Meadow567- Here is more. It took awhile to get done, but here it is.
Emador- I am so glad you liked it but I didn't mean to make you cry. And thanks for the shameless plugging.
Strangexbutxtrue- I try to keep this story from being graphic so people don't gripe about not being able to see Craig as horny, doing that, etc.
Flowersc781- I am glad you felt the emotion I was going for. And speaking of a champagne bath…..
Lia06- What else does she need to do? She has grown a lot in this story, that was a big reason I put her with Craig.
Klinoa- Everybody is loving Silky, lol. This update took longer than 6 hours. Hope you like it.
Prettypinkcheer5- Good Luck on your midterms. Maybe this can be a break from studying!
XX- Again, I love your reviews. I thought it'd be funny for Craig to worry about the boys overhearing them. And the chapter where Craig went out with the boys I thought woukld be a nice change from it always being Kylah and the boys. And I work at a concert venue, some groupies are as crazy as the ones I wrote. And I liked the cocky pun. If you like OC so much……you're going to love the next few stories I am working on. I added some humor in last chapter so people could laugh after it being so serious- gotta love comic relief.
February 22, 1980, Lake Placid
USA Vs. Soviet Union
"Kylah, I got some news for you." Craig said. It was close to game time. Craig was headed towards the locker room.
"What's going on?" I asked.
"OC is playing tonight. I thought you'd like to know." Craig smiled.
I smiled. "OC gets to play. Oh I am so happy for him."
"Also, Herb doesn't want anyone coming in and talking to the boys. He wants them to stay focused." Craig said.
"You nervous?" I asked.
"I'm feeling a lot of things. I got to get to the locker room." Craig said and walked towards the locker room.
I walked towards the press room. I would make a quick statement and keep things simple. I was so nervous that I had to keep taking deep breaths.
I walked into the press box. Al Michaels and Ken Dryden were getting ready for the game as well.
"Hello gentlemen. I just wanted to give you the last update before the start of the game." I told them. "Jack O'Callahan will be playing in tonight's game."
"How is Team USA feeling right now?" Ken asked me.
"They are very focused and looking forward to tonight's game." I said. "Call a good game guys."
I walked back towards the locker room. I stopped outside the locker room door and took a deep breath. Tonight would be the biggest night all of us had shared yet.
"Kylah, you ready?" Herb asked.
"Yeah." I smiled.
"Come on. I'm going to talk to the boys. You should be there." Herb said and I followed him into the locker room.
Herb walked into the locker room and patted OC's shoulder. OC had his face buried in his jersey, obviously emotional at finally getting to play in the Olympics. I stood in the back near Craig and Doc.
Great moments are born from great opportunity." Herb started. "And that's what you have here tonight boys. That's what you've EARNED here tonight! One game…if we played them 10 times they might win 9. But not this game…not tonight! Tonight we skate with them…tonight we stay with them. And WE SHUT THEM DOWN BECAUSE WE CAN! Tonight we are the greatest hockey team in the world! You were born to be hockey players, every one of you! And you were meant to be here tonight!"
I had to turn away and not look at the boys. I knew if I looked at them I'd start crying. I was so proud of them and we hadn't played the game yet. I just wanted the best for them and loved them so much.
"This is your time. Their time is done, its over. I'm sick and tired of hearing about what a great team the Soviets have! Screw em! THIS IS YOUR TIME! NOW GO OUT THERE AND TAKE IT!" Herb said and walked out of the locker room.
I smiled and looked up at Craig who was beaming. He took my hand and we followed Herb out of the locker room. We walked out into the arena that was loud with screaming fans. It was nothing I had ever seen before…and I was so proud to be part of it.
"Craig, I can't believe I'm here." I said.
"I know how you feel." Craig smiled.
I watched the boys start out onto the ice, Rizzo wishing them all luck. I looked up in the crowd at the proud parents of these boys. Donald Craig was shining brighter than any of them.
As the boys came to the bench and lined up on the ice for the game to start, I made myself take another deep breath and then sat down near Doc. Several rows behind us sat Patti and the kids. And I knew that back home in Qualla, the whole town would be watching along with the rest of the United States, and the world.
The Soviets were very calm. Tretiak in goal. Mikhailov at center ice. And Tikhonov ready for battle.
Johnson was face to face with Makhailov. The ref dropped the puck and the Soviets won the face-off. The Soviets took the puck back behind our net where Marrow gained control of it. Soviets stole it back and took a shot. Jimmy deflected it.
"Keep it out of the middle, boys." Herb yelled out onto the ice.
Petrov was speeding up the ice being pursued by Ramsey. He took a shot and again, Craig deflected it. I cheered for Jimmy. Makhailov threw Mac over the wall, but Mac was quick to get back on the ice.
"Use those boards!" Herb yelled to the team.
Schneider picked up the puck behind our net and was skating down the ice. He was slashed by a Soviet. No call was made despite protests from our bench and the crowd. Schneider lost control of the puck when slashed; the Soviets took over and skated towards our net. They took a shot and it was deflected in. I shook my head and watched as the boys showed frustration.
"Forget about, forget about now! Come on let's go." Herb said.
Face off at center ice. Soviets were driving down the ice towards Jimmy. They took a shot and Craig was able to stop it. Ramsey passed up to Johnson. Marrow made a hard check.
"That'd a boy!" Craig yelled.
Rizzo was checked hard into the boards, but he was quickly back up and chasing the puck.
"OC go! OC get in there." Herb told him.
OC quickly jumped over the boards and was out on the ice. I was holding my breath for him because he finally was playing in the Olympics. OC was skating across the ice at high speed and made a hard check to a Soviet player.
Pavelich passed the puck to Schneider. Schneider took a shot and it went in! We all jumped and cheered. OC skated across the ice to celebrate with his teammates. His defense being a part of that goal. As the players on the ice hugged, I hugged Doc.
"Way to go, Buzzy!" was cheered up and down the bench.
There was another face-off and we were back in the game. Soviets playing harder than ever.
"Talk to each other out there, boys!" Herb yelled.
"Play your positions!" Craig yelled.
Johnson was thrown over the back of the Soviet net.
"Kylah, you have to breathe." Doc said.
"I'll breathe after the game." I said.
The Soviets skated right back down the middle despite the yelling of both Craig and Herb and scored a goal. A lot of boys kicked and hung their heads in frustration. It was a textbook Soviet play. I sighed in frustration myself. If we let the Soviets get on a role, they would run away with the game.
Craig yelled instructions at the boys as the crowd tried to motivate the boys with the USA chant. I clapped and yelled encouragement to the boys.
With 20 seconds left in the first period, I was relieved we would end the period down by just one goal.
"Johnson, go!" Herb sent Johnson out onto the ice.
Johnson skated out onto the ice. Christian had the puck in the neutral zone. Christian took a shot it was deflected by Tretiak. Johnson picked up the rebound and scored!
The buzzer sounded as everyone jumped up cheering. I watched as the team on the ice hugged Johnson. Coach Tikhonov was arguing the goal. We had tied the game 2-2 with no time left in the first period. Those on the ice skated over to the bench and we all started hugging.
The boys started back to the locker room. Craig was smiling. I looked down the bench, through the glass to see Tikhonov storm away from the bench.
(2nd Period)
I returned to the bench area as the boys were taking to the ice. Between the periods, I had answered just a few questions and got something to drink.
Once inside the bench I notice Myshkin was in goal for the Soviets. I did a double-take to make sure I was seeing right.
"Craig, Tikhonov sat Tretiak on the bench?" I asked.
Craig and Herb looked at each other. Neither one sure what to think.
"Well boys, they just put the best goal tender in the world on the bench." Herb said.
The boys seated themselves on the bench as we prepared for the 2nd period. The Coneheads were on the ice for our team.
The Soviets kept the puck down in the USA zone, Jimmy knocked the puck away. Craig was cheering him on. Harrington broke away with the puck, but it was stopped by Myshkin. The Soviets then skated down the middle towards the US zone. One of the Soviets skated hard and checked Jimmy down, scoring in the process. The Soviets took the lead 3-2.
I sighed in frustration again. But that quickly turned to panic because Jimmy wasn't getting up. We all jumped up to see what was going on. Doc walked to the door, ready to go onto the ice.
"No, Jimmy can't be hurt, not now." I muttered.
Herb called for Janny to get ready. I bit my lip and watched Mac talking to Jimmy on the ice.
Jimmy slowly climbed to his feet and we all breathed a sigh of relief. I wanted to lean against Craig, but he was busy and people were watching, so I leaned on Verchota.
(3rd Period)
"Boys, come here. Bring it in." Herb yelled to them. The team skated over to the bench. Even Jimmy came out of the net to be with us at the bench. "Listen to them" Herb said.
Everyone was quiet for a moment just listening to the crowd. 'USA! USA! USA!'
"That's what you've done." Herb told the boys. "Now we've come from behind in every game in this tournament so far and we can do it again! We can beat these guys!"
"Come on Herb, get your guys to the face-off!" a ref yelled over to us.
"Everybody in." Herb said. "WHO DO YOU PLAY FOR?" Herb yelled.
"USA!" they all yelled.
The boys got ready for the face-off. I was holding my breath again.
Johnson was once again face to face with Makhailov for a face-off. Johnson won the face-off. He passed back to Ramsey who passed back to Johnson. Johnson shot the puck around the boards. Soviets gained control and brought the puck down to the USA zone. Craig made a save.
Another save and another. Craig passed the puck to Christian. Petrov came up behind Christian and slashed him. This time the ref called it.
"Two Minutes for slashing" the ref called.
"Coneheads lets go, Coneheads!" Herb called as the three took out to the ice.
"Come on boys, let's take advantage of this." Herb said.
OC passed to Harrington. Harrington passed back to OC then back to Harrington. Harrington then passed to Ramsey then to Schneider. Buzz took a shot bit it was stopped by Myshkin.
"Keep it going now boys. Keep up the intensity!" Herb yelled.
I heard Jimmy yelling that there was 16 seconds left in the power play. He was always yelling on that ice.
"Last rush, come on Silky!" Craig yelled as Silk skated by with the puck.
Silk was checked as the puck came loose; Johnson picked it up and shot it straight into the net. The buzzer sounded marking the goal.
Everyone jumped up from the bench cheering. Johnson had tied the game with just seconds left in the power play. The team all skated out onto the ice to celebrate. The entire crowd was on its feet.
"That's my boy!" Craig said to Mark when he came back to the bench.
3-3, we had a long way to go in this game. Back on the ice the game had resumed and the Soviets had control of the puck. Craig made two awesome saves and then cleared the puck.
"Keep them wide!" Herb called to the team.
"Come on Buzzy!" Rizzo yelled as Schneider skated down the ice with the puck.
"Rizzo, go!" Herb said sending Rizzo out onto the ice.
Rizzo skated out; Harrington made a check as Pavelich took control of the puck. I heard Rizzo calling to Pav. Pav saw Rizzo and yelled for him. Pav passed the puck to Rizzo who skated down the ice with it. Rizzo shot the puck and scored!
The crowd erupted as the boys cleared the bench going to celebrate with Rizzo. I screamed and cheered. I was so proud of Rizzo. The team had Rizzo lifted up against the glass, and no one was seated in the arena.
10 minutes left in the 3rd period and we were leading the game.
"Play your game. Play your game!" Herb told them.
Jimmy Craig was making one amazing save after another. And all of the coaching staff, even Doc was getting wound up.
"That'd a boy Jimmy!" Craig yelled. I'd never seen him so wound up.
Mac got the USA zone cleared. Many of the boys were pounding on the boards to show their support. 7:09 left to play.
"We're going to go in short shifts, boys." Herb told the team. "Short shifts, 30-40 seconds. Keep an eye on it Doc."
Doc had a stopwatch. I knew that now was the most important part of the game. The Soviets always dominated the end of the 3rd period due to their great conditioning. It was what made them so dominant. Keeping fresh legs on the ice would be key to keeping up with them. Suddenly I was thankful for every one of those Herbies.
"Switch it up, go go go!" Herb yelled sending fresh players onto the ice.
The boys kept the puck moving. Tikhonov was screaming in Russian.
"Keep it going now boys!" Herb yelled.
Makhailov was skating down the ice, he shot and it was knocked away by Craig.
"Chip it out!" Craig yelled.
The boys cleared the puck and Pavelich was checked hard. Herb called for the boys to switch again. Fresh players went onto the ice. Jimmy Craig yet again made another amazing stop.
"Play your game boys!" Herb yelled.
"Get off the boards, bring it off the boards!" Craig yelled.
Herb asked Doc about the time and then had the players change again. I was watching the clock 3:19 left to play. Out on the ice, our boys were battling for the puck. Ramsey gave a hard hit to a Soviet then we took off with the puck.
"Okay no more changes until the next whistle!" Herb told the team.
"Come on Jimmy!" Craig yelled.
"When they pull Myshkin, I want fresh legs." Herb said to Craig and pointed at OC. "OC"
"Yeah!" Craig said.
The Soviets had the puck back in our zone.
1:33 left to play. Herb and Craig were yelling things out onto the ice. Jimmy made two more saves.
Craig jumped up on the boards, "CHIP IT OUT! CHIP IT OUT!" he yelled.
I'd never seen him so intense. I was watching every second. Holding my breath.
1:00 left to play. The Soviets weren't pulling Myshkin, but Tikhonov was yelling in Russian.
"They're not pulling Myshkin!" Craig said to Herb.
"He doesn't know what to do!" Herb said.
No team had ever been able to keep up with the Soviets like this before. Tikhonov had never dealt with a situation like this before. I was grateful for everything Herb had put those boys through.
0:34 to play. The Coneheads and Verchota slapping the boards and cheering. I was holding my breath. Verchota let out a loud yell.
0:11- the boys started jumping up and down. Everyone in the Olympic Ice Arena was on their feet and cheering. I could hear the crowd counting down. 4-3-2-1…and then the buzzer sounded!
Everyone on the bench started hugging! Doc was cheering. Craig threw up his arms in victory and began hitting players on their helmets! I started crying; I was so happy and so proud! The boys started jumping onto the ice. Sticks and helmets were thrown everywhere. The boys were all hugging and screaming.
I hugged Doc. Then turned for Craig. Herb went to shake Craig's hand, but Craig gave him a bear hug.
I hugged Herb quickly. I was still crying.
Craig pulled me into a tight hug. I couldn't stop crying. I was so happy. I pulled back and kissed his cheek.
"Jake was right." I cried. "A miracle happened….and I am so happy. And I'm so proud of you."
"I love you so much." Craig said and kissed my cheek.
"I love you too." I hugged him again.
Craig went out onto the ice, hugging Johnson first. I stood and looked around the arena. Flags waving everywhere, people cheering. I sat down on the bench, and wiped my eyes. I looked up, realizing my prayers had been answered. Now me and the whole country had something good to believe in. I suddenly felt warmth from head to toe. It was Jake's presence, I'd recognize it anywhere.
I laughed through my tears. "I love you Jake. I'm so glad you're here to share this with me."
I kicked off my pumps and walked out onto the ice. The boys were celebrating and hugging. I jumped right in the pile. Hugging and kissing everyone I could find. I had never been so proud in my life.
"Kylah, you're in your stockings on ice?" OC said.
"I don't care. I don't feel it." I hugged him.
I grabbed Silk. "Are you getting that champagne?"
"Hell yeah." He said. I laughed and hugged him. "I'm proud of Silky."
I don't know how long we stayed on the ice. I hugged Craig again.
"Baby, you've got to be freezing. Where are your shoes?" he asked.
"High heels and ice don't mix. I'm fine. I wouldn't miss this for anything." I said.
"I'm gonna get the boys off the ice. You need to talk with the press." Craig handed me a handkerchief. "You can stop crying. It's okay."
"I've never been so happy. This is joy like I can't describe." I said.
I made my way off the ice as Craig rounded up the boys. The press was everywhere. I'd never seen anything like this.
"Miss Jenkins, are you aware this is being called a miracle?"
"I had not heard that, but I am not surprised." I said.
"Did you think Team USA had a chance to beat the Soviets going into this game?"
I never underestimate these boys…..and it looks as if no one else should either." I said.
"Miss Jenkins, you've shown a lot of emotion about tonight's game, your thoughts?"
"Words cannot express how proud I am of this team and its staff. They are the greatest people I have ever met. I am so proud of them and happy for them." I said.
"What's next for Team USA after such a tremendous accomplishment?"
"The Olympics are not over yet. We have another game to play so the boys will be focusing on that." I said.
"What do you think was the key to success in tonight's win?"
"Training and conditioning. Without the conditioning Coach Brooks put the boys through they'd have never been able to keep up with the Soviet team. Also a lot of it goes to heart. These boys have the biggest hearts of anyone I've ever seen. They play for all their worth." I said.
"Are you aware that President Carter has called Herb Brooks?"
"I had heard that in passing. I think it goes to show how many people are excited about this game." I said.
I walked into the locker room, where there was much noise as the boys still celebrated but were getting cleaned up because Craig was telling them we had to leave.
I hugged Craig. "Quite a night huh?"
"Amazing, come on." Craig said and pulled me towards the back catering room.
"Craig, what are you…." I was cut off by Craig kissing me.
"I've been dying to do that. But with the media and everyone….thought it better to wait." Craig said.
"I know how you feel." I said and kissed him.
I melted against Craig, just wanting to be close to him. My head still spinning.
"Uhhh, Kylah?" we heard someone say. We broke apart and saw Suter standing there looking amused, embarrassed and surprised all at once.
"Yeah, Suter. What is it?" I asked.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt……Kylah the arena staff brought your shoes. You left them at the bench." Suter said and held up my long-lost shoes.
"Oh…yeah I might need those to get back to the hotel in." I said and took them.
"I'm gonna go." Suter raised an eyebrow and quickly left.
I started laughing and leaned against Craig. "You'd think by now the boys would be used to us kissing and such."
Craig smiled. "Good thing he walked in. I was starting to get carried away."
"Me too. How soon till we leave for the hotel?" I asked.
"Soon." Craig kissed my forehead.
XXXxxxXXXxxx
Craig and I stepped out of the hotel restaurant. We'd stopped in to get something to eat. I'd been so nervous I hadn't eaten all day. Outside the streets were filled with people and celebrations were going on everywhere.
"I can't ever remember being so happy." I said.
"Me either." Craig said. He was glowing.
Craig and I stepped into the elevator and rode up to our floor. I knew it was senseless to tell the boys to be quiet…and a little partying wouldn't hurt. Craig and I could hear clatter coming from a lot of the rooms. We smiled and went into his room.
"This has been the most amazing night. I never knew I could be so excited and happy and proud and emotional at one time." I said jumping in the middle of the couch.
"Doc thought you were going to pass out a few times from holding your breath." Craig smiled and hung up his jacket.
I leaped back into the middle of the floor. "And you…so full of energy. Jumping up on the boards, screaming at the boys….it was very sexy."
"You think so?" Craig smiled and hugged me.
"I do." I leaned up and kissed him.
Craig started backing me towards the bed as I struggled to get his jacket off him. I fell back on the bed and Craig beside me. Then the phone started ringing.
"Let it ring." I said and started in on his tie.
"It might be important. It could be Herb or Walter." Craig said and reached for the phone.
"Hello?" Craig said and then I heard him groan. "What do you want Silk?"
I giggled and sat up so I could hear what Silk was saying. He sounded drunk.
"Coach, I got enough champagne for the tub and I'm in it! Rizzo made me wear my boxers though. OC's in here too. Wanna talk to him?" Silk was practically yelling.
"No Silk. I am kinda busy." Craig sighed.
"You should come join us. I'll kick OC out of the tub and you can get in with me." Silk said.
I bit my lip to keep from laughing. Craig rolled his eyes.
"Silk, I'll talk to you later enjoy your….party or whatever is going on." Craig said.
"I understand. You wanna go screw Kylah….or have you done that already tonight?" Silk said.
"Goodbye David." Craig said and hung up.
I giggled. "You should've told him what he interrupted."
Craig took the phone off the hook. "No more interruptions."