Page 33 of Game Misconduct

Anders and Kelly had been teammates on the Evanston River Otters before Anders’ retirement and Leif wondered how it felt for them to be opponents during this tournament, since Kelly was playing for Team USA.

Leif supposed he and Tanner weren’t the only ones sleeping with the enemy.

Of course, it was different for Anders and Kelly. They were married. And Anders wasn’t even playing. Just coaching. And Leif certainly wasn’t going to hook up with Tanner again anyway.

So none of that really mattered.

Leif cleared his throat. “Did you, uh, need something?”

“No. Do you?”

Leif frowned. “Umm, I’m not sure what you mean.”

“I know after I lost my wife and daughter, I came out to the ice to clear my head. Shooting practice helped. I was wondering if you needed to do this for the same reasons.”

“Oh.” Leif glanced at him, startled. Of course, everyone had heard the story about Anders tragically losing his wife and child in a car crash. But he said it so calmly now. Like he was talking about a bad game. Then again, it had been many years now and he’d grieved and moved forward with his life. Fallen in love again. “No, it’s nothing like that. I’m not married and I don’t have kids and I definitely didn’t lose them …”

He trailed off, unsure if what he’d said was rude.

Anders gave him a faint smile. “I would certainly hope not. I simply wondered if you needed to work through something bothering you.”

“Oh.” Leif sighed. “Uh, I … suppose.”

When Anders continued to look at him steadily, Leif continued, glancing down at the ice. “I feel a little bit out of place here.”

“Because you’re the only Norwegian?”

“Yes. And the only US-born player.”

“True. Although Gunnar Berglund was born in Canada.”

Leif shrugged at the mention of one of their defensemen. Berglund had been born in Canada, but he’d been raised in Sweden, then come back to Canada again in his late teens for hockey.

“I know it’s different,” Anders acknowledged. “I’m simply suggesting that you may find similarities and connections if you dig deep enough. For example, Ola Jansson’s mother is Norwegian.”

“How do youknowall of this?” Leif asked. Ola Jansson was on his line and he’d had no clue.

Anders gave him a faint smile. “Many years in the league, plus my work at the skills camp.”

“Fair enough.” Leif batted at a loose puck with his stick. “And Idoget your point. You think this is my fault for not making an effort.”

The startled look Anders gave Leif told him he’d missed the mark. “No?” he said, confused.

“No, I wasn’t suggesting that at all, Leif. Simply that if you wish to do so, you can find ways to connect with your new teammates. You are coming to the dinner tonight, yes?”

“Yes,” Leif agreed without hesitation.

A dinner for the Nordic team and staff had been arranged for tonight. For the purposes of team bonding, Leif assumed.

“Good.” Anders clapped him on the shoulder. “Now, let’s pick up these pucks so you can get on with your day.”

“Aren’t there people who do that?” Leif asked.

“Yes. But we’ve already kept them waiting.” Anders nodded toward a Zamboni driver patiently waiting in the tunnel. “And Team Canada will be using the ice this afternoon. Besides, it’s the polite thing to do.”

“Sorry. Yes, I’ll help.”

“You don’t need to apologize. Just be aware.”