Disclaimer: I don't own anything about Miracle, the 1980 hockey game, or any of the characters. I wish I owned a few of the boys…that'd be cool. Anyway, I just write stories about them.

Summary: Is there any room for girls on the USA 1980 Olympic Team? Some think so, some don't. What happens when an old friend shows up and tries to help with the team?

Notes: I don't know a whole lot about the team or the players, but I'm trying to learn. Please excuse any mistakes, but when you review, correct them for me! That would be really awesome.

And now I present to you…

Stirring the Ice

"You have Jim Craig to back up Janisack?"

"Other way around."

"Other way around? I'm sorry, but didn't Janisack just win you a national championship?"

"Janny is a solid goal tender, but we're not playing for the national championship here, Craig."

"You know people I speak to say that Craig's game's been off ever since his Mom died."

"You ever see him when his game's on?"

Craig Patrick smiled at his old friend. 'I guess not Herb. I guess not,' he thought, watching Herb Brooks walk out of the box. Seconds later, a young woman appeared. She looked a little lost, but strangely comfortable.

"Do you know where Coach Brooks is, sir?" she asked, eyes cast to the ground.

"He just left. Can I help you? I'm Coach Patrick."

She smiled at him shyly, still not looking him in the eye. "I'm not sure, sir. I'd like to help out with the hockey team." Craig tried to hide his surprise, having difficulties. Her? Help with the team? He sized up her curvy frame, eyeing the Blackhawks jersey that hung from her torso. It seemed possible that she played hockey, but there was no way she would be able to help the team.

"I'm sorry?" he asked, looking her in the face.

"You said he just left?" She looked at him, knowing exactly what he thought. It certainly wasn't the first time she'd encountered this. The best way to deal with it was to be a bit pushy. "I'll go look for him. He knows who I am." He looked at her strangely. "Thanks Coach," she added.

As she walked out, Craig looked at her from behind. He couldn't believe this girl intended to help out with an Olympic hockey team.

-

"Mr. Brooks," she called, running after him. She had spotted him not too far down the hall. "Mr. Brooks! Coach!" she shouted without avail. She hadn't known him to be too hard of hearing. "HERB!" she hollered, finally getting him to turn around. He looked at her searchingly, not sure of whom she was.

"Can I help you?" Herb was not sure what young girl like her would be yelling out his name at the rink. He wasn't sure, for that matter, who'd be yelling his name like that at all.

"Coach Brooks! Remember me?" She extended her arms, cocking an eyebrow at him. "You played with my Dad, right before the '64 Olympics. You made the team, but he didn't. My dad was Jerry Patton. I'm…Hunter," she said, praying that he would remember.

Herb stared at her face, as though the memories would somehow appear on her face. All the sudden, a light bulb went off in his head. "You're Patty's kid? Yeah, I remember you! Hunter, wow," he paused, "you've gotten big." He shook his head, kicking himself that he had forgotten her.

She just grinned. "I'm just going to be blunt Coach. I want to help out with this team. I need to help out with this team." Her grin vanished. "For my dad."

"Your dad? What happened to him?" he asked, looking worried.

"Not sure. He left a few months ago."

"Left?"

"Yeah, just up and left me and my mom."

"So, what, you want to help for your dad? Do you think it'll bring him back?"

Hunter nodded at him, brows furrowed, eyes glassy with tears

"Well…you are a hell of a skater, I know that. I don't know if we need the help," Herb said, stopping himself. Did he really want to do this? "But, okay. Be here tomorrow at 8:00. Okay?"

"Yes," she gulped. "Thanks Coach. I owe you one."

"Show me what you can do for these boys and maybe you won't."

Hunter nodding, both parted ways, Herb to address the boys, Hunter to set up a bed in the backseat of her car. 'It'll be worth it,' she thought.

Author's Note: There it is y'all. I'm writing more now, though, I promise! Please, please, PLEASE RR! I'd like at least 3 before I put up the next chapter. I'll respond to anyone reviews in my next chapter. Lots of love…
-Shelby