Page 39 of Rookie Rules

Midway through the second period, the Wolves recovered the puck below their own goal line. Nolan moved it to Finn along the left boards. Rowan swung underneath, offering support through the middle.

Luca accelerated on the right.

The exhibition crowd made enough noise to give every mistake an edge. The Wolves were down one. The Breakers had begun stepping hard into the neutral zone, testing whether Northstar's new line would force plays when space disappeared.

Finn crossed the red and moved the puck inside.

Rowan received with a defender closing from his left. Luca held width.

Wait for the shoulder.

Rowan opened toward Finn.

The defense shifted.

Luca saw the weak-side player glance at him. Saw the decision begin.

We make them choose.

He cut behind the defender and called once.

Rowan did not pass.

For half a second Luca wanted the puck badly enough to abandon the route and take it from the play.

Then he saw what Rowan had seen.

Both defenders had moved with him.

Finn entered the space they left.

Rowan slipped the puck back across. Finn shot before the goalie could square.

Net.

Luca hit the end boards with one shoulder and turned as the red light came on.

Finn lifted both arms. Rowan's face changed by almost nothing, which meant Luca saw the satisfaction immediately.

They met near the circle. Finn grabbed Luca's helmet and knocked theirs together.

"Best assist you never touched," he said.

Luca shoved him away. "I created the entire concept of space."

Rowan arrived last. His glove struck Luca once between the shoulder blades.

Brief. Solid.

The same place a teammate might touch anyone after a goal.

Luca felt it through every layer of equipment.

Back at the bench, Vale leaned down behind them. "That is shared language. Keep it."

Rowan looked at Luca.

Luca looked back.