Chapter 13
Joey
The Back-up Goalie
Despite being stuck on the bench, I did enjoy Katie’s non-birthday birthday celebration captured on the jumbotron. Emma looked like she wanted to crawl into a hole as the entire stadium sang Happy Birthday to my niece. That kid is going to be a star someday, I’m sure. She danced around, enjoying every second in the spotlight. I guess I should have insisted that Katie change out of that T-shirt. Emma’s going to give me an earful about that after the game. Since I love pushing Emma’s buttons, I consider this a win.
Blake skates over to the bench to grab his water bottle. “I didn’t know that today is Katie’s birthday.”
“It’s not,” I reply with a chuckle.
“Huh? You mean you didn’t orchestrate the jumbotron celebration?”
“Nope. It happened because Katie wore a Happy Birthday T-shirt.”
My friend’s eyebrows crease quizzically. “Why is she wearing a birthday T-shirt if it’s not her birthday?”
I laugh. “Trust me, when you have kids, you’ll understand.”
The goalie shakes his head and skates off, then settles between the pipes. I sit on the edge of the bench waiting for the game to start. I’m surprised at myself in that I hope Blake plays awesome tonight. He’s a good guy. I can’t wish any ill will on him while he defends the goal, no matter how much I wish it was me out there.
~*~
At the end of the first period, the game is tied 2-2. Back in the locker room, I wander over to Blake to give him some words of encouragement. The backup goalie sits slumped over, staring at his skates.
“Hey man, you’re doing great out there! You’ve got their number—just keep playing your game, stay focused, trust your instincts. The team has your back. You’ve got this!”
Blake nods. “I shouldn’t have let that last puck into the net.” His voice rings with remorse.
“Forget it—it happens to all of us. What matters is how you bounce back. Shake it off, stay sharp, and make the next save. You’re keeping us in this game.”
“Thanks, man.”
“You bet! Now get out there and kick some butt!”
~*~
We’re losing. It’s the middle of the third period. Blake let two more goals get past him so now the score is 4-2. Despite my positive pep talk after the first period, our offense has gone dormant. Nothing is getting past the opposing team’s goalie right now.
I itch to replace Blake, but I have to admit that I’m not feeling one hundred percent. I might do worse than my housemate is doing. Coach has told me before that the school of hard knocks helps make us better. In that case, Blake’s going to be much better after this.
Buzzzz! Groan!
The crowd reacts when the puck slides under Blake’s right leg and into the net to make the score 5-2. Some of the fans begin leaving the arena. Our offense needs to get out of their slumber ASAP. No Golden Star has scored since the first period. As if my thoughts will him to, Otto steals the puck and rushes ahead of the defense. He skates straight toward the opposing goal and flips the puck over the goalie’s shoulder.
Buzzzz! Yeah!
What’s left of the crowd appreciates my friend’s scoring effort. I have no doubt that Otto will get drafted in the spring. That’s been my goal all along, but my feelings for Emma confuse things. What if I lose her? Is that the way our love story is supposed to go? Date for a few months and then break up?
Shoving those gloomy thoughts aside, I focus back on the game, sending positive thoughts to our left and right wingers, hoping they can score two more times before the game ends. The game continues with no more scoring. I watch as the last few seconds tick away. Three...two...one...
Buzzzz!
All of the air leaves the stadium as the crowd shuffles towards the exits. There’s no elongated ovation or cheers as they collect their stuff and leave. The team skates off the ice, no one more dejected than Blake. He hangs his head. Everyone on the team avoids him, letting him stew in his own thoughts. I’ll let him have a few minutes of peace, but then I’m going to give him another pep talk, just like a good friend and teammate should do.
Coach storms to the front of the locker-room and we all brace for impact. He looks madder than a hornet. I hope he gives Blake a break. Tension builds as he paces back and forth for a few seconds.
"I hope you enjoyed the view from our zone, 'cause you sure didn’t leave it much,” he bellows, giving everyone his patented glare. "You can't win games sitting in the penalty box—or standing around like pylons."
I’m relieved that he calls out the offense—who made their fair share of mistakes—and didn’t criticize the goaltending.
He stops pacing and his expression softens. "Guys, this is just one game in a long season. Champions aren’t built overnight." His eyes swivel towards Blake and he gives the guy a quick nod. "I saw some real effort out there tonight. Clean up the mistakes, and we’re a whole different team. We’re not done. Not by a long shot. This team has more to give, I know it." Before marching out, Coach barks, “Practice at 5am tomorrow and someone bring donuts for the love of Gretzky!”
Everyone exchanges shocked looks. Rather than handing us our heads, Coach displays a mixture of compassion, encouragement, and his usual gruff humor.
After Coach disappears, Blake pipes up. “I’ll bring the donuts.”
Chuckles float around the room.
“And how about bringing some of those banana breakfast cupcakes.”
“Or some of those chocolate, caramel turtle ones.”
“Blueberry is my favorite!”
The backup goalie’s lips twitch into a small grin knowing that despite his rocky start at goal, he, and his baking prowess, has been accepted by the team. I give him a thumbs up.