CHAPTER 6
Game two was the next afternoon. Again, Dylan kept to himself on the bench.
The Rangers played even better than in the first game. They easily beat the Maple Park Orioles 3-1. The powerful scoring duo of Nick and Tommy was hard to beat. Nick scored two goals for the Rangers. Tommy scored the other.
After the game, everyone celebrated the victory in the locker room.
“We’re going to the championship,” Nick cheered.
“Just like we said we would,” said Tommy.
“I wish I could be out there tomorrow,” Dylan mumbled.
“You should talk to the coach,” said Nick. “Maybe he’ll change his mind and let you play.”
“Yeah, we could really use you, man,” Tommy agreed. “Even if you’re not at full strength.”
Dylan rubbed his arm. “Maybe you’re right,” he said.
Dylan walked over to where Coach Erickson was standing.
“What’s up, Dylan?” the coach asked.
“I want to play tomorrow,” said Dylan. “My arm feels a lot better. I want to be out there on the ice with my teammates. I want to help them beat the Scouts.”
“That’s not a good idea,” Coach Erickson said with a sigh. “I know you want to play. But you’ve only had one practice with the team since your injury. I can’t just put you into the finals with no practice.”
“But I’ve been practicing at home,” Dylan said. “And I’ve been to every single Rangers practice and game. Even if I haven’t been skating, I’ve been paying attention.”
Coach Erickson thought for a minute. “Is your arm really feeling better?” he asked.
“Yes,” said Dylan. “I wouldn’t play if it wasn’t.”
“I’ll tell you what,” said the coach. “Warm up with the team before the game tomorrow. If your arm is okay in warm-ups, we’ll talk about you playing. But you have to tell me the truth. I don’t want you to get hurt.”
Dylan’s smile covered his face. “You won’t regret this!” he said. Then he raced over to his friends.
“What did he say?” asked Tommy.
“I’m in!” Dylan said.
“All right!” said Nick. “Now we’ll beat those Scouts for sure!”