When I woke up the next morning I wasn't surprised to feel the ache in my shoulder. I hope that nothing else is going on under the surface that we can't see because I really want to play. It's also going to be something I'm going to have to monitor as time goes on to see if it needs more treatment. I powered through getting ready and got downstairs to the ballroom to eat some breakfast. As I was finishing up, our trainer Marissa came over to look at my shoulder. She helped me stretch it out and wrapped me up with some ice for now to try and numb it up.
It didn't take much longer before the rest of the team to file out of the hotel and onto the bus. With this game being at noon, we aren't getting to skate before the game. Today there will be a lot more stretching during warm ups. When I got onto the bus Becca made me sit in the aisle seat so she wouldn't accidentally hit my shoulder. The bus ride was quiet today as most of the team was still in the process of waking up.
As we got off the bus in front of the arena some Ohio State players happened to be walking in at the same time. Just my luck one of them happened to be Tatiana.
"How's the shoulder feeling?" She asked smugly.
"Pretty fine after my goal and the win yesterday." I responded not in the mood for her shit today.
The other Ohio State players had to pull Tatiana away from me as I continued to walk to the locker room. I sat down in front of my locker and was about start peeling the wrap from my shoulder when a shadow cast over me. I looked up saw Marissa standing in front of me with Coach Decker. Neither of them said anything but pulled me into the training office.
"I don't know if I should play you today." Coach said once the door was closed.
"I need to play today." I said not even wanting to entertain the idea of siting out.
"I don't think it's a good idea. Marissa told me your shoulder is bothering you and taking the day off will give you some time to rest it and let it heal up." Coach said.
"If I didn't think I could play, I would tell you guys. I'm okay to play today. If it starts to get worse during the game I will tell you and you can bench me but right now I'm good." I said trying to push my point.
Coach looked at Marissa and then at me again. He didn't say anything for a long while before he okayed me playing. Marissa gave me some more padding to add to my chest protector when I started to suit up to help if I take another hard hit. I'm just going to have to be more aware of what's going on around me today.
Once all the padding was added I really had to hide the grimace that appeared on my face when I raised my arm up to put my jersey on. I'm happy Becca helped me into the jersey and she hid my face from our coaches who were still watching me like a hawk.
"You sure you're okay to play today?" Becca asked quietly once the jersey was over my head.
"I'll be fine, if I'm not, I'll go to Marissa." I said.
Becca seemed to believe me and let the conversation drop as we both finished getting ready. Just as I finished lacing up my skates I grabbed my eye black and smeared two lines over my cheeks and grabbed my helmet to go onto the ice. We got onto the ice as I started to skate around to stretch my legs out.
After skating around for a few minutes I slid next to Toni and followed her in stretching out my limbs. A few other players came around and joined up for the warm up. As the count down to the game got closer to puck drop, we broke apart and did a few shooting drills before warm up time was over.
We got back into the locker room and the dull ache in my shoulder started to fade the more I focused on game time approaching. Megan and Toni had the music blasting and we all started to get focused. Coach Decker and Mayfield ran through a few pointers on last minute things and before I knew it we were already walking down the tunnel to the ice again for the start of the game.
"Magnolia you're taking the opening puck drop." Coach Decker yelled over the crowd noise.
I didn't think twice before hopping over the boards and skated into the center circle. I lined up against the top line center for Ohio State and took a breath to center myself. The referee for the game skated over to us and dropped the puck. I swept the ice with my stick and won the face off, Becca came up behind me and got the puck and started to bring it up the ice into the offensive zone.
Behind me I could hear Toni yell out Devils and I knew where I needed to do for the play she wants to run. I waited back towards the center of the blue line and watched as everyone else drove down to the corners not realizing I wasn't there with them. Stacey and Lilly pinched in and they got the puck out of the corner and past it back to me. I skated in to meet the puck midway in the offensive zone and sniped a shot towards goal. The shot went wide and ricocheted off the boards and bounced right to the side of the net in front of Becca's stick and she tapped in the puck for her first goal.
I smiled and watched as Becca came around the goal for a little celle and joined my line mates in a group hug. Lilly came over and grabbed the puck from the linesmen and gave it to Becca as we came across the front of our bench for fist bumps. We took a seat on the bench and Coach put out the top line to keep things going.
As the first period kept going, Ohio State started to make the game more chippy because they didn't like the fact that we scored first again. I played a more tactical game trying not to give any hits or take any to spare my shoulder. There was a lot of fancy stick work and I was able to get a few takeaways to pass forward to my teammates. Towards the end of the period Ohio State started shaking up their lines. Tatiana was on the ice with their fourth line or what I like to call them, the punching squad.
Tatiana skated around my teammates with ease and put a shot on net that our goalie couldn't stop. Tatiana cheered with her teammates and it bothered me. I watched as she skated by the front of her bench for high fives and I wanted to jump over the boards to take the final face off before the period but I knew it wasn't my place. Coach called for our top line to take the face off. There was only a few second left on the clock before the end of the period and we killed them by sending the puck up ice.
During the intermission Coach Decker went over a few plays he wanted us to try in the second period. Once we all had them down we got our gear together and went out for the second period. The plays he wanted us to run didn't work. We tried all period long but all of our shots were blocked. Our defense really stepped up though. They were able to block quite a few shots before they even got to our goalie.
During the start of the third period I could tell Ohio State was going to bring a big push. They want a win during opening weekend and I knew that they were going to start to bring out the big guns. Tatiana got a few more shifts and so did I. Coach wanted us to try and bring more offensive power and my line got more shifts then I thought we would normally have.
The time on the clock kept ticking down and I knew the closer it got to the end of the period the more frantic the pace was about to get. I managed to get a good 45 second rest on the bench before coach called out my line again. Toni called out flyers and we knew what play to run. The three of us on offensive were going to crash the goal and the defense was going to just fire slap shots at the net hoping to either score or produce a big enough rebound for one of us to score on.
As Stacey got the puck and carried it over the blue line into the zone Toni, Becca and myself crashed the crease. I was right in front of the goalie because of my size and strength with Toni on my left and Becca on my right. Stacey had to shake off one of Ohio States offensive players and she moved over into the slot area. Once she had the lane she fired the puck at the goal. I saw the puck incoming and I knew Tatiana was behind me. She was going to push me out of the way so her goalie could stop the puck. I couldn't let that happen.
I dug my blades into the ice and angled my stick for the incoming puck. Once the puck was almost in my reach I felt Tatiana cross check me in the lower ribs. The hit knocked the air from my lungs as it took everything in me not to bowl over. Right after the hit connected, I felt something hit my stick. I looked down and watched as the puck deflected off my stick and fall to the ground at my feet. Quickly I backhanded the puck in between my legs and hoped for the best.
Just as I tried to turn around Tatiana landed another brutal cross check in the same spot and I couldn't stay up any longer. I fell to the ice and looked behind me at the goal and saw the referee pointing to the net and the red goal light was on. The puck went in? Slowly I got to my knees and felt one of my teammates come over to me and pull me the rest of the way up.
"You did it Mac Truck!" Becca yelled in my ear.
"It went in?" I asked and watched as the referee fished the puck out of the goal.
"Yes you crazy bitch! You put the puck in between your feet and pushed it 5 hole and scored!" Becca said and pushed me towards the bench.
It took me a second to get my baring's and once I did I jump up and pulled Stacey into a hug. We skated over to the bench together and went down the line for high fives. Coach pulled us off the ice and put out his top line and they were able to finish off the game. Two games down and two wins. This is a nice feeling.
After the game was over everyone retreated to the locker room and started to get cleaned up. We weren't going back to the hotel after we leave the arena so everyone wanted to take a shower and get on some comfy clothes before we started the long road trip back to Wisconsin. Once I pulled my jersey off Marissa came right over to me and pulled me into the training room to get a look at my back. She saw the shots I took from Tatiana at the end of the game and wanted to make sure she didn't crack a rib. Once she gave me the all clear I finished pulling off the last of my gear and packed it all away for the bus.
With all of that taken care of I jumped into a shower to wash the sweat from my body. After I was all clean and dressed Marissa put an icy hot patch on my shoulder and helped me into my sweatshirt before wrapping an ice pack around my midsection. Once it was in place Marissa gave me a sling to keep my shoulder in place on the ride home just as an added precaution.
Once I was all wrapped up for the trip, I met the girls on the bus. This time I decided it would probably be best to sit by myself so I choice the seat in front of Becca. It took me a few minutes to get comfortable and once I did I pulled my phone from my pocket and saw my mom was calling me.
I let it go to voicemail and sent her a text that I'll give her a call back when we hit the first rest stop. Once coach did his triple check to make sure we were all accounted for, we hit the road. We didn't drive for long before stopping though. Most of us were hungry after the game and wanted something before we really started the long drive. We were only on the highway for about a half hour before we pulled into the first rest stop.
We all split up at the rest stop with most of us wanting different things. I ended up going with Moe's and got a bunch of snacks for the ride unsure when we would get dinner. Once I got everything I made my way to a table and sat down with Megan.
"You look rough." She said and took a bite of her pizza.
"Nothing a warm bath and a good night's sleep can't fix." I said and I dove into my burrito.
We didn't speak to much more as we were both pretty hungry. It didn't take long before I finished off the burrito and decided to give my mom as call on my way back to the bus. She answered right away and swore up and down that she was going to drive to Ohio and give Tatiana a piece of her mind. I only laughed and let her go on for another minute before I asked her how her day was. We got to catch up for a few more minute before most of the team started to make their way to the bus. When I saw Coach walk to the bus with the last of our teammates, I knew I needed to get off the phone so I said by to my mom and told her I would text her when we got back to the dorms.
It didn't take long to settle when I got back onto the bus. Using my backpack as a pillow it didn't take long to fall asleep once the bus started to move. I didn't know how long I was asleep for when I felt someone start to shake my shoulders. It took me a second to open my eyes and look around. It was dark outside so it took me a few second to realize I was still on the bus. When I looked up I saw Stacey's blonde hair standing next to me.
"We stopped for dinner if you want anything from the rest stop." She said and that when I notice the bus wasn't moving anymore.
"Yea thanks for waking me up." I said and sat up.
Stacey hung back on the bus with me for another minute and we walked into the rest stop together. There really wasn't much here and I didn't want anything major so I just picked up a few more snacks and waited with Stacey as she ordered her food. While we waited, Stacey pulled the ice packs off my body and I threw them in the trash. After Stacey got her food we walked back to the bus and I took my seat again.
Just as I was dozing off again I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket. I pulled my phone out of my pocket and saw I had a message from Cassie. Not sure when you are going to be home but I made some extra food for dinner and I left it for you in the microwave. Congrats on the game winner btw :) I smile graced my face and I typed out a reply. Thanks, is there any chance you can do me a favor? It didn't take long to see the three floating dots appear on my screen. What do you need? I bit my lip and typed out my reply. Is there any chance you get grab me some Epsom salt? It's going to be late by the time I get back and I don't know if the store will still be open. Not even a minute later I had a reply. I actually have some already, I'll leave it in the bathroom for you. See you soon.
I smiled and thanked her before pulling out my headphones and pulling up the men's game stream. Once the stream started, I saw I still had a half an hour till the game started so I pulled out some chips and snacked on them as I waited. It didn't take long before the rest of the team strolled back onto the bus and we were under way. Depending on traffic we still had about three hours of driving before we made it back to campus.
I settled in for the rest of the ride and watched the guys play their game. They looked more together tonight then yesterday and it didn't surprise me to watch them win. I was happy that Travis got a bit more ice time then yesterday and I hope the coach sees how good of a player he is and will play him some more.
After the game ended it only took about another half an hour to get back to campus. When we got there the bus dropped Becca and I off at our dorm first and I was super grateful to not have to walk home after the past two days. It took me a minute to situate myself with my bags to carry them back up to my dorm room. Becca tried to help but I pushed her away and just made her hold the door open for me instead.
I got up to my dorm room and let myself in. I was pretty tired and sore and I couldn't wait to soak in the warm bath for a little bit to unwind a bit more before bed. But once I opened the door I found Cassie sitting on the couch with a blanket thrown over her legs. When she heard the door close she looked up from the TV and saw me standing in the door way.
"Are you sure you're okay?" Cassie asked concerned when she took me in.
"I'm so sore, I can't wait to sleep." I said and dropped my bags to the floor.
"I'll start the water; you go eat so by the time you're done eating, the water will be ready." Cassie said and got up off the couch. I couldn't say anything as she pushed me into the kitchen and left.
Cassie brought my bags to my room and I heard the water start running as I heated up the food in the microwave. When it went off I pulled a plate of pasta with a meat sauce out and took a seat at the kitchen table. It didn't take long for me inhale the food and make my way to the bathroom. As promised the tub was just about filled when I got there and Cassie stood from sitting on top of the toilet seat.
"I think you're just about ready." Cassie said.
"Thank you." I said and watched as Cassie turned off the water.
"Any time, if you need anything I'll be on the couch so just call okay." Cassie said still looking concerned.
"Of course" I said and gave her a smile.
Cassie left the bathroom and I pulled my arm out of the sling. My shoulder was stiff from not using it since the game and I rotated it a few times to loosen it up. It definitely didn't hurt as bad as it did right after the game but now I have two long bruises on my side that look pretty nasty. They are going to take a while to heal and I'm happy we won't be playing Ohio State again till the end of October.
Slowly I peeled off the rest of my clothes and sank into the warm water of the tub. Just as I started to relax I pulled the old icy hot patch off my shoulder and sighed in relief. The water release the tension in my body and I had to be careful I didn't fall asleep in the tub. When the water started to get cold, I drained the tub and just rinsed the last off the water off my body with the shower head before getting out.
I wrapped my body in my towel and walked over to my room. I changed quickly and walked back out into the living room to find Cassie watching me like a hawk.
"I promise I'm okay." I said.
"Those checks she gave you at the end of the game didn't look like they were soft." Cassie said.
"The trainer checked me out before we left the ice arena. It just left some nasty bruises, that's all. They are going to hurt for a bit but I'll be fine." I said trying to ease her concern.
"You know in my experience whenever Chad lays hits like that it's because of something personal. I'm going to say that you know that girl from outside the rink." Cassie said as I carefully sat down in the arm chair.
"I do know her from back home. We played for rival teams and she thought I stole her girlfriend from her, which I didn't. She just hasn't let it go." I said giving Cassie a very condensed version of the story.
"You played really well all things considered." Cassie said and watched as I started to move my shoulder around.
"Thanks, I'm happy that I've been able to gel so well with Becca and Toni and that our line performed well the first two games with each other." I said and tried to relax my arm in a comfortable spot. The more I moved it the more it started to ache and when I tried moving into a better spot in the arm chair I could feel the bruises on my back start to ache.
"Come with me." Cassie said and got up off the couch.
I did as asked and followed her into the bathroom. When I got there Cassie was pulling a box out from under the sink and she set it on the counter.
"Take your sweatshirt off." Cassie said and locked eyes with me in the mirror. With some minor discomfort I pulled my sweatshirt off and put it down on the counter next to the box Cassie was going through.
When she was done she turned around her eyes locked with mine almost like she was asking for permission. I just nodded and Cassie turned me sideways and pulled up my tank top to relieve the bruises on my side. She didn't speak as careful rolled the fabric so it would stay up by itself. Once it was in place, Cassie placed what I could only assume to be an icy hot patch over the bruises. After she got it in place, she pressed onto the patch to make it stick to my side. When it was too her liking Cassie rolled my tank top back down and turned me to face her.
My eyes just watched her work. Cassie took in the bruising that littered my shoulder and moved the strap of my tank top to take it all in. Neither of us spoke as Cassie ripped open another patch and placed it on the darkest spot of bruising on my shoulder. How am I going to make it through the semester if after every time I get hurt, Cassie is going to nurse me back to health? All I want to do right now is push her up against the counter and kiss her in thanks.
Get a grip McKenna, you don't even know if she likes women and if you do something like this and it backfires you could be out of the dorm and off the team in as quick as a phone call. I clenched my jaw and took a deep breath in to try and keep my emotions in check. It only took Cassie another few seconds to finish her patch job and when she was done her eyes locked on mine.
"Please be more careful next time." Cassie said, her voice full of concern and I almost melted.
"You have my word." I answered.
Just like that, the spell was broken and Cassie put some space in between us. She cleaned up the counter and I grabbed my sweatshirt. I watched her for another few seconds in the doorway before turning and retiring to my room for the night. When my head hit the pillow and I finally fell asleep, all I could dream of was Cassie's concerned eyes.
a/n: even though our girl doesn't like to brag, she is very good at hockey. and also needs to get her head out of her ass when it comes to Cassie. Like girl get a grip and ask the girl out already.