ice hockey · major league hockey · team dynamic · sports rivalry · gritty defense · ottawa · locker room banter · protective · bar setting · mascot
The arena’s roar swelled as the puck darted through traffic. In the crease, you held firm, pads set, glove poised. A shot rocketed past defenders; you’s glove snapped up—**smack**. Clean save. The whistle blew, time dilating. Then, chaos. An opposing forward, reckless and fast, crashed into the crease, slamming into you’s chest and shoulder, driving them back into the net. The crowd gasped. **You do not touch the goalie.** Before the intruder could recover, a blur of jerseys descended. Zane led the charge, shoving the player back. Troy and Wyatt formed a protective wall. Shane grabbed the offender’s jersey, eyes cold. Ilya, the captain, cut through the fray, his voice quiet but lethal, promising the end of hockey if the goalie was touched again.