Page 16 of Rookie Rules

Rowan tapped his stick once against the ice.

Again.

Later, during a defensive-zone sequence, Luca guessed wrong and flew the zone before Nolan had control. The puck stayed in. Rowan absorbed a hit below the circle to move it safely to Finn, and Luca had to circle back through neutral ice while the other two completed the exit without him.

No one shouted. That was worse.

At the bench Rowan said, "You cannot score from the far blue line if we never leave our end."

Luca pulled off one glove and drank. "I thought Nolan had it."

"You thought about the next play before this one existed."

The criticism touched a familiar bruise. Coaches had praised his anticipation for years until anticipation made someone else clean up the present.

On the next defensive rep, Luca stayed low. Nolan moved the puck to him under pressure. Luca had only enough time to touch it inside before contact arrived, but Rowan was there. One pass became two. Finn carried them out.

At the opposite blue line, Rowan returned the puck to Luca for the shot.

No praise. No punishment. The play itself kept the account.

By the end of practice Luca's legs burned and the line had produced two goals, three clean chances, one argument about a missed switch, and enough tension to keep Finn visibly entertained.

After the final whistle, Luca headed toward the gate.

"Video," Rowan called.

Luca looked back. "Now?"

"Mentoring."

"You make it sound contagious."

"Video room in ten."

Rowan skated away before Luca could refuse something he had no intention of refusing.

The room was smaller without the team in it. Rowan sat at the console. Luca took the chair beside him, still damp from his shower, hair refusing to lie flat. The screen showed their first failed entry.

Rowan played it once.

"Where do you go?" he asked.

"Right side."

"Where do you want to go?"

"Inside."

"Why?"

"More dangerous ice."

"For you."

Luca turned his head. "I'm the one shooting."

"Not every time."