The Love Trick (Glaciers Hockey #2)

1. Chapter One

Chapter One

Blaze

Game Seven. This is it.

I tug at my laces, tightening them for the umpteenth time in anticipation. The atmosphere in the locker room is electric as we prepare to take the ice for the most important game of our lives.

I steal a glance at Cam, his jaw set in determination as he nods at me. “You ready, Blaze?”

I smirk. “Born ready.”

The Stanley Cup gleams in the distance, a tantalizing reminder of what we’ve been fighting for all season. And now it all comes down to this final showdown.

It’s our turn to raise the Cup.

“You guys better be ready,” Kade adds, closing his locker. “We didn’t claw our way back from 3-0 for nothing. Let’s finish this thing.”

“Oh, we’re finishing it alright,” Dylan interjects before looking toward Cam with a smirk. “Just try not to punch any fans in the face this time.”

The tension in the room eases as we share a collective laugh.

“Hey, that guy had it coming,” Cam retorts. “And I still don’t regret it.”

The memory of Cam jumping to my defense last season after a fan insulted me floods back into my mind. The guy did have it coming. And it really should’ve been me who decked him in the face.

But Cam got there first.

The repercussions were harsh. Cam faced criticism, fines, and backlash from the media. But to me, it only solidified what I already knew: he’s more than a teammate; he’s family.

All these guys are.

“Alright, boys. This is your moment.” Coach Wilson’s voice cuts through my thoughts. “Tonight, we make history. Let’s go!”

The roar of the crowd vibrates through the arena as we step onto the ice. The stadium is packed to the brim, every seat filled with eager fans waving banners and wearing team colors.

I scan the crowd, looking for my best friend who, outside of my teammates, is the only family I have. And sure enough, there she is, sitting in the stands, her platinum blonde hair shining under the stadium lights. She’s looking beautiful as ever, wearing my jersey and a proud smile on her face. When our eyes meet, she holds up a homemade sign that reads, “Go, Blaze! Bring it home!”

My heart swells with gratitude. Addy’s been my rock throughout my entire hockey career—she’s never missed a home game in all the years I’ve played for the Atlanta Glaciers.

With her unwavering support and love, I feel invincible.

And tonight is just as much for her as it is for me.

When the puck finally drops, the crisp sound echoes off the ice as we explode into action.

The game is fast-paced and intense, and we fight relentlessly for every inch of ice. Midway through the second period, Cam steals the puck and speeds toward the goal. He dekes past the defense and sends a rocket of a shot flying straight into the top corner of the net.

Yes! Let’s gooooo!

The arena erupts into chaos, the crowd on their feet screaming and cheering as the scoreboard lights up 1-0, marking the first goal of the game.

Our opponents do not back down.

The rest of the period and into the third is a grueling battle that pushes us to our limits. Every second feels like an eternity as we defend our slim lead.

Lucky for us, Kade is a wall of steel in front of the net, making impressive save after save and keeping our hope alive.

As the clock ticks down to the final seconds, everyone is on their feet, holding their breath in anticipation.

And then it happens:

The buzzer sounds.

And the crowd goes wild.

We won! The realization hits me like a ton of bricks.

We’re Stanley Cup champions.

The ice is a blur of celebration as my teammates rush toward me, shouting and cheering. Cam pulls me into a bone-crushing hug.

“We did it, Blaze! We actually did it!” he exclaims, his eyes shining with unshed tears.

Kade joins us, pumping his fists in the air, followed by Dylan and the rest of the team. I can’t help but let out a whoop of joy, adrenaline coursing through my veins.

The Cup glitters in the center of the rink like a beacon as we skate over to claim our prize. The weight of its significance is almost tangible as I hoist the Cup above my head.

This isn’t just a trophy; it’s a symbol of dedication, resilience, and teamwork.

As I look out at the sea of faces roaring their approval, I see Addy cheering the loudest of them all. Her tear-streaked face beams with pride and love. I wink at her and mouth, “We did it,” before skating over to join my teammates in a victory lap around the rink. Passing the Cup from player to player, each of us basks in the sweet taste of victory.

We eventually gather for the official team photo with the Cup. And as I look around, I can’t help but feel a wave of nostalgia thinking back to everything that led me to this moment.

If you had told me back in high school, as a struggling foster kid, that one day I’d win the Stanley Cup with a team that became my family, I wouldn’t have believed you. But here I am, living out a dream I never dared to have.

Addy sprints down from the stands the moment she’s allowed onto the rink. She jumps into my arms, wrapping her legs around my waist as I spin her around in a whirl of pure joy. Her laughter is the most beautiful sound, echoing in my ears as I finally set her down.

“Nice game, Twenty-Six. I’m so proud of you!” Awe fills her voice. “I never doubted you for a second.”

I hold her close, soaking in the warmth of her presence and the knowledge that she’s been with me every step of the way.

“I couldn’t have done it without you, Addy.”