Chapter 27
Alexander
I can’t help but feel the devastating loss consuming me.
We just lost our shot at the cup this year, and even though I know we should be proud to have even made it this far, we’re still competitive athletes who want to win every game.
It’s been a tough tournament, and our team has developed a lot during this season. Several players have found their footing, but we did take some time to get here.
Hopefully, we’ll make it to the top next season.
Then this season will be a chapter we use to gear up and prepare for something bigger.
In sports, you sometimes need to trust the process.
In the locker room, the disappointment is evident, but Noah breaks the tension, as he does best.
“At least we lost to a good team. They could end up winning the cup,” he says.
“Not helping,” Liam grunts from his spot on the bench.
I clear my throat.
“It’s okay to be disappointed now. It sucks when we have something within our reach, and then it’s all over like that. But I do believe we’ve taken important steps this season, and if we continue building on that, I’m confident we can lift that cup next year.”
I speak with a clear voice, determined to try and motivate the guys even on a day like this.
Of course, we can feel the disappointment.
It’s part of the sport.
But tomorrow will be a new day.
A new day to do our job, get back up, and work harder for our goals.
“Yeah, and it brought us game nights. Who thought it could be so fun to beat Noah at board games?” Aaron says, making us all laugh.
Whenever Noah loses one of our game nights, he’s a sulky bastard the next day.
The game nights, made possible by the incredible woman in my life.
This season bought me the greatest gift of all in Sarah, so I’m grateful for the year, no matter the outcome of our hockey season.
After the dreaded media duties, I catch up with my family, who all give me reassuring hugs and support.
“You’ll make it even farther next year, and then we’ll be right here,” Dad says, pride evident in his eyes.
I appreciate my family’s support, but I don’t spot Sarah anywhere.
She’s the one I’d really like to see now.
I even meet her dad before her.
John hugs me, congratulating me on a great season, cup or not.
“I know this moment is heavy, but when the disappointment settles down, you should be proud of your leadership. You brought this team to the playoffs, and if you continue this momentum, you’ll have a chance again next season.”
Talking with John is always good. He knows this game from his own NHL experience: the ups, the downs. Since he retired a long time ago, he also sees it a little differently from the way we do.
When you’re in the middle of it, you can get lost, feeling like hockey is the only thing that matters.
Whenever we have dinner at his place, or he comes to visit, I’m reminded just how much more there is to this life than hockey.
Most of it has to do with his daughter.
He talks about his hockey career with joy, but he talks about his family with love.
“Thanks, John. I believe so. Have you seen your daughter lately?” I ask him, knowing they’re usually watching our games together.
“She said something about running to the office, and that she would be back soon,” he says.
I finally spot her, and everything around me fades as I take her in.
Everything will be alright as long as I have her by my side.
She makes her way toward me, and I meet her halfway, before she wraps her arms around my neck, giving me a tight hug.
“I’m sorry about the loss, but I’m so fucking proud of you I can’t really be too sad,” she says, sniffling into my neck.
Sarah’s been with me through all the hardships of this season.
She’s experienced every frustration, dilemma, and challenge thrown my way. Helping me decide how to move forward and see clearly when my own head has been a mess.
I kiss her, not caring that my own family and her dad are nearby. They can handle it.
“Thanks, baby. Don’t tell the guys, but I can’t be too sad either, considering this season led me to you,” I tell her, making her sigh as she looks at me.
“I love you, Alexander.”
“I love you too, baby.”