Off the Crossbar (18 page)

Charlie had spoken to the Aeros’ coach. At least this explained why he’d been so vague about a tryout.

Dunn continued. “I’ve always thought about taking over a team — grabbing the helm and building a winner — a powerhouse. So that’s just what I’m gonna do. And believe me, when I decide to do something — I do it. Nothing stands in my way. That’s what got me where I am today.”

Charlie had never heard anyone speak with such confidence.

“How many players are you looking for?” Charlie asked.

“I’ve already signed a few. But I need at least ten more solid players — guys with real potential and the right attitude. If you guys think you fit the bill, give it a shot. Tryouts start in two days. Team’s called the Hawks. Take my card and give me a call if you’re interested.”

He gave a bunch of cards to Charlie, flipped his keys in his hand, winked, and went back to his car. The engine roared and he set off at high speed, the tires screeching as he pulled away. No one said a word until he was out of sight.

He looked at the card:
Tom Dunn, President, Dunn’s Sportsmart
.

“Charlie, I have one question,” Scott said. “When did you have time to find a phone booth and change into your Superman costume before saving that kid?”

He didn’t answer.

“Joyce?” Scott prompted.

“Umm … I don’t know.” He was too excited by the news to listen. It was perfect — a AAA team in Terrence Falls with ten open spots. That meant he had a shot at playing competitive hockey this season — or, better yet, they could all play for the Hawks! That would be way cool. Hockey was practically the most important thing in his life. It was the only thing that had made things bearable after his father died and they moved to Terrence Falls. And now, out of nowhere, some guy decides to sponsor a brand-new team. It was like a miracle.

“Can you believe it?” Charlie said. “Isn’t it too bizarre for words?”

“Is what too bizarre for words?” Pudge asked.

They were all staring at him. Didn’t they get it?

“The Hawks … the new team. We could all play together. It would be like the school team — only better, because instead of just playing a weekend tournament, we’d be on the same team for a whole season. We almost won the Champions Cup — we could even give the Snow Birds a serious battle.”

No one said a word. He wondered what they were thinking.

“I never thought of it that way,” Pudge said. “It’s an interesting idea, I guess.”

“It’s more than interesting,” he responded. “It’s, like, totally interesting. It’s, like, over-the-top interesting. What could be —”

Nick interrupted. “What about the commitments we signed? It seems a bit bogus to quit two weeks before the start of the regular season.”

They walked back to the lawn. What could he say to that? He searched his brain for an answer.

“Nick, I see your point. On the other hand, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Sure, we can all play on separate teams, play it safe this year. But I say, take a chance and play together. Think about the school team. Pudge and Zachary, we could be on the same line again. Scott and Nick, you could be defence partners again.”

“My dad would kill me after he made all those calls to the other coaches,” Pudge said.

Scott and Nick seemed deep in thought. Charlie turned to Zachary.

“I know giving up a spot on the Snow Birds is tough. They’ve got an awesome lineup. But that team is stacked. You’d just be another player. On the Hawks you’d be a star and get twice the ice time. It’d be cool to have you on my wing. I bet we’d lead the league in goals.”

Zachary nodded, but didn’t say anything. He looked away.

This was going nowhere. Maybe Pudge …

“How about my left winger?”

Pudge returned his gaze for a moment. Charlie grew hopeful. There was something about the look in his eye.

“It is an interesting idea, I guess,” Pudge said.

Not exactly an over-the-top reaction — better than a no, at least.

“Maybe you guys can think about it. I’m gonna take a shot and, well … it’ll be cool either way. We can play on the same team or against each other. I wouldn’t mind dangling Scott with the puck a few times.”

“Science fiction, Joyce,” Scott said. “I’m too inside your head to fall for your bogus moves. But wait till you play Nick. He tends to wet himself and get distracted.”

Nick pretended to be horrified. “I thought you weren’t gonna tell the boys about that … problem.”

“No secrets among friends — although I kinda put that on Facebook,” Scott said.

Nick shrugged. “As long as it’s only all the kids at school.”

They started cracking jokes about how their teams stacked up against each other. Charlie couldn’t really join in. The Hawks weren’t even a team yet. The conversation gave him a chance to think about it, however. The Hawks gave him a real chance to play in the top league after all, and maybe Pudge would switch since he didn’t know guys on his team. Matt was also looking for a team. He used to play for the Wildcats, and since the school tournament he’d become a friend. Matt didn’t like Jake any more than Charlie or Pudge did. He had to accept that Scott, Nick and Zachary probably wouldn’t leave established teams — especially Zachary. The Snow Birds were a dynasty.

“Anyone hungry?” his mom called out.

Scott leapt to his feet.

“There’s enough for everyone,” his mom laughed.

“Not if I eat it all first,” Scott replied, racing up the steps into the house.

“I’ll give you a call later to talk about the Hawks,” Charlie said to Pudge as they followed.

Pudge nodded, but didn’t say anything.

Charlie could have punched himself. The guy was obviously not into it. It was stupid to expect anyone to quit a team just to play with him. Plain dumb. He needed to be cool about it. It would be enough just to make the Hawks.

Charlie forced himself to grin and he laughed along with the others as Scott struggled to stuff two bananas into his mouth on a dare from Nick.

David Skuy spent most of his childhood playing one sport or another — hockey, soccer, football, rugby. Now he is a writer and lawyer who lives in Toronto, Ontario with his wife and two kids. He still plays hockey once a week and remains a die-hard Leafs fan.

He began writing the Game Time series to try to capture the competition, the challenges, the friendships and the rivalries that make sports so much fun.

David Skuy won the 2012 Silver Birch Award for his novel
Undergrounders
.