CHAPTER 8
In the first period, the Scouts were like a machine. They skated easily around the rink and scored an early goal. The Rangers tried to keep up, but the Scouts were bigger and faster.
Dylan didn’t cheer for his teammates at all. He was too angry. He was angry at Coach Erickson for benching him, and he was angry at his friends for not supporting him.
Most of all, Dylan was angry with himself. He knew Nick was right. The team was better off with him on the bench. But he was upset to be missing the championship game.
After the first period, the Scouts led 1-0. Between periods, Coach Erickson talked to the team in the locker room.
“Guys, we’re not skating as hard as we can,” he said. “And our passing isn’t as sharp as it should be. Lead your teammates down the ice. I want to see more shots. We can’t score if we don’t shoot. Am I right?”
“Right, Coach!” the team yelled together.
Coach Erickson looked at Dylan. “How about you, Dylan?” he asked. “Is there anything you’ve noticed that could help us win?”
“Nope,” Dylan said. He shook his head. He knew he was being a bad sport. But he couldn’t be enthusiastic when he was being forced to watch the game from the bench.
“Okay, guys,” Coach Erickson said. “Let’s tie this thing up!”
The players cheered. Then they started walking back to the rink.
Nick and Tommy cornered Dylan in the hallway. “We need to talk,” Nick said.
“You’re being a jerk,” said Tommy.
“What are you talking about?” Dylan asked.
“I know you’re upset you can’t play,” said Nick. “But you’re part of this team.”
“We need your help if we’re going to win this game,” said Tommy.
“You’ll see so much from the sidelines that we miss,” Nick added.
Dylan was quiet for a minute. Tommy and Nick are right, he thought. I am being selfish. Just because I can’t play doesn’t mean I’m not a Ranger.
“Well, there is one thing,” Dylan said. “I noticed that Travis likes to skate to his right. If you cut him off and force him to his left, you’ll throw him off balance.”
“See! I told you you’d see stuff we didn’t!” Tommy shouted.
“Thanks, Dylan,” said Nick. “Keep the tips coming, okay?”
Dylan smiled. “Okay,” he said.
Together, the three friends turned and marched back to the rink.