It’s my version of a single swing. I watch as the guys attempt to execute it, but our penalty kill line cleans the ice with them. “So, what is happening here?”
Since I’m marking things on my tablet, I almost ignore him. Then I realize he’s my coach, so I clear my throat and lean in to show him what I see. “They don’t have confidence coming into the zone. They already know they can’t beat our kill because it’s the best in the league. No one can score on them, so they can’t practice right—” I pause and then look over at him. “Excuse me.”
I step out on the ice after laying down my tablet. They gave me a whistle, so I might as well use it. When I blow into it, everyone looks over at me, and I notice Jakob’s brows are up. “This is pathetic,” I say before setting Aiden’s line with a look. “You guys are entering this zone like you’re going to a sleepover and are all ‘Well, I guess I’ll find a place to sleep.’ You can’t go in like that! You have to skate in here like ‘Bitch, I’m getting the top bunk.’” I wasn’t trying to be funny, but I appreciate the laughter from the guys on the PK. My PP, though, they look annoyed as they suck in deep breaths. Especially Boon Hoenes.
Personally, I feel he is the main problem with this line, but no one wants to listen to me. I don’t like his play. It’s very bull-in-a-china-shop, and I don’t think he is made for special teams. As a right wing for regular play? Hell yes. He demands authority on the ice and he can score top shelf like no other, but he doesn’t have the finesse. I’ve always found him intriguing, though.
He is a massive dude, which plays into why I think of him as a bull. Big shoulders, big legs, and he’s huge. Taller than his teammates. He shouldn’t be as fast as he is, but somehow he makes it work. He has a jagged scar on his face that steals attention from his really great features, not that I notice those great features. It’s his play I notice, and he isn’t doing what I want. I don’t want him on my power play, but I sure as hell can’t deny that I think he is sexy. I’ve always thought so.
“The play calls for entrance on the left and then a pass to the point for our defense to come in as you guys rush the net. Brooks, you’re breaking the pass instead of allowing it to go back to the defense. You’re supposed to rush the goal. We need that presence. You’re the center.”
He nods curtly, his eyes trained on me.
“Hoenes, when you pass, you gotta put a bit more oomph on it so it reaches our point. You’re already anticipating the attack and don’t want to take the chance.” He doesn’t nod or even acknowledge me. Nice. “Listen, guys, the biggest thing is confidence. You have to skate into their zone like you fucking own it and it is yours. Treat it the way you do a 5-on-5. Or hell, a desperate shorthand play. I want anything that isn’t what you are giving me. You have all the tools—pick them up and use them.”
Aiden taps his stick to the ice. “Let’s go, boys.”
They skate off, setting up as I realize my heart is still beating like a jackhammer in my chest. I move to the side with Jakob, and he grins over at me.
“That’s my girl.”
“I don’t know where that came from.”
He scoffs. “Your dad—he talked, and everyone listened. You’re his Mini-Me.”
As the guys move along the ice and execute the play, I find myself grinning from ear to ear. I have to hold back from screaming like a girl who just won Shawn Mendes concert tickets, but it’s easy to see from my face that I am pleased.
I got this.
I can do this.
I am a freaking force to be reckoned with.
I am Shea Adler’s daughter, and just as he was when I was growing up, I’m about to be one kick-ass coach.
Chapter Five
Boon
I’m unsure how I feel about Posey Adler.
I’m watching as she holds her tablet to her chest, yelling at the top of her lungs, one hand gesturing with each word. She’s passionate, I can tell. She loves the game hard-core, and she knows the ins and outs. Even with her ball cap low, you can’t miss those eyes. They’re like lasers. When she set them on me and told me to pass with purpose, I didn’t like it. Don’t get me wrong—she’s smart; I can tell that off the top. And if she can help us get our power play under control, then I’m all about it. But something about her has me on edge.