18

KANE “Callahan!” The coach’s voice grinds the scrimmage to a halt. As usual, Jude has just flattened Price against the boards and skated away with the puck as if it’s perfectly normal. Coach Slater is a veteran of the game, born and bred in the town and a proud product of Graystone University’s unmatched hockey program. He’s tall, lean, balding, and has a beer belly. Although he’s strict, his understanding of team harmony and execution style is top-notch. He’s known for pushing players beyond the limits they think exist. Not Jude, though. That motherfucker has no limits. Instead of helping Price up, Jude glares at him for daring to interrupt his flow. Coach stares at him from the bench, his skin turning red. “I told you not to touch my fucking players, Callahan. Save the destructive energy for the other teams.” Jude lifts his shoulder in pure disdain. “I thought this was a scrimmage and we were supposed to play as if it’s a real game.” “Did you miss the part about minimizing the risk o