Always On Ice

Oops!...I Did It Again

The second period started with relentless back-and-forth action. Then-William stole the puck at center ice, weaving through two defenders. He faked a shot, dragged the puck to his backhand, and-

"YES!" you screamed as the teal light flashed on the screen.

Sasha threw popcorn into the air. "Your man is a magician on ice!"

The score was tied 1-1, but the intensity only ramped up. The other team responded with another goal, making it 2-1 heading into the third period.

"I'm stressed," you admitted, gripping Sasha's arm like a lifeline.

Sasha nodded. "Same. I feel like I'm playing, and I don't even know how to skate."

The third period was a battle. Hits, blocked shots, breakaways-everything. With five minutes left, Fabian got a pass near the blue line. He wound up and sent a rocket of a slap shot into the net.

"FABIAN!" Sasha shrieked, nearly knocking over the popcorn. "That's my guy!"

"Tied game, let's go!" You cheered.

With just over a minute left, the Sharks pushed hard. William carried the puck into the zone, passing it off before cutting toward the net. A perfect feed from Fabian set him up right in front. Without hesitation, he snapped the puck to the top corner.

The arena exploded.

You and Sasha jumped up, screaming.

"HE DID IT! HE DID IT!" you yelled, shaking Sasha's shoulders.

"I'M SO PROUD OF OUR BOYS!" Sasha screamed.

The final horn sounded. A 3-2 win. William and Fabian were swarmed by teammates, celebrating their goals. Pure joy rushed through you.

Sasha flopped back onto the couch, breathless. "We survived."

You laughed, heart still racing. "Barely."

Sasha smirked. "Now, when they get home, we act like we weren't totally losing our minds."

You grinned. "Oh, absolutely."

But as you looked back at the screen, watching William grin as he hugged his teammates, you knew this was a night you'd never forget.

The energy outside the arena was electric as you and Sasha stood near the players' entrance, waiting. The both of you were still buzzing from the excitement.

"I swear, I'm still shaking from that last goal," you said, rubbing your arms.

Sasha laughed, adjusting her coat. "Same. And I may or may not have screamed so loud that my voice is halfway gone."

The doors finally swung open, and the players began trickling out, freshly showered and dressed in sharp post-game fits.

William spotted you immediately, his grin widening as he walked over. "There's my good luck charm."

Your heart flipped as he pulled you in for a hug. "You were amazing. That goal? Insane."

Fabian appeared right behind him, his eyes lighting up the second he saw Sasha. "Did you see my shot?" He asked smugly, wrapping an arm around her.

Sasha smirked. "Saw it? I almost died from excitement."

The four of you laughed just as a few teammates called out.

"Let's go! We're hitting the club tonight. Everyone's invited!"

William turned to you with a questioning look. "You up for it?"

You exchanged a glance with Sasha, who grinned. "Obviously."

"Just don't make it like the night we met," you added with a smirk.