The ref blew his whistle, made a T with his hands, and signaled to the Hart's bench. Not only did Sunny and his line skate to the bench, but Liam did as well. When he reached the bench, Sunny saw his disappointed and angry teammates. He kept his head down while getting off the ice.
It did little to help because they all saw him. He knew their anger was directed at him. He made two major mistakes that led to both of the Waves' goals. He couldn't blame them for being upset with him.
Coach B did his best to get everyone to pay attention to him. He used his whiteboard to draw up some plays he wanted them to perform. The top lines were paying attention, but the bottom lines still watched Sunny. All Sunny wanted to do was disappear.
"Hey, Sunny, chin up for a second," Coach B said. Sunny did what was asked of him. He expected to see Coach B looking furious or disappointed like the rest of the team, but he wasn't. He looked hopeful as he pointed to the digital scoreboard. "Could you tell me what that says?"
The digital scoreboard showed the time, period, and score. There was 7:58 left in the period, and the score was 2-0. Sunny relayed the information to Coach B, and he shook his head.
"Yes, but what number does it say above Period?" Coach B asked before urging the rest of his players to do the same.
Sunny looked closer and saw a bright number 1. He had no clue what Coach B was trying to tell him, but his teammates did. They all looked hopeful and rejuvenated to get back out on the ice. Coach B smiled and clapped his clipboard.
"This game is far from over. We have plenty of time to come back and win this. We just need to start playing our game and limit our mistakes," Coach B then started drawing lines on his whiteboard. "Don't be afraid to attack the net. Centers, I want you in front of the net to set up the screen or to tip in some shots. Wingers, be ready for rebounds. This goalie has a weak mit. He'll give you some loose pucks. Defenseman, don't be afraid to shoot. You could sneak through if the center sets up a screen."
The ref skated over to their bench and told them their timeout was finished. Coach B thanked him before telling the first line and second D-pair to take the ice. Coach B finished his speech by telling the rest of the bench to pay close attention to the game. They might be able to find something to exploit later.
Sunny did just that. He wanted to make up for his mistakes but also clear his mind. As long as he had something to pay attention to, then he didn't have to think about Mari. If he didn't think about her, he didn't have to worry about making mistakes.
Mari nervously bit her nails as she watched the game. Well, watching wasn't something those around her would say she did. She only watched the game when Sunny was off the ice and looked anywhere else when he was. She had Hero tell her what Sunny did and when he was on the bench.
She was still in disbelief that he had been playing hockey this whole time. He never liked playing any sports their father forced him to do. He was always more content with staying home, reading comic books, and drawing in his sketchbook. If he ever wanted to play a sport, hockey was the last one she expected.
It was a physically demanding sport. He was usually the third one of their little group to get tired after running around. Hockey was like that, but times ten.
It was also dangerous. Sunny never liked getting hurt. He had quit sports like baseball and football because he got tackled too hard or he got hit by a pitch. The fact he's playing in his third game was surprising.
Which was another thing Mari couldn't believe. For the past few months, Sunny had been playing hockey, and she had no idea. She was usually on top of things that regarded her brother, but the recital blinded her. She didn't even notice he wore a denture.
Thinking about the recital almost made her cry. She was so mad and her rage made her say things she regretted. He was just a kid, and she put so much on his shoulders. She shouldn't have been surprised when he finally snapped.
And now, he hates her.
Not only him but also her friends too. The whole time they had been here, they treated her like she was invisible. Aubrey had been talking with two almost identical girls, and Basil had been showing Kel all the pictures he had taken. The only one who had given her the light of day was Hero, but he only did it out of obligation.
She deserved it, though. After everything she did, she deserved this and then some. She was surprised none of them had hit her. It was obvious Aubrey and Basil had thought about it.
If only she could go back and do everything all over again. She wouldn't pressure Sunny to be perfect. She would defend him against their father. She would make sure to give Sunny the love and support a big sister should give.
She would do all those things, but she couldn't. Time could only move forward, and what's done is done. This was her punishment. She had to live with the mess she created.
But, even though she couldn't change the past, she could change the future. She will support Sunny. She will stop trying to make things perfect. She will show the love that she had withheld from her brother for all this time.
And she'll start now by watching him play.
"Sunny's on the ice," Hero whispered into her ear, and Mari instantly hid her face in her hands.
Maybe not yet, but she will eventually.
The first period came to an end. If Sunny was being honest, not much had changed. The score was still 2-0. They had gotten some chances on offense, but so did the Wave. The rest was good defense from both teams keeping each other out of their zone.
Now, back in the locker room, it gave Sunny time to think. Mari was here, but she didn't try to come over to the bench and talk to him. She stayed with his friends, covering her eyes when he got on the ice. If he was being honest, it hurt a bit.
After what he did, he didn't expect her to fall in love with what he was doing. He knew she would be against it. A part of him hoped she'd care a little to let him know there was still room left in her heart. But he was wrong.
He deserved this.
A single tear ran down Sunny's cheek, and he quickly rubbed it away. He didn't want anyone to know he was crying. After how bad he played in the first period, he didn't want them to think he was an emotional wreck. He hid his face in his locker. He saw his denture and decided to put it on.
But before he could, Alec stopped him.
"Woah, what do you think you're doing?" Sunny fumbled with the bag for a second before grasping it in his hands. He gave Alec a questioning look before the team captain took the bag from his hand and placed it back in his locker. "You can't wear it yet. The game's not over."
"B-But we're l-losing," Sunny tried to argue, but Alec shook his head.
"The luck might've not kicked in yet. Besides, your denture isn't the problem," Alec tapped Sunny's head a few times. It's what's going on up here that is the problem. You're overthinking."
Sunny straightened out his hair after Alec messed it up. He then frowned and hung his head in shame.
"S-Sorry, s-something happened b-before the g-game."
"It's fine. You're hung up about it. I won't press you on it, but we need to clear your mind for the rest of the game," Alec whistled for Elliott, and the alternate captain came over. "That's why Elliott is going to help you."
Elliott nodded and sat on the floor with his legs crossed. He placed his hands on his knees, palms out. He beckoned for Sunny to join him, and Sunny did, copying Elliott.
"OK, this will be super simple. All I need you to do is close your eyes and take a deep breath," Elliott instructed and did exactly what he said. Sunny looked unsure and looked at Alec for confirmation, and he nodded with support.
With nothing to lose, Sunny first got comfortable and closed his eyes. The darkness was oddly comforting. He inhaled, sucking in as much air as he could. Before he could exhale, Elliott's voice broke through the darkness.
"Now hold it for a few seconds…" He said and quietly counted to three. "Now, release."
Sunny exhaled, and nothing changed. Sunny didn't know what to expect, but he didn't think he would be the same as before. Mari was still on his mind. He was still upset over what had happened.
"Again. Inhale, hold for three seconds, and exhale," Elliott instructed. Sunny heard him do the exercise, so he followed suit.
He inhaled, held for three, and exhaled. He inhaled, held for three, and exhaled. He inhaled, held for three, and exhaled. Doing this repeated succession only resulted in him getting light-headed.
He was going to stop, declaring this was a bust, but Elliott whispered.
"Just focus on your breathing."
Sunny tried. He inhaled, held for three, exhaled, and still felt torn up. It wasn't working. He felt bad because Alec and Elliott were trying to help him, but his mind was too crowded.
Nothing was going to help him.
"Calm down, you're breathing too fast," Elliott softly told him, and something clicked.
Sunny was flooded with memories when everything became too much for him. He always tried the breathing technique Mari taught him, but he always tried breathing as fast as possible. That always made his situation worse. It was Mari who told him to slow down.
He inhaled, held for three, and exhaled.
He felt his heart slow down.
He inhaled, held for three, and exhaled.
He became calmer.
He inhaled, held for three, and exhaled.
His mind started clearing up.
"Good," he heard Elliott say. "Clear your mind. Right now, it's just you in your bubble."
Sunny found himself in a dark void, alone. He should have been scared, but he wasn't. There was something comforting about being alone in the dark. He was at peace.
"It's only you. You are safe here," Elliott's voice echoed throughout the void.
Sunny agreed with him. He was safe here.
Sunny got on the ice and instantly received the pass from Tobias. He skated to the Wave's blue line, where he was stopped by number 7. He dumped the puck into their zone, and Beau chased after it. He got the puck first and was checked against the wall by number 45.
The puck battle commenced as Beau tried to keep possession while waiting for Wyatt to arrive. If Beau kicked it out to them, Rory and Keith stayed by the blue line to keep the puck in the zone. Sunny hovered around the net and waited for Wyatt, too. If Beau can get the puck to Wyatt, then Wyatt will pass the puck to Sunny, and he will shoot it, hopefully for a goal.
Sadly, Wyatt was slow getting into the offensive zone, and number 7 went to help number 45, so Beau kicked it out to Keith. He skated along the blue line, so Sunny stayed in front of the net while he waited for Wyatt. Once he arrived, Sunny skated into his zone, and Beau skated around the net to get to his. Both were ready as they waited for Keith to decide on what to do next.
Keith torqued his body and banked the puck off the wall to Sunny. When he received the puck, Sunny saw the goalie hugging the crease and number 45 next to the goalie, blocking the rest of the open net. He was going to pass the puck into the slot for Wyatt, but number 12 was covering him, and Sunny felt number 39 coming up behind him. So, Sunny careened the puck around the net to Beau.
The goalie could switch creases, and number 7 took number 45's place. Number 39 also backed off, but number 45 tried his best to be between Sunny and the goal. Sunny kept moving between the right face-off circle and the back of the net. He wanted to keep both numbers 45 and 39 on their toes, but to also get open if Beau needed someone to pass to.
Beau first made a move for the net but circled back when number 7 and number 12 went after him. Number 85 skated behind him, so he did a quick spin and used the backhand of his stick to pass to Rory. Rory went straight to the net when he received the puck. Number 45 was quick to cut him off.
Rory instantly passed to Sunny when he had nowhere to go. With no one on him, Sunny shot the puck, but the goalie made a glove save. The ref blew the play dead shortly after.
Both teams' skaters then went to their respective benches to be subbed off. The Hart's first line gave the fourth line fist bumps and complimented them on their shift. The compliments continued when they got on the bench.
"Great shift! Good job winning the puck battle, Beau. Great decision making Rory and Keith. And Sunny, great shot on goal. He won't stop them all," Coach B raved.
The second period was well underway, and the score was still 2-0, but the tide was changing. The Hart played the second period like they were shot out of a cannon: all gas, no brakes. The only problem was that they couldn't get the puck in the net, but they knew it was only a matter of time until they got one.
The crowd wasn't as loud in the second as they were in the first. They made sure not to give them anything to cheer for, and they plan to keep it that way.
Sunny also felt much better in the second period than in the first. The technique Elliott taught him was helpful. He would bust it out to keep himself calm during the downtime. It was harder out here than in the locker room, but he would power through.
The play on the ice was about to start up again. Both the first line and first d-pair were out for the Hart. For the Wave, number 96 was at center, number 22 was at the left wing, 73 was at the right wing, and numbers 4 and 57 filled out the defensive pairing. The players were set up at the Wave's right face-off circle, waiting for the ref to drop the puck.
The ref dropped the puck, and Alec won the faceoff. He passed the puck back to Rudy, and he instantly shot the puck before any of the Wave's players were set. The puck flew above the net and banged off the glass. Number 73 possessed it.
Ranger quickly checked him into the glass and tried poking the puck away from him. Number 73 used his stick to hold the puck against the wall to keep it away from Ranger and kill time. Alec skated over to help, but number 73 kicked the puck over to number 4. He started the Wave's transition on offense.
Rudy and Finneas backchecked into the neutral zone while Vector hung around the blue line to disrupt some passes. Number 4 passed to number 57, who skated around for a bit. Vector backed off into the neutral zone when Alec arrived. Number 57 passed the puck back to number 4, and he passed to number 96 by the blue line. He skated past the red line before dumping the puck into the Hart's side of the ice.
The puck slid behind the net, and Liam left the creases to retrieve it. Once he had possession, he passed it to Finneas. Number 73 went to poke it away, but Finneas passed it behind the net to Rudy. The Wave started backing off and subbing in some players, giving Rudy the perfect time to strike.
He first passed the puck to Alec by the blue line. He skated through the neutral zone while both the Wave's defensemen were on their heels, and number 19 took number 22's place. He entered the zone with speed but slowed down when he got close to the net. Number 4 got down on one knee to block Alec's shot, while number 57 used his body to cover any openings in the net.
Alec skated with a wide stance. He kept his stick and puck away from his body, so he had power for his shot. But he was running out of room. He needed to shoot, or he'd waste this perfect opportunity.
But, he caught someone in a white jersey blazing down the ice. When he entered the zone, he raised his stick, ready for a one-timer. Alec didn't hesitate to pass to them. He had all his trust in them.
The puck slid across the ice. Number 57 quickly dropped to a knee while number 4 got up as fast as he could. The puck reached the player, and it didn't spend a second on his stick. It flew through the air, directly at the goal.
The goalie tried to get his glove up, but he was too late. The puck flew into the net, and the ref signaled a good goal.
2-1, Wave.
Alec was the first to reach his teammate and hug him.
"Nice shot, Victor!"
The rest of their linemates skated over and gave Victor a congratulatory hug. They then skated over and gave their bench fist bumps before being subbed out by the second line.
"We got one back. One more, and it's a whole new game," Alec addressed the team.
The period nearing the end nothing of substance happening. Both teams had great scoring chances, but both goalies were standing on their heads. Both teams' defenses also covered for their goalie's mistakes. The score remained 2-1.
The third line and the third d-pair were on the ice for the Hart. For the Wave was number 64 at the left wing, number 11 at center, number 41 at the right wing, and numbers 2 and 5 as the d-pair.
The puck was currently behind the Hart's net in Liam's possession. He passed it to Keith, who skated around the right face-off circle. Number 41 went on the attack, but Keith passed it over to Rory. He took it up to the blue line before passing it off to Claude.
Claude skated across the red line and found a hole in the Wave's defense. He busted through into their zone and went straight to the net. Number 2 and number 5 crashed in on him, so he passed the puck to his left to Reuben. He instantly shot the puck, but it was swallowed into the goalie's chest.
The ref blew the play dead, and they headed over to the left face-off circle. The ref dropped the puck, and number 11 won the face-off. He used his forehand to knock it back to number 2. The Hart backed off while the Wave stayed in their zone to swap out some players. Number 39 replaced number 64 and number 85 replaced number 41.
The Hart didn't swap out any of their players. Reuben went to disrupt number 2, but he skated around him. He passed the puck to number 85. He skated along the left side of the rink for as long as he could before dumping it off into the Hart's zone.
He put too much force into it because it slid along the wall over to the right side of the rink. Jake possessed it and passed it back to Rory. He skated behind the net and gave his teammates time to swap out. The fourth line replaced the third line, and number 11 was finally replaced by number 12.
Rory went to his left and was met by number 85. Keith banked the puck off the wall to Wyatt. He took the puck close to the red line and passed it to Sunny. He took it into the zone as fast as he could.
He skated past number 39 and went straight to the net. Number 45 was in front, ready to stop him. Sunny wanted to do a wrist shot but felt something smack his arms. It made him drop his stick and lose the puck in the process.
The play was blown dead once number 45 touched the puck. Both teams headed for their respective benches, except for number 39. He went to the penalty box as the ref went to center ice. He chopped at his forearm, letting everyone know it was a slashing penalty.
With under 90 seconds left in the period, the Hart were going on the power play.
The Hart sent out their top unit: Alec, Victor, Ranger, Tracy, and Milton. The Wave sent out Number 96, number 41, number 4, and number 57. Both skaters went over to the right face-off circle in the Wave's zone. The ref dropped the puck, and the power play was underway.
Alec won the face-off and passed it back to Milton. He skated along the blue line as Victor skated by the left face-off circle, Alec skated in front of the net, and Ranger by the right face-off circle. Tracy also skated around the right face-off circle but was closer to the blue line than the net. Milton passed it to him because he was open.
Milton skated close to the net. Number 57 got down on a knee while number 96 tried to poke the puck away. Milton passed the puck to Ranger, and he shot it but missed the net. The puck flew over to the left zone of the Wave's side of the rink, and Victor possessed it.
Victor looked at the net, eyeing up another shot, but number 41 blocked his view. There was no easy shot, so he passed the puck to Milton. Milton took the puck and skated toward the middle of the blue line. Alec looked back and moved his body to block the goalie's vision.
Milton took the shot, and somehow, the goalie swallowed it with his body.
1:32 remaining on the power play. 58 seconds remained in the period.
The Wave swapped out Number 96 with number 25 and number 41 with number 22. The Hart kept the same unit on the ice but were looking to swap them out when the opportunity presented itself.
The puck was dropped, and the power play continued.
Alec won the face-off and passed it back to Milton. He skated along the blue line and kept an eye on Victor. Number 22 and number 4 were on him, so he passed the puck to Milton. Number 4 joined number 25 and number 57 in front of the net.
Milton looked to shoot, but the wall of bodies made it impossible for any shot to go in. He passed to Ranger, and the winger instantly passed to Victor. He instantly shot it, but the puck flew over the net. The puck then rolled along the glass and out of the zone.
1:16 left on the power play. 42 seconds remaining in the period.
Milton skated out, got the puck, and skated into the Hart's zone. He gave his team time to put out their second power play unit: Elliott, Tobias, Jake, and Reuben. He passed the puck to Reuben before being swapped out with Rory.
1:10 left on the power play. 36 seconds left in the period.
Reuben dumped the puck into the Wave's zone. Elliott chased after it and got to it first before being squashed against the glass by number 22. Tobias skated behind them and called for the puck. Sadly, number 22 had Elliott trapped and tried his best to keep Elliott against the wall for as long as possible.
Tobias helped to break the puck free. He stuck his stick between their legs, lifted Elliott's stick, and batted the puck over to Reuben.
57 seconds left on the power play. 23 seconds left in the period.
Reuben scouted the ice. Jake was covered by number 57, Elliott and Tobias weren't in position, and there wasn't enough time for him to pass the puck to Rory for him to make a play. He could possess the puck and have his team go into the third period with a man advantage for the first 30 seconds, but he couldn't do that. The Wave had some tired bodies on the ice, and this could be their best chance to tie the game.
53 seconds left on the power play. 19 seconds left in the period.
Tobias finally skated in front of the goalie. Both of the Wave's defensemen were behind him, but Reuben could see an opening. Time was ticking down fast, and he had to make a decision. So, Reuben took the shot.
The puck flew through the air, straight and true. 14, 13, 12, 11 seconds left and counting. The puck reached the screen and wall of bodies in front of the net. 10, 9, 8 seconds left in the period.
Tobias waved his stick and swatted the puck out of the air. It bounced off the ice, between the goalie's arm, and into the net. The ref signaled a good goal, and the Wave's side of the bleachers got quiet. Tobias let out a yell of celebration as his linemates hugged him.
2-2, tie game.