Read Online Hat Trick 3: Penalty Shot by Jeff Adams - Free Book Online
Authors: Jeff Adams
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Walt’s line. Against the other lines they had mixed results.
Danny and Alex took the defensive squad when we broke into groups since Danny was a D and Alex, as a center, was defensively minded. Trent and I broke up the forwards and Hillary drifted between the groups, offering up notes that she took during the scrimmage. In the groups we talked strategy and did demos of what we wanted to see. While we worked in the groups, Coach Mayer and Joey worked with Scottie.
The full squad drills went well. We found quickly that the more senior players were already guiding some of the less skilled, which was perfect. Plus, with four Wolverines players on the ice, we were able to run effective demonstrations of the drills.
“So what did you guys think of today?” I asked when we called everyone in at the end of the two hours.
“It was a blast,” Scottie said, grinning from ear to ear.
“This doesn’t really have to do with practice, but I really love skating with you guys,” said a defenseman named Ryan. “I wasn’t out to my other team and it’s awesome just being myself here.”
Several people nodded in agreement.
“Excellent,” I said. “We’ll keep that vibe going.”
“Do you guys have a name yet?” Hillary asked. “There’s got to be a name.”
“Yup. I came up with it this morning. Rainbow High,” Scottie said. “It’s the name of a great book I read a couple years ago. It sums us up nicely given our queer diversity plus straight allies. I’m working on the logo, block letters with a rainbow running through them. I need to make it look good on a tan jersey since that’s the color the league gave us. I’ll get everything ordered this weekend. I’ve got a company lined up who’s willing to rush them at no charge. I was wondering if you guys would be okay if we stitched a You Can Play patch on the shoulder.”
No one objected.
“Is that going to get our asses kicked on the ice?” Ryan asked. “Being that out?”
“If there’s an issue, we’ll take it up with the league,” Alex said. “Trash talk is very likely. And we shouldn’t respond to it. We’ll show that we’re better than the talk.”
That also got a positive response.
“Okay, you guys get cleaned up and go home,” I said. “We’re back Thursday at four. Thanks everyone.”
Everyone said thanks, fist bumped most of us and headed to the locker room.
“That was good,” I said once the players were gone. “Some bumpy places, but overall I think we’re better off than where we started. What’d you guys think?”
Alex nodded. “Defense is what needs the most work.”
“But they made progress today,” Danny said.
“Yup, it’s still the weak link,” I said. “They caught on to what we worked on. If they remember it next practice, I’ll feel better. And Scottie’s good, he’ll stop more than a few of what gets past the D.” I pulled my helmet off and ran a hand through my sweaty hair. “Let’s get everything picked up and go.”
Chapter 11: Saturday, October 7
The first Rainbow High game arrived way too fast. The team seemed ready, at least in spirit. There wasn’t nearly enough practice, but everyone said they were excited following yesterday’s session. Scottie looked great, and I looked forward to seeing him in a real game. We had some good shooters, especially Walt and Bryan. Based on the competition Walt told us to expect, we still needed work. The best practice in the world though was playing a real game.
Considering everything, Alex and I couldn’t have been happier with how the team had gelled in the past two weeks. They had a good time on ice and seemed to be bonding off ice, too, as much as their individual schedules would allow.
The parking lot of the rink was jammed as Alex, Hillary, Danny, Trent and I arrived, nearly an hour early. We wanted to recon some of the other teams in our division, and be here as our guys arrived. At least for this first game, all the coaches were present.
Two
Danny and Alex took the defensive squad when we broke into groups since Danny was a D and Alex, as a center, was defensively minded. Trent and I broke up the forwards and Hillary drifted between the groups, offering up notes that she took during the scrimmage. In the groups we talked strategy and did demos of what we wanted to see. While we worked in the groups, Coach Mayer and Joey worked with Scottie.
The full squad drills went well. We found quickly that the more senior players were already guiding some of the less skilled, which was perfect. Plus, with four Wolverines players on the ice, we were able to run effective demonstrations of the drills.
“So what did you guys think of today?” I asked when we called everyone in at the end of the two hours.
“It was a blast,” Scottie said, grinning from ear to ear.
“This doesn’t really have to do with practice, but I really love skating with you guys,” said a defenseman named Ryan. “I wasn’t out to my other team and it’s awesome just being myself here.”
Several people nodded in agreement.
“Excellent,” I said. “We’ll keep that vibe going.”
“Do you guys have a name yet?” Hillary asked. “There’s got to be a name.”
“Yup. I came up with it this morning. Rainbow High,” Scottie said. “It’s the name of a great book I read a couple years ago. It sums us up nicely given our queer diversity plus straight allies. I’m working on the logo, block letters with a rainbow running through them. I need to make it look good on a tan jersey since that’s the color the league gave us. I’ll get everything ordered this weekend. I’ve got a company lined up who’s willing to rush them at no charge. I was wondering if you guys would be okay if we stitched a You Can Play patch on the shoulder.”
No one objected.
“Is that going to get our asses kicked on the ice?” Ryan asked. “Being that out?”
“If there’s an issue, we’ll take it up with the league,” Alex said. “Trash talk is very likely. And we shouldn’t respond to it. We’ll show that we’re better than the talk.”
That also got a positive response.
“Okay, you guys get cleaned up and go home,” I said. “We’re back Thursday at four. Thanks everyone.”
Everyone said thanks, fist bumped most of us and headed to the locker room.
“That was good,” I said once the players were gone. “Some bumpy places, but overall I think we’re better off than where we started. What’d you guys think?”
Alex nodded. “Defense is what needs the most work.”
“But they made progress today,” Danny said.
“Yup, it’s still the weak link,” I said. “They caught on to what we worked on. If they remember it next practice, I’ll feel better. And Scottie’s good, he’ll stop more than a few of what gets past the D.” I pulled my helmet off and ran a hand through my sweaty hair. “Let’s get everything picked up and go.”
Chapter 11: Saturday, October 7
The first Rainbow High game arrived way too fast. The team seemed ready, at least in spirit. There wasn’t nearly enough practice, but everyone said they were excited following yesterday’s session. Scottie looked great, and I looked forward to seeing him in a real game. We had some good shooters, especially Walt and Bryan. Based on the competition Walt told us to expect, we still needed work. The best practice in the world though was playing a real game.
Considering everything, Alex and I couldn’t have been happier with how the team had gelled in the past two weeks. They had a good time on ice and seemed to be bonding off ice, too, as much as their individual schedules would allow.
The parking lot of the rink was jammed as Alex, Hillary, Danny, Trent and I arrived, nearly an hour early. We wanted to recon some of the other teams in our division, and be here as our guys arrived. At least for this first game, all the coaches were present.
Two
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