Austin Arrows

Becoming a goaltender in the NHL is the only thing I ever wanted for myself.

Goal accomplished.

Two years ago, I was the best goalie in the league, for the third time. With our Stanley Cup win, the Austin Arrows were on top of the world. Nothing could possibly bring us down.

Wrong.

Turns out, even when you’re at the top, you can find yourself back at rock bottom.

But it gets worse.

Not only did the team fall from grace, then I did too. I was accused of something I didn’t do. And now I’m being forced to repair my tarnished reputation.

Only I don’t know how to do that.

When the suggestion is made for me to pull off this ruse for the media, I know what I’m getting into. I also know there’s only one right answer.

But it’s complicated, and I’m not the only one who could get hurt. 

There’s only one major problem.

I can’t say no.

When I signed on to the NHL, I promised to give 150% to the game. I’ve done that.

Little did I know, but they would ask more from me than merely my skill on the ice. The team wanted me to be their captain. It’s an honor, one I’ve done my best to fulfill. Although I can’t take all the credit, I was there to lead when we won the Stanley Cup.

I’m still at the helm now, when we’ve hit rock bottom. I know I have let my fears get in the way. I’ve let down the team, even if they don’t realize what I’ve done.

Now that the new season’s underway, I’m being called out. I deserve it. I can deal with that. It won’t be easy, but I’ll persevere.

What I can’t deal with is her.

She surprised me.

She came out of nowhere and blindsided me.

And there’s one serious issue.

Now that I have her, I refuse to let her go.