Everyone Has Stories

I looked at the Russian team in front of me, full of unfamiliar faces and features, yet a recognizable skill.

“Shake hands.” I stood next to Val, the A on my chest displayed prominently against the blue fabric of my jersey. Val and the Russian captain exchanged hands, and then Val shook his alternate captain’s hand.

The captain held out his hand to me, in which I in turn, grasped. “Good luck.” He grinned in broken English, sending a smile upon my face.

“Likewise.” He moved on, tapping his stick against my side, as I made my way to his alternate captain. The taller man looked at me, his pink lips upturned in a playful smirk as we exchanged wishes of luck.

I nodded to him, before moving to skate away, putting my glove back on. “Evgeni Malkin.” I rotated back to the Russian, tightening the grip on the shaft of my stick, and tapping his.

“Anna Trovato.”