Drop The Puck, It's Time To Go

The text sent to me from Tuukka really made me want to collapse in joy. Seriously, it made me feel so fucking terrible but at the same time so happy…so happy. I stood in line behind Backes and in front of Green waiting to skate out into the crowd. This was it! This was the moment everyone was waiting for and I felt a surge of adrenaline go through me, making my stupid grin on my get larger. I could hear the screams of the crowd as my team started to skate out was skating out and being acknowledged.
“Roxy, you have the most stupidest grin on your face…do I want to know why?” Backes asked, looking back at my grinning face underneath my helmet.
“Are you kidding me? It’s Superskills! We’re about to head out…for Superskills!” I started to dance along to the sound of Shipping Up To Boston, failing at being able to do some Irish step dance in skates. Little Seguin just skated out after Staal went out. Being number 49 right now sucked!
“McGregor, skates plus step dancing doesn’t work well…” Green said. “And you just hit me with your stick!”
“Pfft, let her be happy!” Backes said. “She did just have a spider running after her for a good ten minutes.” I stopped dancing and glared at him.
“You suck for putting that thing in my god damn gloves!” I snapped. He gave a smile and offered a hug.
“It was all in good fun!” I stuck my tongue out at him.
“Fuck you, no hug”
“AND FROM MONTREAL CANADIENS, NUMBER 31, GOALTENDER CAREY PRICE!” I reverted my attention to in front of me.
“HEY! PRICE! ACTUALLY HAVE A FACIAL EXPRESSION GOING OUT THERE!” The guy was gone as I yelled it. Finally, after what felt like ages, Backes was sent out into the ice and I started getting antsy at the fact that I was next. The mist falling down in front of me soon had my logo appearing before it.
“AND FROM THE BOSTON BRUINS…NUMBER 49…ROXANNE MCGREGOR!” I jumped out and dancing to Shipping Up To Boston, light on me and the cheers echoing through the stadium. The giant drapery from the jumbo tron held a huge ass picture of me skating and it all felt so surreal, like none of this was really happening. I skated around and approached my team, high fiving everyone down the line and then stood waiting as the rest started to skate out. I looked up into the stands, wondering where my team was in the midst of the crowd…

*****

“Who the hell secured us nose bleed seats!?” Lucic griped.
“Hey! We tried to get a box, give us a break!” Wheels yelled down the row.
“Hey, at least we got to see it ok? Stop complaining.” Recchi said, pushing Lucic and Wheels back into their seats. The entire Boston Bruins roster was situated at the very, very top of the stadium, backs against the wall and looking down the stadium.
“This sucks, our boys are going to look like freaking dots down there!” Paille commented.
“Except for Chara, he’s going to look like a freaking giraffe.” McQuaid said.
“What about Roxy…she’s not a boy.” Rask said, looking at Paille out of the corner of his eye, slightly glaring.
“Ooops…” Paille said.
“TEAM MCGREGOR!! TEAM MCGREGOR!! YEAH WE’RE TALKING TO YOU HARPER FANS!” Marchand roared from his seat at a pair of teenage boys standing not far from them. Team Canada was all together wearing their McGregor shirts and hassling people around them.
“Ok, can we disown them?” Campbells asked.
“Sorry…Bergeron is one of our top stars. Coach would kill us if we leave them behind.” Recchi said, reverting attention back to the ice as Fastest Skater began.

*****

Standing behind Harper, I leaned on my stick chatting with Giroux as everyone began to get ready for the first competition, something I KNEW I would never compete it cause I would fail miserably. Kris Letang was up first on our team going against Duncan Keith, Erika harassing Tanger about winning.
“HEY TANGER! If you don’t beat Duncs out there I’m gonna cut those luscious locks of yours in YOUR SLEEP!” Tanger responded with a middle finger and headed out to start the race. Stastny burst out laughing and I chuckled at the image.
“I can totally see her doing that…” Giroux said. “I wouldn’t doubt if she threatens to add a tooth in my mouth in my sleep.”
“I’m going to do that anyway.” Erika commented, looking at him after overhearing his comment. I looked at his grinning face, gap tooth so evident on his face.
“You need it. No girl wants to date that.”
“Pfft, I have the face of an angel.” Giroux stated. I then reverted attention back to the oblivious Harper going all ADD at the entire contest. I then decided it would be fun to start poking her till she noticed. Hey, I wasn’t competing, what else was there to do. I started to attack her helmet. Tyler saw what I was doing and jumped right in and Giroux started to get her other side.
“POKE, POKE, POKE!” I started yelling. Erika whipped around, scowling at us as we grinned innocently back.
“You’re so lucky I’m in such an awesome mood.” She stated before sticking her tongue out at us and turning back around.
“Why did you think I did it?” I said.
“I’m bored…” Tyler stated, leaning on his stick with a “meh” face on.
“Me to…” I grumbled. Tanger won the first round and that was great news for his hair! We all congratulated him and the next round was the goalie race and I immediately piped up to attention when they called out Timmy.
“Oh my god! Uncle Thomas is doing this in bulky goalie gear!? THIS IS GOING TO BE AWESOME!” I cried, trying to get closer to the edge of the bench, squeezing between Erika and Stastny, resting elbows on each of their shoulders. Tyler did the same on the other side of Boyle and Erika.
“This is going to be great…shit, I can see him smiling underneath is helmet from here!” Tyler cried.
“That’s because Timmy doesn’t know the definition of a frown!” I said.
Gotta love a guy like that.” Erika added seriously. “How can you NOT?!” I looked at her in complete agreement.
“Seriously! The guy is legit the uncle you’ve never had!”
“Shouldn’t you guys be all cheering for our boy Ward?” Stastny asked. I scoffed.
“Of course, but this is our motherfucking goalie going out against him, THIS COULD BE USED TO HARASS HIM LATER AT PRACTICE!” I then yelled out to the rink. “WARDY IS GOING TO KICK YOUR ASS TIMMY!” As the race started we all watched in anticipation at the first goalie race done. Just as Timmy got around the the goal he slipped and fell on his stomach and me and Tyler burst into hysterics at the sight of our fellow teammate wiping out and our contestant, Cam Ward, shooting to first place. Erika burst into hysterics at the sight and fell into Dan Boyle’s. My arm was leaning on hers and I felt myself tipping too and falling into Boyle.
“INCOMING!” I cried, hitting the bench. He stared oddly down at us as and after a few minutes me and Erika managed to compose ourselves.
“Hey Harper! We’re sending you out against St. Louis!” Staal called to her.
“FINALLY! I thought you’d never ask!” Erika shouted, jumping over the bench and out to the starting line. With all the hyperactivity in Harper at the moment, there was no doubt she was beating St. Louis! Erika blasted off like a freaking speed demon and made her way around the rink in 13.7 seconds, a step ahead of St. Louis! The guy was fucking smoked!
“FUCKING RECORD SET THANK YOU!” Harper saluted Staal before returning to her spot in front of me.
“I think we’re sending you for finals, so be ready.” Staal stated. I whacked Erika on her helmet with my stick.
“Nice speed there slut face!” I said, using my insulting nickname of her in a teasing way.
“Why thank you skank pants!” She replied with a grin. Greeny was out against Stamkos, and as they waited to start skating a really catchy Michael Jackson song was playing. I soon began to jam out in my spot. Freaking Erika began dancing in her spot to, stealing my idea but was bumping against Stastny and Boyle. The camera settled on us and we were positioned on the jumbotron. Stastny started grooving with all of us, and Boyle just looked at us laughing. I burst into hysterics at the sight, wondering what everyone was thinking.

*AT THE BRUINS BENCH*

“That isn’t my girlfriend…” Rask stated, shaking his head at the sight of Roxy dancing with Giroux and Tyler and Erika and Stastny doing the same thing.
“Is she really dancing with a Flyer and Harper?” Campells asked.
“I think she is…or this beer was spiked.” Wheels said, staring at his drink.

*****

After the finish Greeny came over to the bench.
“Erika you stole my limelight!” Greeny complained.
“Yeah? Well you lost by like a second so YOU SUCK!” She shot back at him and I chuckled at that. Oh the love we give our teammates. Erika went out to skate the final against Taylor Hall and I knew she had this. As she started to skate fast I felt my stomach grumble terrible and my body kind of began to get weak and I leaned heavily against the back of the box, trying to clear my head from its fogginess and build my energy back up. I hadn’t eaten much in way too long and now that I was feeling happy I was feeling the negative results.
“You ok Roxy…?” Tyler asked, reverting all his attention to me in concern. I quickly waved a hand.
“I’m fine Tyler, really, just relaxing. No worries!” I gave a smile, hoping I was pulling off my lie well. I would eat later, for sure. Tyler looked at me in skepticism. Erika had now passed the finish line at 13.6 seconds, beating Hall and we all jumped in excitement at her win and she blew a kiss at the audience. “Fastest skater in the NHL BITCHES!” roaring with laughter. I pushed myself away from my position and gave her a high five and a big smile, feeling my energy coming back. Thank god. Why?
Breakaway Challenge was next.
“Hey McGregor!” I piped up at the call from Staal.
“Yeah?”
“You’re first. Come up with a plan!” I felt myself get a rush of adrenaline at the thought of going out there first and actually doing something.
“FINALLY!” I cried, getting up and looking around at everyone.
“Hun, you should wear Skinner’s jersey.” Boyle said. I looked at him with wide eyes.
“You…are…brilliant!! BOYLE I WILL GIVE YOU A KISS FOR THIS LATER!” I then looked at the unsuspected little Hurricane. “GIROUX! SEGUIN!” I cried.
“WHAT!?” They cried back.
“GRAB BEIBER, I NEED HIS JERSEY!” Skinner picked his head up.
“What!?” He squeaked and before he knew it, he got tackled by Giroux and Tyler and I ran over and started to rip off his jersey.
“Why not take Staal’s!?” Skinner cried after we got the jersey and the two let him go and he sat on the ice looking naked without the jersey.
“Because I can’t attack the Captain!” I said, throwing off my Bruins jersey and throwing it on the bench then putting on the Carolina one, roars of approval from the stadium erupting at my action. I skated out to the center of the rink with my stick in the air as everyone got on their feet, loving how I was wearing home colors. Fluery was preparing himself at the end of the goal and I gave him the “I’m watching you” hand motion. I then scooped up the puck with my stick and started down the rink, as I got close to the goal I scooped up the puck with my stick and then batted it in to the back of the net over Flower’s shoulder.
“OH YEAH!” I cried, hands up in victory. I skated back to the bench, taking off Skinner’s jersey and threw it at him.
“YES, IT’S BACK IN MY HANDS!” He cried, catching it. I then looked over the bench, about to fetch my own when I noticed it gone.
“Hey! Where did my jersey go!?”
“How did you manage to lose that?” Erika laughed in response.
“I put it right here! I couldn’t have lost it! AHH!” I cried, looking around then reverting attention to Erika. “I smell instigation coming off of you!” I snapped. “GIVE ME YOUR JERSEY THEN!” I then lunged at her and started to rip it off.
“HEY! WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU’RE DOING?!” Erika screeched, and both of us began to yell as the scuffle continued. I finally was successful in ripping of the jersey, and shoved it on and skated as fast as I could to the puck and scooped it up, mimicking Erika all the way down the rink and as I approached Flower, I did a little fancy twirl and top shelved it. I then blew a huge, dramatic kiss to the Penguin’s goalie and skipping in my skates back to the starting point, sending a big smile at Erika. I then went for my last round I threw the puck over my head and kicked it with my skate, missing the goal but the trick I did got the crowd excited and that was enough. I skated back to the bench and propped myself up on the edge of the bench, fist bumping my teammates.
“GIVE ME BACK MAH JERSEY!” I heard Erika exclaimed, coming and me and ripping it off and slipping it back on her body and hugged herself.
“Ahh… so much better. You are where you belong. I love you.” I then stared around the bench all disgruntled.
“Now where to find mine…” I then began to scurrying around and pushing people aside. “I will find my god damn jersey!” I pulled off Chara’s helmet and looked inside.
“Why are you doing that?” Backes asked. Chara just looked at me a bit disgruntled at the loss of his helmet.
“It’s big enough to hide a jersey in here! YOU NEVER KNOW!” I then looked up to see Matt Duchene handing my beloved black and gold jersey to Erika.
“OH THAT SKANK!” I cried. “SHE DID TAKE IT!” Everyone on the bench was laughing. “DUCHEEEENE!” I cried. He looked over.
“What!?”
“YOU BETTER NOT HAVE HURT THAT THING!” I screamed and Erika began her show.
“I’M SHIPPIN’ UP TO BOSTON AYE AYE OHHHH! I’M SHIPPIN’ UP TO BOSTON AYE OHH!” She was singing, before chucking the puck in the corner and hitting it on the post. “RED SOX STYLE!” Harper then began doing the Irish jig back toward the center.
“SHE STOLE MA IDEAAAA!!” I yelled. Giroux was laughing his ass off at all of this.
“Nice how she mocks your home and heritage!” I stuck my tongue out at him.
“I actually came up with it first! Here ya go.” Erika threw my jersey back and I caught it in my hand and shoved it back over me, loving the familiar feel of the black and gold pride.
“Oh you poor thing…you’ve gotten molested by some Capital…”
“I resent that!” Ovie snapped. I stuck my tongue out at the Russian giant. Everyone’s attention soon revert to the Lindstrom bench at the sight of Toews and Harper tackling Kane, him crying out in surprise. Erika went down towards Flower who fell onto his side, Erika responding in the same fashion flicking the puck with the blade of her stick before lying on the ice on her side, arm resting on her head. The provocative pose made the crowd burst out in laughter, and when she got up back up all the guys were laughing their ass off. Erika went back to the bench and exchanged Kane’s jersey for her own and went back out and grabbed the puck and took a simple shot. Flower stopped it easily and I burst out laughing at the sight of Erika letting out a war cry and dropped to her knees, dropkicking Flower in the process.
“HOW DARE YOU STOP MY GOAL?” She exclaimed grabbing the puck and throwing it in the back of the net. I fell onto my side on the ice with everyone else at the bench laughing.
“TOUCHDOWNNNNNNNNN!!!!” Erika was screaming. I don’t think anyone could match up to the hilarity of what Harper just did. Even me, shit I wouldn’t be surprised if she beat me on this.
And it didn’t even faze me one bit at the thought.
The rest of the contestants went to town and gave a great show and we all we’re talking like we weren’t rivals, like we weren’t on different teams, like we didn’t just get into fights with each other a couple days ago.
“McGregor! Get over here! They want to talk to the temporary Hurricane!” Backes cried to me.
“COMING!” I chimed, hoisting myself up and skating over to the reporter.
“How’re you feeling this evening Roxanne?” The reporter asked. I smiled big time as I answered.
“Feeling great! Despite the start of my career and having a rocky start here, it’s been fantastic! The guys are great, me and Harper have been bonding…and damn, like this weekend has been so much fun, so glad to have the chance to be here. Thank you for all you who voted for me!” I waved to the camera and threw a kiss to it.
“So, what gave you the idea to uh, take Skinner’s jersey?” I started to laugh at that.
“Thank Boyle for it! I was looking around for props and he was all ‘Bieber?”’ and that was when I commanded my bros Tyler and Claude to tackle him and take it.” The reporter laughed.
“Yeah that was a pretty hefty scuffle…think we’re replaying it now, oh man Skinner’s face is priceless!” The reporter was dying as we watched it on the jumbo tron, me nearly in tears at the sight of Claude and Tyler all slow-mo lunging at the unsuspected Jeffrey. “And the Harper thing? Many people found that fantastic, emphasizing your rivalry.” I chuckled.
“Yeah, I had to, but I wasn’t suspecting her to come back at me with my own jersey!” I started laughing. “This has been great though, so happy to-” I stopped laughing at the sight of Tyler who’s face was looking over at me and he was all scrunched up like he was trying not to laugh along with Elias and Ovie was grinning like a stupid idiot. I slowly turned around and came face to face with Sharp doing a stupid fist pump, Erika finishing up a stupid face but turning just to catch Giroux creeping towards her with an extremely unattractive face at his serious creeping.
“YOU GUYS!” I cried. “You would do this! And Giroux, what the hell are you doing!?”
“Creeping on the creepers!” He said. After a bit of waiting, the results came in and Erika was the winner of the Breakaway followed closely by me.
“YEAH TEAM STAAAL!!!” I cried, getting those around me to follow suit. Next was the Accuracy Shooting and we all watched as they started to set up with the targets of the McDonald’s M’s were added each corner of the goals. “Yes! Get to attack McDonald’s symbols!” I said.
“Why?” Backes asked.
“I got sick the last time I ate there…SCREW YOU FATTENING ASSHOLES!” I yelled.
“Roxy, shut up.” Tyler said. I whacked the rookie with my stick.
“Shut up Little Seguin!” Ryan Kesler was up first against Brad Richards and Ryan totally smoked dear Richards and we all cheered.
“So Staal, who are you going to send out for your rookie?” Staal looked around at all of us and landed on me.
“Going to call rookie from Boston Bruins, Roxanne McGregor!” I got pats on my back from all the guys as I headed out to see that my competitor was Derek Stepan.
“STEEPAAAN!” I cried. “I would compete against you!”
“Hey Roxy! Sorry, but you’re going down.” I scoffed.
“You wish Derek STEP ON MA TOE! Ha! Totally made fun of your name.”
“Hey!” I then turned to see that my passers were Erika and Tyler.
“Alright skank pants, time to show up NYC boy!” Erika called to me as she started to pass to me. I got down and caught each one.
“You know it slut face!” I called to her as the horn signaled and the shooting began. I snatched the shot from Tyler and quickly slapped it and took out the right one. The next one missed from Erika but the next three all stuck home and I skated away in victory. “OH YEAH!” I cried, turning to Stepan. “What now Step On Ma Toe!?” He laughed and high fived me.
“Nice nickname for me, good job in five shots!” I laughed and skated back to my bench with Erika and Tyler. Sharp and Toews went up next and everyone was all anticipated to see both Blackhawks go against each other and both teammates were smirking at each other from over the line in a friendly competition. The shooting started but poor Toews didn’t know it started and by the time Sharp had gotten through his, Toews only got one and he was all upset.
“No one told me to start!” He cried.
“You would!” Kane roared from his position. After a bit of heckling and everyone ratting on Toews, he got his redo where he was able to beat Sharp this time and he was then all like “what now teammate!?” Erika went up next against Kessel and she beat him in six shots and everyone all cheering her on. Even after the rest of the contestants, I was still the lead shooter on Team Staal and in the end I had to go against Patrick Kane. I really wanted to beat the little manwhore so badly, especially after hitting on me but at the same time, had to keep him on my good side.
He knew.
“I don’t want to go!” I heard someone whined and I turned to see Harper and Toews grabbing a reluctant Kane. “NO! SHE’S GOING TO KILL MEEEE!” He cried as both Tazer and Erika began pushing him toward center where Briere and Lidstrom were waiting to feed him pucks.
“GROW A PAIR AND COMPETE!” Harper exclaimed, smacking his back for good measure before skating away with a laughing Toews.
“What’s the matter baby Kaner? Afraid to compete against a girl?” I taunted to him as he got in position. Kane grimaced and turned away to the goal and I turned to face mine and prepared myself. When the horn went off and I snatched each puck and slapped them towards the symbols and before I knew it, in four shots, I was done and Kane had only gotten one.
“Holy shit!” I cried.
“Son of a bitch!” Kane cried. I celebrated my win all the way to the bench.
“Nice job!” Chara said, slapping me on the back.
“Thanks Z!” I cried, I went and sat down on the bench, finding myself squished up against Erika. As the hype from the accuracy shooting I found my energy leaving again and I weakly just let my stick drop and leaned on my knees, trying to clear my head, hands getting the hunger shakes.
“You ok…?” I heard Erika ask. I looked up at her and nodded, reaching for the Gatorade near me. I needed something sugary filled to give me another burst of energy again. I couldn’t pass out…couldn’t pass out!
“Yeah! Just…feeling the ebb of adrenaline, that’s all!”
“You look like you’re going to pass out.” Giroux said, giving me an odd stare. “Please don’t pass out in my lap, ok? I don’t need your goalie boyfriend kicking my ass for holding onto his girlfriend!” I rolled my eyes and Erika let out a laugh.
“No worries Giroux, not going to fucking pass out!” Draining nearly over half the Gatorade bottle. The challenge relay went and it was entertaining to watch everyone do the clever little relay, me and Erika commenting through the whole thing. Then came hardest shot. This was going to be my moment to shine, I knew it. I had the reputation to have power while Erika had the reputation to have speed. As we sat there waiting for the start of the hardest shot, I saw dear Giroux talking on the mic to the reporters for the TV channel hosting the All-Star Game and I nudged Erika.
“Hey, Harper, you look like you’ve got a shitload of energy…go tackle Claude, he wouldn’t suspect it and it’s on live TV.”
“FUCK YES!” Erika cried at idea and jumped over the bench and charged after the unsuspecting Flyer. I started dying of laughter as I saw Letang and Briere turn around and saw a charging Harper and both screamed at Giroux.
“CLAUDE! LOOK OUT!” Briere yelled.
“INCOMINNNGGG!” Letang screamed at same time. Giroux twirled around but was to late.
“CLAAAAAAAUDE!!”
“OH SHIT!” He cried as Erika took him to the ground and I fell to my knees off the bench in tears laughing so hard. Team Staal and Linstrom were all laughing at poor Claude’s unfortunate encounter.
“I looooove you!” Erika was cooing while tackling. “HOW CAN A FLYER BE SO ADORABLE!?”
“Erika, I don’t think Sidney would appreciate you saying that.” Letang said.
“Its ok, we have an understanding.”
“Get off of me!” Giroux groaned.
“FINE! But only because its hardest shot time!” I finally composed myself to get ready for the hardest shot and I stood up with my teammates Chara and Tyler for we were all competing.
“So Z! Going to break your record?” I asked, standing in the middle.
“I’m going for it.” Chara said.
“Nah, I think I’m going to beat him, I drank a Red Bu-” Tyler was saying cheerfully but was cut off at a familiar screech.
“VENGENCE!” We both twirled around to see Erika skate into Karlsson at full force into his chest and both of them when tumbling over the bench.
“That is not my Captain!” Green yelled at the sight. I skated over to the side of the bench and looked in to see Erika laughing while on top of Karlsson.
“I’ve ALWAYS wanted to do that! Ever since your apology failed!” She exclaimed. I shook my head.
“Oh the sexual innuendos I could say right now!”
“Shut up and mind your own business! I DID THIS FOR YOU, YOU KNOW!” Erika lifted herself off of Karlsson, who attempted to shove her. Brent Burns and David Backes were sent out first and I called after Backes.
“UNLEASH DA FURY!”
“HEY! HEY! ONLY CAPS CAN SAY THAT!” Erika snapped, pointing a finger at me.
“NOT TONIGHT THEY DON’T! HA!” Burns took a hit but Backes beat him for the first round. The second round Burns beat Backes and I ratted on David.
“How could you let him beat youuuu!” I said, smacking him with a stick.
“Oh shut up, I want to see you go out there and hit higher than that!” Backes answered.
“OH, YOU JUST OPENED UP A CHALLENGE!” I cried as Tyler went out against Ward. “C’MON LITTLE SEGUIN!” I screamed. “Don’t let that Duck beat youuuu!” Tyler came close to Cam and I cheered for my fellow rookie. The match up that was highly anticipated was the return of Chara and Weber. Weber and Chara both sent shots over 104 miles an hour and everyone was all in awe at the power.
“Damn!” I cried. “Glad I have Chara on my fucking team.” I was up next against Byfuglien, feeling my energy return thanks to rest and a shitload of Gatorade. I was ready for this.
“Good luck.” Byfuglien told me.
“Thanks man, you too!” I called, patting him on the back as he went after the puck. He hit it hard like a fucking beast and it came up to 101.3 mph. I felt ready to try and beat that score, I wanted to really get the crowd’s draw dropping. Summoning all my energy and strength, I pushed off to the puck and smashed it hard, envisioning Mandy’s face in it. Shit, did it work!
99.2.
“Holy SHIT!” Byfuglien cried. The crowd was roaring at the sight of speed on the screen and I felt pretty enlightened by this. Skating back, I fist bumped Byfuglien and he went out again, this time hitting 102.4, higher than his last one.
“Damn…” I muttered. “Got to beat it…got to beat it…envision Jake’s face.” Skating hard like I’ve never done before and throwing the stick back hard, I threw all my force behind the puck and watched it slice through the air and hit the net. Coming out of my zone, I saw the thing register to…
103.1 mph.
“HOLY SHIT!” I cried.
“HOLY SHIT, I WOULD NOT WANT TO BE A GOALIE!” Byfuglien yelled while laughing. “Shit girl, you’ve got power!” The crowd was roaring at this disbelief, and everyone at the benches were chatting animatedly at this. I beat Byfuglien but still wasn’t going to be a finalist. Didn’t matter though, I broke a rookie record.
“Remind me to shy away from your shots in the future…” Ward said.
“Pansy.” Price commented all monotone as usual. I laughed as I kneeled down on the ice with everyone, getting pats on the back and compliments from my teammates. Ovechkin and Stamkos went last and everyone started to laugh their asses off as Ovechkin tripped over a cord on his first shot. He did a little funny dance trying to get back up and got back into position.
“That would happen.” I said to Letang. He laughed. Ovchkin’s next shot didn’t go to well, registering at 44 mph due to the breaking of his stick.
“Oh come on!” He snapped, staring at his broken stick in his Russian stoic face. I was dying of laughter and sadly had my stick unattended. “Mine!” He yelled skating past me and snatching up my stick while dropping his broken one.
“NOO!” I cried, falling on my face while chasing after it. “Not my stick! GIVE HIM BAD LUCK DAD!” I cried, referring to the guardian angel that was painted on it.
“Haha, sucks to be you.” Giroux said. I stuck my tongue out at the Flyer. Ovechkin’s next two shots didn’t register at all and I was laughing so hard.
“You listened Dad!” I muttered, looking up at the ceiling. Finally, Ovechkin got his last shot at 98.2 and he looked at Kaner’s camera and shook his head.
“I suuuuck.” He said with a gap-toothed smile. Chara and Weber went for the finals and in all disbelief, Z himself broke his own record at 105.9. I threw my hands into the air.
“WHO CALLED IT!? NICE GOING Z!” Everyone cheered in celebration at a new record being put down in history. After the return of my beautiful stick from Ovechkin and beat it on the ice with everyone else. After people came over to interview Chara for his record, I was then swamped by reporters.
“Even though you’re fellow teammate Chara broke the actual record, how does it feel to have blasted rookie scores away?” I smiled.
“Exhilarating! I seriously didn’t think I had such power in me but apparently I did and I feel bad for all the players that have gotten in the way of my shots in the past!”
“I bet, I wouldn’t want to be goalie in front of that shot. Great job McGregor and enjoy the rest of the evening.”
“Thank you!” Elimination shootout was here and the last event of the evening. I felt a bit of sadness opening inside of me at that thought, looking around at everyone laughing and chatting together like best friends. This evening had been fantastic and it was coming to a close. It’s not done yet Roxanne, still got one more event! I wasn’t going for a long, long time but I was excited because my shot was going against Uncle Timmy and I was pumped in hoping to get a shot past him. I was able to in the past, shocking my Coaches and sealing a deal to becoming part of the Boston Bruins. Watching everyone going down and being blocked by all the goalies, the best ones to watch were teammates going against each other. The reject pile was growing bigger and bigger and it was hilarious. Seguin shot wide and I laughed, so going to rat on him for that later. Timmy was finally in goal and even though I was cheering for my team, I gave claps for my fellow goalie for all his well done saves, especially against Chara’s fancy moves. Toews went out against Ward and Ward was able to stop it on him, and I got up from my extremely lonely spot being the last player to go out. I got up and prepared my way down the rink towards Thomas and he seemed to be anticipating this, thinking he could stop my goal easily after practicing with me a shitload. After fancy stick work I was able to top shelf it over Timmy and I cheered.
“OOOOOOH!” I cried at him. “WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO UNCLE TIMMY!? OH YEAH!” He was on his ass laughing, fishing out the goal as I went to sit with my teammates that were able to score. The goalies switched out and I prepared myself to go first again Flower. I hadn’t scored that much on Flower but he still anticipated my entire moves and blocked my shot, eliminating me and I sighed in aggravation, but kept a smile as I fell to the ice with all the rejects. Tyler and Skinner began to poke me with their sticks.
“Ha, ha!” They were chanting.
“Get away you stupid immature teenagersss.” I said, whacking their sticks away with my own laughing. Perry was able to win the shootout and we ended up winning the shootout.
“Woohoo!” I cried, getting up with everyone and we all got in a massive group of players, all whacking our new friends’ helmets and congratulating our actual teammates. I felt so happy being in the clusterfuck of everyone, lifting my stick to salute the fans with everyone.
“Thanks everyone, for making this night awesome!” I cried to everyone and they all crushed me into hugs and I skated with my team into our locker room, talking animatedly with Backes about the whole night and comparing shots with Chara. We all threw off our sweaty gear while Erika put her iPod on and Lacuna Coil’s I Like It started blasting through the locker room and everyone was jumping around and dancing. Erika was dancing while kissing all her teammates on the cheek and I was laughing at the whole thing. One by one, everyone began to file out and I was slow to getting my stuff off, feeling extremely weak. I felt light headed and collapsed into my cubby, leaning my head back. I got a smack on my shoulder and looked up at a smirking Giroux.
“Great night, glad we got over ourselves.” I smiled up at the Flyer.
“Me too Claude, you’re a great guy…glad I was able to become friends with you…you and over half of this team.” He smiled.
“By the way, later I think we all need to hang out. Kind of curious about Ramos…” He said. I felt myself bite my lip at his mention and sadness hit me.
“Maybe, don’t know but…defiantly hanging out!” I waved at the retreating Giroux. “See ya man.” I sat in the quiet, empty room. My head was spinning and I felt sick to my stomach. Shit, everything was over now and was all the friendships I made this weekend last? For some reason, I got up and headed towards the rink. The place was empty and dark and I felt the cheer and peace I had this evening start slowly dying off. I wasn’t surrounded by people who helped me forget my problems, forget the world. Kneeling in the halfway point from the blue line and the goal, I stared at the empty stadium that was once packed with fans and filled with excitement, laughter, and joy. Now it all felt empty and sad, the adrenaline and excitement from earlier ebbing away and leaving me with a weird feeling inside. I didn’t know how to feel about everything…we were all friends tonight, not one person hating the other. But it felt like it wasn’t going to last, at least to me. The world felt so empty now and I pulled the sleeve of my jersey back to look at the scars on my wrist.
“Is it asking too much to be given time…to know these songs and to sing them…is it asking too much of my vacant smile…and my laugh and lies that bring them…” Slowly getting up, I continued to sing softly, taking my stick and shuffling it around with my stick, taking it and smashing it at the goal. The power from earlier was gone and I didn’t smack it in with the force I did tonight that sent the crowd screaming. “As the stars are going out…and this stage is full of nothing…and the friends have all but gone…for my life my god I'm singing…” I felt a bit weak after hitting another puck into the goal, all the energy I had in me gone. I couldn’t let myself go, more for Tuukka than anything. “We'll take our hearts outside…leave our lives behind…I'll watch the stars go out...” Before I knew it, I felt a body appear beside me and Erika Harper, the last person I suspected, came over and took over a puck with her stick, continuing the words of the melancholy song I was singing.
“Is it asking too much of my favorite friends to take this song for real? Is it asking too much of my partner’s hands to take this song for real?” Feeling tears prick my eyes, I continuing the words.
“As the stars are going out, and this stage is full of nothing…and the friends have all but gone, for my life my god I'm singing…” I felt the tears to fall loosely out of my eyes and land on the ice. “Sometimes I feel like no matter what I do, my stars always go out…” It was true, my family, friends, and future were the stars of my life and one by one they all seemed to go out.
“Things can seem that way, Roxy. Sometimes it just seems like life is crashing down on you, caving in…” Erika’s own face started to sparkle with tears, making me feel all weird inside, like I had this feeling that I wasn’t the only one fighting battles. “But it all gets better. Everything in life always gets better. Shit, my life was no walk in the park… it might seem like it, on TV and interviews and stuff, but no one is perfect.” She looked down and tapped the puck on her stick toward the net. “There were times I didn’t know if I could go on. But there is always someone around who can help you, who will keep you alive.” Watching the puck slide home, my head instantly thinking about Tuukka. I then looked at Erika, seeing the tears in her eyes, the blue orbs seeming to reminiscent on a bad time in her life too, like mine was.
“I know…and I’m and idiot…” I choked out, taking a puck and smashing it as hard as I could into the back of the net. “I let my sorrow and hatred engulf me and my self esteem crash…gambling everything I’ve gotten up to.” I fell onto the ice and let the tears fully fall. “Shit…I mean so fucking much to him and my own sorrow is hiding it from me, the wrist cutting could have killed me…why would I do that to him?” Erika got down in front of me in a weird position but I didn’t judge about it, she looked comfortable and she seemed to be opening up with wisdom.
“Depression is a selfish disease. You do things you’d never think you’d do, and at the time they happen you’re never thinking about the people who love you. That’s the problem. I can see it in you; you have a strong will. But you have to use that will, push yourself to stay strong under pressure. We’re the toughest girls in the world Roxy. If you knew all the heartbreak I had to go through before coming into this league…” She shook my head as the tears came flowing freely. “But a strong will became a result of that. And if you’ve been here this long, you have that will. You just need to find it, and you need to believe it.” Strong will…she says it’s in me, why can’t I see it? Looking at my wrist I felt guilt washing over me and twisting my stomach in tight knots that made me almost suffocate. Shit, she was so right…depression is selfish…so selfish. Fuck you Jake, you did this to me…
“They always say ‘what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger’…I like to think myself to have become strong after Tech and Jake but in all honesty, I’m still that weak, fragile girl I was beaten down to.” Sighing I looked at Erika. “I shouldn’t be throwing all of this on you. Already I have the whole team on high alert and I don’t want you to give me pity, I don’t want to make it sound like my problems are worse than yours…” Erika gave a laugh of disbelief.
“Oh please. You think I haven’t done my share of freaking out my friends? Evelyn’s had to deal with my shit for years… she might be the only reason I still walk this earth. And the guys? They’ve seen me at my worst too. After the Rangers game, the depressing thoughts started bubbling up like they used to.” Tears hit the ice, joining mine and she sniffed, looking back at me. “I skated myself to sickness. I blamed the whole loosing streak on my own incapability. I got notes from angry fans saying that I was a failure. I felt useless. We all have those lapses. You probably think you’re weak, but that’s because you’re looking at the glass half empty. It’s not half empty Roxanne. It’s half full.” Her gloves dropped next to her stick and I began to take mine off too, they were doing nothing but collecting sweat and it was making me uncomfortable . “Even after what Jake did, look where you are. I mean you’re playing fucking hockey for a living on your hometown team. You’re dating Tuukka Rask, the biggest sweetheart of the ice. You have Team Canada, your own team of ridiculous boys who love you like a sister. You have a team full of guys that love to watch you succeed. Shit, you have fans that worship the ground you walk on and hate me with a passion.” She snorted at the last part and I cracked a small smile. “And what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger… only if you believe that is the case. You’d be amazed at how much brighter the world is when you take it for what its worth and always take out the brightest things of situations you’re presented with. Shit, once I learned that, I became the lovable bitch that I am today.” I swallowed past the lump in my throat that was growing so large at her words. So well spoke and it really struck home. She was so right, I can’t keep looking at the glass half empty, it only blinded me to what I had and as I thought to the images of all the guys, the memories that were forming, tears poured out faster even though I smiled and I choked, looking at the ice.
“Your so right Erika…you really are, we both have lives people would die for. Hell, I’m sure you’ve caused half the hockey fangirl population to bawl like small children for dating Sidney Crosby.” I gave a small laugh at that. “My glass is at its fullest right now and what am I doing? Letting the past come forward and try to sabotage it.” I clenched my hands into fists. “Jake knows I have a tough time moving on and he’s using it to his advantage against me, showing up again and he’s got Sean working the ropes too.” I shook my head as anger filled me think about those two. “They can’t do that, they can’t take away everything I have and he’s not going to ruin everything. He can’t take Tuukka away from me…he can’t…” Looking at the ice, I sighed. “And I can’t let Tuukka go, I can’t let the depression make me lose the best thing that has ever happened to me.” Erika cracked a smile.
“There you go. That’s exactly the kind of thinking you need. If you keep that up, you’ll be able to heal yourself. And if it’s not for you, do it for Tuukka. Having someone else to keep you going always helps. As for dumb and dumber? They can’t do shit to us. They act like they can do anything, but they’re fucking nobody’s. We’re somebody’s now, practically untouchable to the likes of them. If you keep someone around all the time, Jake the Snake won’t come anywhere NEAR you unless he has a death wish.” She added with a hiss: “Shit, I hope he does have a death wish.” I gave a laugh.
“Jake the Snake…I like that. Completely appropriate. Oh and don’t worry, he has a death wish.” I added, pointing to my right cheek. “He cornered me outside the TD Garden after you called. I should have been more careful, but depression made me do stupid things, like leave the Garden after one in the morning alone. Slapped me in the face. I didn’t tell Tuukka right away but…he found out and I’m pretty sure if Jake shows up again, Rask will use any pent up anger from a loss game on him.”
“Shit, he’s even dumber than Sean! I didn’t think that was possible!” We both broke into laughter. “Shit, Sean stalked me all the way to Vancouver last year. Left a nasty bruise on my wrist. But in return he got his ass handed to him by Parise, Sidney, Alex and Evelyn. I personally liked the beating Evelyn gave him.” She snickered.
“But that just means instead of coming back for me, he’s coming back for revenge… fuck, why did we date such psychopaths?” I laughed, shaking my head and looking around wistfully.
“Shit, I don’t know! I still can’t get over how we dated two guys who are best friends…what are the chances in that? Oh, you might like to know that Team Canada almost destroyed Sean’s ass. He was trying to get in my pants and damn…I have never, ever seen Marchand with such vengeance in his eyes.”
“Marchand? Really? Of the three of them I thought it would be Boychuk! He is the biggest after all. Actually scratch that, I thought it would be Lucic.” I laughed and nodded my head.
“Yeah, Marchand. The Shrimp. No joke. Those guys really have my back, it’s insane. I don’t know how many times they’ve checked guys for giving me shit out on the ice…” I felt my smile die. Erika dropped her knees and leaned back, resting on her elbows.
“You know, not all the guys hate you as much as you think. The guys in the league tend to be assholes when you first come in. I can’t tell you how bad the first match ups were with every team. They just… they don’t know how to deal with it you know? I think it fucks up with their masculinity to know a chick is better than them at a man’s sport. They’re all extremely aggressive at first.” She explained. “But my friends, former teammates…” Erika’s face filled with the slightest bit of shame. “They take it too far, I know. I don’t ask them to do what they do to you. They’re just… they’re really protective of me. I don’t necessarily know why it’s so much, but Sidney just tells me there’s something about me that makes my friends protective. I’m sure you understand with Team Canada and your Bruins.” I gave her a smile. Wow…she really didn’t send them after me. She really was the good person I knew.
“I know…I tell myself all the time its part of the game but after so much abuse in the past, just weighs down…and I know what you mean about protective friends. Hell, I have one overly protective brother on top of my Team and Tuukka.” I gave a laugh. “Thank you for clearing that up for me, it’ll make it easier to face them…”
“Hey, maybe I can smack a few of them up for it. But I’m sure it will die down soon. They’re all good guys, really. Well, except for a handful. Pronger, Carcillo, Avery, Subban… you know the list goes on. Give it time and just don’t take it personally. That’s the best advice I can offer.” I smiled at her.
“Thanks Erika, you reall-” Before I could finish thanking her for everything she did tonight, I was cut off by the relieved call from the man I loved.
“Thank…fucking…god I found you.” I turned to see Tuukka sighing heavily and closing his eyes, shoulder’s slumping as his body seemed to release all previous tension. “I’ve been calling you for fucking ages and didn’t get an answer! Freaking the hell out of me! I thought you were either dead or jackass Jake got you!” I smiled lovingly at my stressed out Finn.
“I’m sorry hun, I didn’t mean to scare you…” Tuukka went to move out onto the ice towards me but stopped, spotting Erika.
“Yo TUUKKA!” Erika cried like they knew each other for ages. I let out a laugh as I looked from my boyfriend to Erika laughing her ass off at her greeting, definitely lightening the tension that was in the air.
“…WHAT?!” He shouted, clearly surprised by what he was witnessing, I slowly got up and motioned him to come closer. He cautiously came over and I embraced him hard and he awkwardly embraces back. “I think I’m dreaming right now…”
“You’re not.” I said, pulling away but keeping my arms around his neck. “Just some bad blood being healed right now. All is good…well, not all but hey, all extreme hatred is flying away!” Erika got up and skated toward us, smile on her face.
“Yep! Fixing her up for ya, so when you got her back you two wouldn’t have issues to keep you from engaging in extracurricular activities, if you know what I mean.” She winked, nudging him in the side. Tuuk went slightly pink and I died of laughter.
“Shit, it would have happened anyway.” I said, Tuukka looking at me.
“Kultaseni, I don’t think it’s wise to go blaring out our sex life to everyone.” I rolled my eyes and jabbed a thumb at Harper.
“Oh c’mon, this one over here has been so happy and chipper this whole weekend, she might as well have gotten on top of the highest building in Raleigh and screamed I JUST HAD SEX!”
“I actually did that… well kind of. One day at practice I burst into song and tackled Carlson while singing the lyrics. I think Coach thinks I have a serious psychological problem.” I burst out laughing.
“You did not! Oh god, did you ever see the video of Team Canada doing the Creep on me?” Erika followed suit with laughing.
“Yes! How could I have missed that? OH OH! Have you seen the Kenya video?”
I began humming the little catchy tune before singing the actually lyrics. “COME TO KENYA WE’VE GOT LIONSSSSS! KENYA! KENYA! KENYAAAAAA!”
“What is it always with you and singing Internet videos when I walk in?” Erika turned around along with me and Tuuka to see none other than Sidney Crosby standing there. “OH CAPTAIN MY CAPTAIN!” I laughed, ok that is just too cute and funny.
“You had me worried sick! You weren’t answering your phone!” Sidney exclaimed. “Sorry Sid. I was a little preoccupied.” He came onto the ice and stopped, laying eyes on me and Tuukka. He was silent for a few beats. “What did I miss?” Tuukka held up his hands and gave the same expression.
“Don’t ask me Crosby, I’m just as confused as you.”
“Me and Erika had a bonding moment.” I explained, looking at her.
“Yep. Girl time.” She added.
“What is with you this weekend? You’ve been so happy.” Sidney laughed, putting his arm around Erika.
“It’s the weekend, and partially your doing.” She grinned, causing his face to match the color of Tuukka’s from earlier.
“Is that necessary to discuss with other people around here?”
“Its only fair that I embarrass you like Roxy embarrassed Tuukka.” I gave a good laugh, smiling up at Tuukka who just shook his head chucking, and wrapping his arms around my waist.
“That I…” I then felt a weird feeling, like my body couldn’t function anymore. Shit, the whole world seemed to be spinning and my head was buzzing. I felt myself collapsing in Tuukka’s arms and his voice becoming scared.
“Roxy? Roxy! You ok…?” Shit, my depression had destroyed my appetite and now that I was feeling better, it was biting me in the ass hard. Oh no…I’m scaring Tuukka…
“Tuukka…I’m so sorry…” I said, before fully falling and letting the world go black.

*General POV*

“Tuukka…I’m so sorry…” Was what she muttered before closing her eyes and becoming dead weight in his arms. Tuukka slowly brought her down on the ice.
“Shit, Roxy…” He said. “Fuck…don’t be sorry for this…”
“Oh shit…” Erika muttered. Rask tried shaking Roxy’s shoulders but she did nothing, her face so pale. He quickly picked her up, holding her close to him and trying not to freak the hell out, placing a kiss on her forehead.
“I’m getting her back to the hotel, now, she hasn’t eaten in days probably and today over worked her…” Backing up, Rask looked at Erika. “Thank you…whatever you did, helped her a lot. She means everything to me and I don’t know what I would do without her.” I smiled at that.
“No problem. You’re a good guy Tuukka. Just make sure she’ll be ok, alright? If anyone can do it, it’s you.” Rask nodded his head, before rushing Roxy out of the building, his heart aching at her unconscious, pale face.