Page 117 of The Game
Talking with John is always good. He knows this game from his own NHL experience: the ups, the downs. Since he retired a long time ago, he also sees it a little differently from the way we do.
When you’re in the middle of it, you can get lost, feeling like hockey is the only thing that matters.
Whenever we have dinner at his place, or he comes to visit, I’m reminded just how much more there is to this life than hockey.
Most of it has to do with his daughter.
He talks about his hockey career with joy, but he talks about his family with love.
“Thanks, John. I believe so. Have you seen your daughter lately?” I ask him, knowing they’re usually watching our games together.
“She said something about running to the office, and that she would be back soon,” he says.
I finally spot her, and everything around me fades as I take her in.
Everything will be alright as long as I have her by my side.
She makes her way toward me, and I meet her halfway, before she wraps her arms around my neck, giving me a tight hug.
“I’m sorry about the loss, but I’m so fucking proud of you I can’t really be too sad,” she says, sniffling into my neck.
Sarah’s been with me through all the hardships of this season.
She’s experienced every frustration, dilemma, and challenge thrown my way. Helping me decide how to move forward and see clearly when my own head has been a mess.
I kiss her, not caring that my own family and her dad are nearby. They can handle it.
“Thanks, baby. Don’t tell the guys, but I can’t be too sad either, considering this season led me to you,” I tell her, making her sigh as she looks at me.
“I love you, Alexander.”
“I love you too, baby.”
Epilogue
14 months later
Sarah
I don’t think I’ve ever been this nervous in my whole life.
“Relax, they got this, Sarah,” my dad mutters beside me, but he’s sitting on the edge of his seat, his nerves evident as well.
We’re watching the minutes tick by in the final for the Stanley Cup.
Chicago is leading 3-2, but it’s been a tense game, with both teams pushing all they have.
One team will be the reigning champion, the other will be crushed. Knowing they were close to success, only to have it all ripped away.
I’m praying that Chicago takes home the title, knowing how much it would mean to Alexander and the whole team.
Last season left them hungry, and they’ve been working hard all year for this moment.
Alexander has been the steady captain, always trying to make each player the best he can be.
On instinct, my hand goes to my stomach, but I remove it before my dad catches it.
Cup or not, I have some exciting news for my man later tonight.
