Off the Crossbar by David Skuy Read Free Book Online Page B

own. His father had been an amateur boxer, and had taught Charlie the rudiments of self-defence. So, although Jake was bigger, Charlie was able to land a few solid blows.
    Liam had jumped to his feet and was coming at Charlie, but before he could do any damage, Scott corralled him and threw him to the ice. Thomas went after Charlie next, but was headed off by Zachary.
    By this time, the two coaches were in the middle trying to break up the fights. Hilton grabbed Jake by the waist, picking him up as if he weighed just ten pounds, and carried him to the players’ bench. Jake struggled to break free, but he had as much chance of that as pushing over a full-grown oak tree. Tremblay took hold of Charlie’s sweater, but let go when he saw Charlie had nointention of persisting. In fact, Charlie was in a state of shock. He couldn’t believe what had just happened. Tremblay went over to Matt to help him up and see if he was hurt.
    “Go to the bench — all of you — and I mean right now!” Hilton roared, pointing at the combatants. “The rest of you, continue the drill.”
    Jake, Liam and Thomas came over and sat at one end of the bench. Charlie, Scott and Zachary sat at the other.
    Hilton skated over. “A little intensity is a good thing,” he said quietly. “This, however, would be an example of way too much intensity.” He stopped abruptly. “It’s kind of difficult to talk to you when you’re at opposite ends of the bench. How about we compromise and meet in the middle?”
    The two groups shuffled over, still maintaining a healthy distance.
    “I guess that’s good enough,” Hilton said. He leaned in closer, removing his hockey gloves and laying them on top of the boards. “Guys, I don’t think I need to tell you how inappropriate that was. I realize emotions are running high. You’re all good players, and you have a good chance of making the team. But I’ve got to be honest with you. If I’m not convinced that this incident will be forgotten, then I don’t think I can offer any of you a spot on the team. The competition is tough enough without us beating each other up.”
    Shamefaced and downhearted, Charlie had to force himself to listen. He knew he was gone after this. He’d instigated the fight. It was his fault. Hilton didn’t seemthe type to tolerate brawls at practice. All he’d wanted to do was stand up for himself, but he’d just gone and made things ten times worse.
    “You each need to make a decision,” Hilton continued. “You need to decide if this little feud is going to be a problem. If it is, then you may as well head to the dressing room right now. Or you can shake hands, and I’ll chalk it up to your competitive spirit. You decide, but make it quick.”
    For a moment the six boys sat still. Charlie felt sick. He knew Jake, Liam and Thomas would never shake hands with him. It was over. Suddenly, Scott reached over and extended his hand to Jake.
    “Hey, guys, sorry about this. I just lost my temper. I’m happy to forget about it.”
    Jake stared back at Scott. He thrust his chin out and bit down on his lower lip. Then with a shrug, he shook Scott’s hand, and Liam and Thomas did the same. Charlie then extended his hand. Matt was the first to take it. Jake hesitated briefly, but shook his as well. Liam gave Charlie’s palm a slap. Once they’d all shaken hands, the six players turned to see what their coach would say.
    Hilton chuckled, as if something funny had just occurred to him. “Get back out there,” he ordered, “and try to make the team.”
    The boys clambered over the boards. Charlie rejoined the drill, but the whistle blew before his turn. “Scrimmage,” Hilton shouted.
    Charlie skated to the red bench. He’d gotten lucky — no doubt about that. He still had a chance to make theteam. The coach had gone easy on them. Mess up again, he told himself, and his luck would certainly run out.

6

ON BOARD
    “We’ve only got a little time left, guys,” Hilton called