trade you and bring in a prime enforcer for the team ?
His question was like a punch to the stomach ; his words like a bucket of ice water falling over me. I flinched, then froze, my mind scrambling for some semblance of a reply, but nothing came. Instead, silence overtook the room, everyone watching as the metaphorical pedestal I’d been on was ripped away, leaving me to tumble.
Sorry, but he won’t be addressing any trade rumors today, as that is all they are : rumors, the team publicist said, saving my ass. She motioned for me to head back to the locker room, and I nodded numbly, following her orders. We’ll now be bringing out Ryan Nyberg to answer the final questions for the night.
The swift change of subject didn’t do much to distract the reporters from my stiff shoulders, however, as I felt the weight of their stares on my back as I left the room.
Hey, Nyberg said, putting his hand on my arm as I went to pass by him. Flicking my gaze up to meet his, I saw the worry creasing his forehead. You okay ?
Yeah, I replied, though it wasn’t the truth. More of an automated response.
Which he seemed to recognize, uncertainty clouding his eyes, but he didn’t push. Okay, he trailed off, but if you want to talk, let me know, because that guy’s question was utter bullshit.
He’s right, boy, Coach said. Having been standing off to the side, he moved closer as Nyberg left to face the masses. Don’t let reporters get inside your head, because they don’t know the full story. And while I can say I don’t want to see you get traded, sometimes that’s just the way this league works. Lifting his hand, he rested it on my shoulder in support. But nothing is set in stone yet, so focus on the things you can control. Your attitude and your game. You played great tonight, and you deserve to celebrate, just make sure to be back at the arena tomorrow morning ready to put in the work all over again.
I nodded in response. Yes, sir.
Except the will to celebrate that had been raging inside my chest just minutes before had been doused, with only a few flickering flames remaining. And those only sparked after I noticed a text from Lia when I returned to the locker room.
Great game tonight ! Congrats on the goal and the assist
I couldn’t help the small grin that pulled at my lips, kicking my mood up marginally despite the overwhelming gloom and doom in my head. Though I guess if I had to save face and celebrate, doing so with Lia at my side felt like the best option.
Thanks, babe. Any chance you’re still hanging around ?
We’re a few streets over at a local pub, why ?
Any chance it’s Apollo’s ?
It is.
That’s the bar me and the guys usually hit up after games… you up for a little extra company ?
Extra company always welcome. See you soon
Apollo’s was pretty packed when we strolled in twenty minutes later. Tables were packed, the pool tables were in use, and while one of the TVs was broadcasting a late-night game between Dallas and Calgary, the rest were showing highlights from our game.
Prompting enough of the patrons to notice our presence, though given we were regulars at this point, there was no special treatment. Fans threw out congratulatory sentiments-like good game and nice goal-but nobody went out of their way to fuss over us, and we all appreciated it.
Especially me, because while hockey was the main constant in my life, and something I loved with every inch of my being, I really did not want to talk much hockey tonight. I didn’t want to revel in the game, knowing that if this trade talk wasn’t just a rumor, it could be one of my last wins in navy and silver. I wanted to forget, and with that in mind, I turned my eyes to the crowd and immediately spotted the redhead I’d been looking for.
Hey, guys, Lia’s here, so I’ll catch up with you all later, I said, moving to split off from them while most of them headed for the bar.
Schmidt looked at me like I was crazy. Come on, you’re the man of the night and you’re not going to drink with us ?
Let him go have his fun. He’s earned it, Nyberg cut in teasingly, though he threw me a look of acknowledgement. He hadn’t mentioned the reporter crap to anyone else on the team, but had realized that it’d thrown me off, and I was thankful for him trying to cover for my shitty mood.
What ? Don’t want to introduce us to your girl ? Orlov teased, nudging me with his elbow. His gaze swept around the bar. Which one is she ?
I rolled my eyes, motioning to where she sat with her friends. The redhead near the back.
Damn.
I smacked the side of his head lightly. Shut up, asshat.
He chuckled. So, I’m guessing you need to keep her to yourself so that she doesn’t come over here and realize we’re all much better catches than you ?
More like so she doesn’t have to question why I hang out with you all off the ice, I corrected, running my hand through my hair. Plus, like I said before, it’s nothing serious. We’re just having a bit of fun.
Well, if your fun heads back to the apartment, let me know, Nyberg said, lowering his voice as he clapped me on the shoulder. I’ll find somewhere else to crash.