The hockey puck slammed into Kyla Woodson’s stick. She glided across the ice, puck in her control. She could hear her opponents gaining on her, but she was too fast.
As Kyla neared the goal, she locked eyes with the goalie. The defenders were still trying to catch up. Now was her chance. All she had to do was aim and score.
“You’ve got it, Woodson!” a shout came from the stands.
Kyla tensed. Tom, her mom’s new boyfriend, was here — again. Her eyes flicked away from the goal. It was just for a split second, but a split second was all it took.
Mackenzie Martin, Kyla’s ultimate rival, dashed in and hooked her stick around the puck. She sent it spinning in the other direction.
Kyla heard a cheer as the puck sailed into the net. She groaned. She’d just let her opponent score. Worse, she’d just let Mackenzie score.
Coach Adams blew her whistle. “Nice play, Mac!” she called. “Gather round, team.”
Kyla resisted the urge to smash her stick against the ice. Even though it was only practice, she’d failed. She’d had an easy shot, and she’d lost it.
It was all Tom’s fault.
As she glided toward Coach Adams, Kyla heard Tom’s voice again. “Keep your eye on the goal, Woodson!” he yelled.
Just pretend like he’s not there, Kyla told herself.
This year was supposed to be one of the greatest years of Kyla’s life. She’d always dreamed of playing in this rink, the home of the Walker Ice Storms. The Ice Storms were one of the best varsity teams in the state. Now that she was in high school, she could finally try out for the team.
But the year hadn’t started out so well. At tryouts, the varsity coach, Coach Rafferty, had announced she wasn’t recruiting any ninth grade players. “At least not until mid-season, after I see some JV games,” Coach Rafferty had said. “If anyone stands out, I may consider it.”
Kyla had been brokenhearted. She was stuck on the junior varsity team.
Kyla let out a heavy sigh as she joined her teammates in a huddle. Not making varsity was just another disappointment in a series of bad events. Six months ago, her parents had gotten divorced. Then they had sold the house she’d grown up in. Since the start of the school year, she’d been splitting her time between her mom’s new house and her dad’s apartment. Neither place felt like home.
And now her mom had a new boyfriend — Tom.
Kyla shot another glance into the stands, where Tom was waving and grinning. She rolled her eyes. Tom was quite possibly the most annoying person on earth. He loved hockey, and he asked her endless questions about her skills.
Normally Kyla loved to talk about her favorite sport, but not with Tom. Tom acted like a know-it-all. And ever since the start of the season, he had been coming to almost all her practices.
I’ll never make varsity now, not with him around, she thought. He’s just a big distraction that’ll mess up my game.
Ana Gonzales, Kyla’s friend and the team’s starting goaltender, skated up to the huddle and scooted in next to Kyla. “Hey, Fire. Thought you had that one for sure,” she said.
“Fire” was Kyla’s hockey nickname. She’d earned it in little league because she’d skated so fast, it was like she was on fire.
Kyla tossed her head in Tom’s direction. “I wish they’d lock the rink during practice,” she muttered.
She hadn’t meant for Coach Adams to hear, but Coach never missed a thing. “You have to keep your head in the game,” she told Kyla. She looked around at the rest of the girls. “And that means everything. Eyes, nose, ears, all of it. Every inch of you has to be in the game. Right?”
Mackenzie immediately piped up, “Yes, Coach!” She shot a glance at Kyla, but Kyla looked away.
Mackenzie had been her number one rival for as long as Kyla could remember. They’d gone to different middle schools and had often played against each other on the ice.
Last season, Kyla’s team, the Sundogs, had played against Mackenzie’s Cougars for the middle school championship. Tied at zero and with only eight seconds left of the game, Kyla had gained command of the puck and headed for the goal. She’d launched a shot but came up with only thin air. Mackenzie had stolen the puck.
Kyla had swirled around just in time to see Mackenzie score the winning goal of the game. She would never forget that moment.
Coach Adams glanced at the clock. “Practice is over for today, but we still have a lot of work to do. See you tomorrow.”
At that, Mackenzie whipped off her helmet and shook out her long blond hair. Mac was one of those girls who seemed to have it all — confidence, good looks, and popularity. She never faltered on the ice. She always wore a smile, and she always encouraged even the weakest players. Mackenzie was perfect.
Kyla’s stomach swirled with jealousy whenever she was around her. Now, they were at the same high school, on the same JV team, both trying to catch Coach Rafferty’s eye and make varsity.
I can’t keep making mistakes if I want to make varsity, Kyla thought as she skated off the rink. At least I have until mid-season to get my game together.