Page 96 of Breaking the Pucking Rules

“Everything okay?” I ask.

“Yep,” she states before pushing it into her back pocket and unzipping her suitcase.

The arena is buzzing with excitement when we enter, and it only adds to my anticipation.

We find our seats and watch as the Utah fans sing and chant for their team.

It’s weird going to a road game and not being in the majority in the stands.

The Vipers have a nice number of supporters here, though, so we’re in good company as we get swept up in the pregame excitement and sing along with beers in hand, waiting for the game to start.

Not much later, both teams hit the ice to furious rounds of applause. The entire stadium vibrates as everyone cheers and stomps their feet.

My heart races as we watch our boys warm up and get ready to hopefully annihilate Utah just like they did Chicago two days ago.

They struggled against both teams last year. I know how important it is to Dad that they turn things around with them, even in exhibition games.

“Start as we mean to go on,” he told me as if I was one of his players in the dressing room.

“Fuck, I love it when goalies do those warm-ups,” Parker sighs as Handsy drops to the ice and begins grinding his hips.

“You don’t want a hockey player, remember?”

“Never said I did. I’ll happily watch one, though.”

“Can’t beat a bit of hockey porn,” I laugh.

“How much do you think he’d charge to do that naked?”

“Parker,” I gasp.

“What? Handsy is hot.”

“Yeah, he’s also had his hands on almost every bunny in LA.” Hence the nickname.

She waves me off, finishing her beer as Linc skates around our side of the rink, his eyes on the crowd, riling us up.

He’s forever the showman. I’m pretty sure he’d be on stage if he weren’t a hockey player.

“Jesus, who does he think he is?” Parker mutters as Linc gestures for the Vipers fans to get on their feet.

Obviously, everyone does. We’re all powerless but to follow orders.

He begins clapping as we all chant excitedly, his eyes scanning the faces staring down at him.

He continues showing off and lapping up the fans’ attention until Fletch barks at him to get off the ice.

The players might momentarily leave the ice, but the excitement in the arena doesn’t wane as we wait for the game to start.

Not too long after, the starters are being announced, and they play the national anthem before the teams get into position.

Calm settles over the arena for a beat as we wait for the puck to drop, but the second Utah wins possession, a loud roar rips through the crowd.

It only lasts so long, though. Our rookie intercepts it and makes a killer pass to Kodie, who flies down the wing and sails it straight past their goalie.

I’m on my feet before the puck hits the net, my drink flying out of my hands and soaking the guy in front. Whoops.

The guy turns to look at me, a scowl set on his face, but thankfully, he’s a Vipers fan, and lets it go.