CHAPTER 3
A week later, Dylan, Nick, and Tommy walked into the arena where the Midwinter Meltdown was being held.
Thirty rows below them, a team was already out on the rink, practicing.
“That’s East Lake,” said Dylan.
The East Lake Scouts were skating in unison. When their coach blew his whistle, the players stopped, changed direction, and skated in the other direction.
“Their skating is perfect,” said Nick.
“It’s not that perfect,” said Dylan. “We’ll be able to handle them.”
Privately, though, Dylan wasn’t so sure. He still hadn’t been able to practice with the Rangers. When he’d tried to practice at home, his arm had felt sore and stiff.
“Let’s go, guys,” said Coach Erickson, walking up behind them.
The Rangers headed to the locker room to suit up. When they got back to the rink, the Scouts were still there, finishing up the last of their drills.
“Is it my imagination or are they even bigger than last year?” Dylan muttered.
“What do they feed them in East Lake?” asked Tommy. “Steaks for breakfast, lunch, and dinner?”
“I just hope they don’t eat us for dessert,” Nick said.
The Scouts coach blew his whistle. The team skated toward the Rangers.
“Look at these runts,” a Scouts forward said as he skated closer. “Are you guys sure you’re in the right place? The preschool tournament is down the street.”
“Is that Travis Caulfield?” Dylan whispered to Nick.
“That’s him,” said Nick. “He was the leading scorer in the state last season. And the big guy next to him is Peter Stevens. He’s a defender. I heard he knocked three guys out of games so far this year.”
“We’re at the right tournament!” shouted Tommy. “And we’re going to smoke you guys in the championship.”
“The championship?” Travis repeated, laughing. “Did you hear that, Peter? They think they’re going to the championship!”
“You guys don’t stand a chance,” said Peter. “Besides, even if you do make the championship, we’ll skate circles around you. Just like we did last year.”
“Not this time,” said Dylan.
“It’s a new year,” said Nick.
“And a new tournament,” said Dylan. “We’re going to win it this year.”
“Break it up, guys!” Coach Erickson interrupted. “Rangers, get on the ice!”
“See you at the championship,” Travis said with a smirk.
“Oh, we’ll be there,” said Dylan. “And we’ll beat you.”