A Golfer's Dream - Book Two Chilly Winter Hot Summer         Written by TheCaddy

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sexual acts between adults and minors. All of the sex depicted is consensual;
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Chapter Twenty-Nine - Back On the Ice

As Dave stood in his kitchen thinking about playing in the Bell Canadian Open 
with Mike Weir, he was shaken from his reverie by a honking horn.  He grabbed 
the backpack he had prepared earlier and ran to meet John.  As he climbed into 
the car with his best friend he immediately said, "You'll never guess what just 
happened."

As John backed out of the driveway he asked, "What?"

Dave explained, "I got a call from the RCGA and they want me to play in the 
Canadian Open next week.  I'm going to be playing with Mike Weir!  Can you 
believe it?"

John cheered, "That's sweet.  You're going to play against the pros?"

Dave smiled, "I can't believe it either!"

John suddenly looked serious, "What are the Missiles going to say?"

Dave shrugged, "I don't know; but I can't pass up this opportunity.  It would be 
like you getting a call from an NHL team and being asked to play a game with 
them.  Would you turn that down?"

John thought about Dave's analogy, "No, I guess I wouldn't; but I hope they 
don't cut you for not being devoted enough to the team."

Dave just looked at his best friend, "I hope they don't either; but I can't 
worry about that - this is a rare chance to play against the best golfers in the 
world."

John pulled into a parking space at the Civic Centre and the two friends walked 
into the rink.  The Missiles had converted an empty room across from their 
dressing room into a fitness training room.  Dave and John entered the fitness 
room and one of the assistant coaches, Dave 'Tucker' Flanagan, was getting ready 
to start the training program.  Dave remembered Tucker from the previous day and 
asked him if Coach Vigneault was in.  Tucker said he would not be in for another 
hour.  

Dave worked out with the team and was very tired when the hour and half was 
completed.  He left the training room and walked to the coach's office.  The 
door was closed so he knocked and awaited a reply.  After a short pause he 
heard, "Entree!"

Dave cracked the door open and asked, "Can I speak to you, coach?"  After the 
coach pointed to an empty chair, Dave sat down and explained, "Coach, I got a 
call today from the RCGA.  They have invited me to play in the Canadian Open 
golf tournament next week.  As I have told you, my dream is to eventually play 
professional golf.  This is an opportunity that I can't turn down.  I hope you 
will still give me a chance to earn a spot on this team - but I need to take ten 
days off starting on Friday."

Coach Vigneault did not look happy as Dave explained his plan to take ten days 
off.  After a short reflection he replied, "Dave, you are a very good hockey 
player.  I would like to have you on our team but all my players must make this 
team their number one priority.  What happens if next month you get an 
opportunity to play in another tournament?  This team can not be disrupted like 
that.  I am also concerned by the fact you tell me you are going to a US college 
next year - that means I only have you for one year.  I have thought about that 
a lot since we spoke on Saturday and I have decided that if you cannot help my 
team this year then I will not keep you on the team.  I would rather invest a 
year of development into another sixteen or seventeen year old then spend a year 
developing you.  However, as I said, if you can help me this year I will 
consider keeping you.  The other players on the bubble for this team have the 
next two weeks to prove themselves.  You now have until Friday - you better make 
the next four days count.  And I will want assurance from you that, after this 
special tournament next week, you will remain with my team until the end of the 
playoffs.  Without that assurance you will be cut.  Understood?"

Dave thanked the coach before he left his office.  Dave was disappointed that 
the coach was ready to cut him so quickly, but he understood the logic the coach 
clearly laid out for him.  

John was waiting outside and Dave briefly explained what the coach said.  John 
replied, "I figured he would not like it.  You will have to play really well 
both Tuesday and Thursday."

Dave nodded as he followed his friend out of the rink.  They went to Dave's home 
and found something to eat for dinner.  The meal was quiet as Dave thought about 
his future with the Missiles.  He thought about Coach Vigneault position and he 
came to appreciate what the coach was thinking.  He then thought about his lack 
of golf practice since returning from Hartford and he knew that would have to 
change.

After eating he called Jennifer.  She was glad to hear his voice and agreed to 
pick him up after his practice.  He told her about the Canadian Open and she was 
excited for him.  He further explained that he would need to practice a lot more 
this week.  Jennifer understood although she silently wondered when he would 
have time for her with both hockey and golf.  Dave promised to give her all his 
time Friday night and Saturday afternoon and evening.  He said he would see her 
after practice and hung up.

John and Dave talked for a while before they left for the rink.  The practice 
was hard and most of the team had somehow heard about Dave leaving for ten days 
- they didn't seem pleased with his lack of commitment.  During the last half 
hour of practice, Coach Vigneault ran them through their systems.  Dave and John 
were on the same line, each on a wing with a veteran center, Pierre-Andre 
Bureau.  Dave took a little time to adjust to the system and the opposing 
players seemed to be hitting him at every opportunity.  He had noticed that 
there had been little or no hitting during this part of the practice on Saturday 
and even now he seemed to be the lone target.  He immediately realized that the 
players were trying to send him a message.  After getting hit hard the third 
time he got the message loud and clear.  He would have to take his game to a 
higher level or they would chase him off the team.

Dave was still feeling rusty but he dug deep and turned his intensity up a 
notch.  A veteran forward took a run at him and Dave smoothly side stepped the 
hit and put a perfect pass on John's stick.  He then accelerated down his wing 
and cut toward open ice in the middle.  He called for the puck and John hit him 
with a perfect return pass.  Dave carved around the defenseman and deeked the 
goalie out solid before lifting the puck into the empty net.  He didn't 
celebrate; he simply moved back to his starting position near the boards and 
waited for Coach Vigneault to start again.

The coach ran the play again.  The puck moved to Dave again and he was again 
charged by a different veteran player.  He narrowly missed the heavy check and 
passed to John again.  Pierre-Andre moved up ice with them and received a pass 
from John.  Dave stayed on his wing and waited for the Pierre-Andre to cross the 
blue-line before Dave accelerated around the opposing defenseman in front of 
him.  As he moved past the defenseman, Pierre-Andre passed him the puck and he 
skated in on the goalie.  The other defenseman came over to cover and Dave faked 
a shot before he slid a perfect pass back to Bureau, now at the far side of the 
net.  The goalie was frozen by the fake shot and Bureau easily redirected the 
pass into the net.

Pierre-Andre skated over to Dave and tapped him on the shin pads, "Great moves, 
Dave."  Dave nodded after he heard the words spoken with a very heavy French 
accent.  Coach Vigneault blew his whistle and changed the lines.  John sat 
beside Dave on the bench and quietly whispered, "Good job of sticking it down 
their throats.  We'll have a good game in Charlestown and show them what we can 
do together.  Don't worry; I've got your back."

Dave nodded as he sucked for air.  The much faster pace was definitely going to 
take some time to get used to.  A quick burst of speed here and there had 
drained him completely.  Dave's line got on the ice for a few more practice 
shifts and Dave, John, and Pierre-Andre seemed to be getting a good feel for 
each other.

As practice broke up the coach told them to meet at the rink the next day at 
eleven o'clock.  Dave hit the showers where he continued to get some sour looks 
from the veterans.  He shrugged it off and changed quickly.  Jennifer met him in 
the hallway and they left immediately for North Beach.  Dave spent three hours 
practicing at Hawk's Hallow before he returned to the trailer.  He ate a large 
meal for supper while the conversation centered around his upcoming golf 
tournament.  

Dave suddenly remembered something he had been told and looked at his father, 
"Dad, I need a caddy for the tournament."

Roger immediately answered, "We can hire one when we get to Hamilton."

Dave shook his head, "I don't want a stranger carrying my bag.  I want someone 
who knows my game and who I trust to help me with sound decisions.  I want 
someone I look up to - I want you to caddy for me."

Roger's eyes were misty with tears as he replied, "I'd be honored to caddy for 
you, son."

Dave nodded, "Thanks, Dad.  We'll be an unbeatable team."

After the meal Dave and Jennifer went for a walk.  He told her he had a ten 
o'clock curfew so he couldn't sneak onto the golf course with her.  She smiled 
and said she wanted to save up for Friday.  He kissed her tenderly.  She told 
Dave that she was driving over to Charlestown with Dave's father, mother and two 
uncles - even Robert was going.  She also said Katherine was invited and was 
checking with her parents.

After the walk Dave and Jennifer went for a swim in the pool.  The evenings were 
getting cooler as August drew to a close and the heated pool felt good.  They 
pulled on sweat suits to keep warm as they walked back to the trailers.  
Jennifer was sitting with Dave watching television when the phone rang.  Dave 
answered the phone; it was a curfew check and he told Tucker he was in for the 
night and would see him in the morning.

Dave walked Jennifer home around eleven before he went to sleep.  He dreamed 
about the Canadian Open as he slept soundly all night.

He woke at seven o'clock and went to the golf course to practice.  He hit balls 
for three hours before returning to the trailer and eating a large meal.  
Jennifer drove him to meet the bus.

The drive to Charlestown passed quickly and the afternoon skate was relaxing.  
Dave started to get nervous during the team meal and by game time he was very 
nervous.  He knew he had only two games to prove to Coach Vigneault that he 
would be an asset to the team this year.  The team went on the ice for the pre-
game warm-up.  Dave was psyched and ready.  He skated hard and got well-
stretched.

The team returned to the dressing room and the coaches went over the game plan.  
Dave, John, and Pierre-Andre's line would be the third line.  The team left the 
dressing room pumped up and ready for a battle.  The Charlestown team was big 
and was expected to be one of the top teams in the Atlantic Division.  The 
Missiles were not expected to be a top team in the division but were expected to 
do well enough to make the playoffs.

The first shift was very physical as the large Charlestown players tried to 
intimidate the Missile players.  The second shift was very physical as well.  
Dave was a little surprised that each line only stayed on the ice for about 
thirty seconds before changing; in midget hockey shifts tended to be closer to a 
minute long.  Dave's corresponding winger from the second line came to the bench 
and Dave jumped on as the team changed while play continued.  Dave skated to his 
position and received a pass immediately.  He turned to look up ice and was 
pounded into the boards by a large Charlestown winger.  Dave got to his feet as 
he thought, "Welcome to Major Junior Hockey."

He got back in the play and returned the big hit to the same player.  The puck 
bounced loose and Dave quickly scooped it up and passed it to Pierre-Andre.  
Pierre-Andre accelerated through center ice before he passed to John on the far 
wing.  Dave skated hard up his wing and found a seam between the opposing winger 
and the defense.  John spotted him skating hard to the net and made a perfect 
cross-ice pass.  Dave moved in on the net and fired a quick wrist shot into the 
top corner of the net.  The red light went on behind the glass as Dave threw his 
hands in the air in celebration.  John and Pierre-Andre quickly skated to him, 
joined by their defensemen and the five players celebrated the first goal of the 
game.

Coach Vigneault and the rest of the team congratulated them as they reached the 
bench.  The rest of the first period went well but Dave found the pace of play 
very tiring.  Even though his skating legs were slowly improving he found even 
the short shifts drained him quickly.  He had set John up for a nice goal and 
the team went to the dressing room with a three to one lead.  Coach Vigneault 
spoke to the players in French before he left them to eat some oranges and rest.

The second period started like the first - very physical.  The whistle blew 
thirty-five seconds into the period and the second line for the Missiles took 
the ice.  John was sitting beside Dave and he whispered, "Here we go!"

Dave asked, "What do you mean?"

John replied, "See McIntyre lined up beside Jimmy?  They're going to fight."

Dave looked at Jimmy Bonneau, the Missiles' resident tough guy.  Dave had heard 
that Jimmy was considered one of the toughest guys in the league.  Dave watched 
as Jimmy and McIntyre chirped at each other.  As soon as the referee dropped the 
puck, Jimmy and McIntyre moved away from each other and threw down their gloves 
and sticks.  All the other players moved away as the referee blew his whistle 
and the two linesmen took positions close to the combatants in case they needed 
to jump in.  

Dave watched as the two players circled each other.  They came together and each 
threw a punch.  Jimmy grabbed McIntyre by the shoulder with his left hand and as 
he held him, he worked at the chin strap of his helmet with the same left hand.  
A split second later McIntyre's helmet fell off and Jimmy moved back to arm's 
length from his opponent and began throwing hard, heavy punches at McIntyre's 
now unprotected face.  McIntyre took four or five hard punches before he managed 
to get Bonneau's helmet off and then took two more before he could land one 
decent punch.  Jimmy threw three more punches before McIntyre simply held on and 
wrestled Jimmy to the ice.

The two linesmen then jumped in and separated the fighters.  The two fighters 
went to the penalty boxes to serve their five minute penalties.  The crowd was 
booing Jimmy but Dave and the rest of the team were screaming their approval of 
his sound thumping of the Charlestown player.  

The game returned to play and Dave set Pierre-Andre up for a nice goal half way 
through the second period.  The team went to the dressing room with a five-two 
lead.  Vigneault told the team to be ready for a really tough third period.  As 
the team went back on the ice, John warned Dave, "Keep an eye out for Saunders, 
the big defenseman, he's the team tough guy and he can be really dirty.  If we 
score another goal before they do - Saunders will likely start some trouble to 
break up our focus."  Dave nodded.

The Missiles' number one line started the third period.  The line was made up of 
Michael Lambert, Cory Irquart, and David Laliberte and they scored on the first 
shift.  The game did get a lot rougher and, when Dave's line took the ice, Dave 
noticed Saunders pointing at John.  As soon as the puck dropped John dropped his 
gloves and moved towards Saunders.  Saunders also dropped his gloves and they 
started to swing at each other.  John was game but the bigger Saunders landed 
more punches.  When the linesmen finally separated them John had a stream of 
blood rolling down the side of his face.  He went to the dressing room instead 
of the penalty box.  The Charlestown fans were going crazy.

Coach Vigneault sent out another winger to replace John and the two teams lined 
up again.  This time the winger opposite Dave started calling him a pussy and 
finally Dave asked, "Do you want to go?"  As soon as the linesman's hand made a 
motion towards the ice, Dave moved away from his opponent and threw his gloves 
to the side.  The Charlestown player did the same before they skated towards 
each other.  

They circled each other once before Dave moved in.  He grabbed the player's 
shoulder pad and threw a hard punch which landed right in the middle of the 
players face shield.  Dave felt pain shoot up his hand as he pulled his fist 
back and aimed a little lower.  This time he landed a punch which just grazed 
the bottom of the visor before landing on the players chin.  Dave felt a punch 
land on his visor before he pulled the opposing player close.  He had to get the 
damn helmet off before he broke his hand on the visor.  Dave worked at the 
helmet and suddenly it popped off, he immediately moved back and threw three 
straight hard punches.  As soon as the third one landed the player dropped his 
face forward and grabbed onto to Dave with all his strength.  Dave wrestled with 
him until they fell to the ice together.

The linesman separated them and escorted them to the penalty box.  The 
Charlestown player was quiet and there was a welt under his left eye.  When Dave 
got to the box Saunders was chirping at him but Dave just smiled at him and 
nodded.  A few minutes into Dave's penalty, John returned from the dressing 
room.  He sat beside Dave and laughed, "You had to get into it too, eh?"

Dave just nodded, "Yeah but I fared a little better than you."

John chuckled, "The girls love stitches and it only hurt when they pushed the 
needle through.  A little freezing would have been nice but I couldn't finish 
the game if they froze it.  I'll live."

Dave just shook his head as he imagined John getting stitches in the dressing 
room without first being frozen.

Because there was only one second between their penalties, John and Dave got out 
of the penalty box at the same time.  Saunders was still chirping at Dave but 
Dave ignored him.  The game ended with a seven-three score and the Missiles 
celebrated their victory.  Coach Vigneault told the players they had played well 
and he was very happy with the effort.

The drive home passed quickly and, as the bus pulled into the Civic Centre, Dave 
spotted Jennifer's car waiting for him.  The bus was unloaded and the players 
had to put their gear in the dressing room before they could leave.  When he 
exited the rink, Dave ran to the car and was surprised to see Katherine sitting 
in the front seat.  He got in back and both girls began talking excitedly about 
the great game he played.  He thanked them and told them it was fun.

Jennifer drove to Katherine's house and Dave again walked her to the door.  As 
they reached the door Katherine said, "I love watching you play hockey.  I was 
scared to death when you fought that guy but I knew you could look after 
yourself.  I've really missed you this summer and I hope we can get back 
together permanently after you return from Ontario."

Dave was about to speak when she kissed him on the lips.  Her tongue slid into 
his mouth as she put her arms around him and pulled him close.  Her aroma filled 
his lungs and he held her close as his tongue dueled with hers.  After a minute 
long kiss, Katherine pulled back and giggled as she ran into her house.

Dave was somewhat stunned as he walked back the car.  He was also a little 
nervous because he knew Jennifer could see the front door and must have watched 
them kiss.  As he leaned over to open the door he looked at Jennifer; she wasn't 
mad, in fact, she was smiling.  He sat beside her and asked, "Did you know she 
was going to do that?"

Jennifer nodded, "Yes, she asked me if it was okay to kiss you goodnight and I 
told her definitely yes."  

Dave just shook his head as Jennifer pulled out of the driveway.  They talked 
about his game and Jennifer related that his parents and two uncles were very 
proud of his play.  His family had talked about his goal and two assists all the 
way home.  The fight was not mentioned but she thought that was because she and 
Katherine were in the car.

It was very late when they reached North Beach so they kissed goodnight and went 
to bed.

Dave woke early and spent three hours working on his chipping and putting before 
he took the car to town for his weight training session.  He noticed how the 
veterans weren't giving him as hard a time.  After the session, Jimmy Bonneau 
walked up to Dave and said, "Saunders is going to come after you tomorrow night.  
You need to know how to get his helmet off before you break a knuckle or even 
your hand."  Dave looked down at his knuckles which were indeed scraped up from 
the night before.  Jimmy added, "When we get on the ice this afternoon, I'll 
show you a few tricks to get the helmet off."

Dave nodded and thanked the very big team enforcer.  Jimmy was actually one inch 
shorter than Dave but was at least ten pounds heavier.  Dave and John went back 
to Dave's house to eat before they returned for the afternoon practice.  Dave 
spent some time with Jimmy and learned how to check for the length of a players 
chin strap and how to pull it loose even if it was really short.  

Dave found he was starting to adjust to the speed of practice and he, John, and 
Pierre-Andre seemed to be really working well together as a unit.  The veterans 
didn't seem to be running at him as they were the previous practice.  After 
practice Dave left for North Beach.  He had told Jennifer he would join her at 
the beach when he was finished.  At the trailer he changed quickly then drove 
right to the beach.  As he strolled across the sand he saw his mother and 
Jennifer's parents sitting together.  He saw Jennifer and then he noticed 
Katherine sitting with them as well.  He walked to them and Jennifer kissed him 
tenderly.  He looked at Katherine; she didn't look jealous or anything, she just 
looked happy to see him.  He talked to them all for few minutes before Jennifer 
pulled him to his feet and they went for a swim.  

Katherine was soon swimming with them; she moved into Dave's arms and kissed him 
passionately.  She whispered, "I wanted to greet you with a kiss too but I 
didn't know what Jennifer's parents would think; so, I saved an extra special 
one for now."

Jennifer soon joined their embrace and Dave kissed her passionately as well.  
The situation reminded him somewhat of the previous summer when he, Jennifer, 
and Ann were together.  Dave asked, "Katherine, have you seen Helen lately?"

Katherine looked a little sad, "She's gone away with her family until Sunday.  
We had a falling out before she left but I'm going to apologize to her as soon 
as she returns.  I don't want to lose my best friend."

Dave agreed, "I'm glad; I know how close you two are."

Katherine nodded as Dave kissed her again.  After the short kiss Jennifer broke 
in, "Hey, don't forget me."  She kissed Dave softly and then, to both Dave and 
Katherine's surprise, she kissed Katherine on the lips.  Dave watched Katherine 
carefully for her reaction and, although she dropped her head in embarrassment, 
she didn't seem upset by the kiss.  Dave smiled to himself as he thought, 
"Jennifer, you charmer."

The rest of the afternoon passed slowly.  Dave went for a long walk with 
Jennifer and Katherine and all three enjoyed their time together.  At suppertime 
the families drove back to the trailer and had a large barbecue.  Dave showered 
in his trailer while Jennifer and Katherine showered in hers.  The three teens 
went for a walk after supper before Jennifer drove Katherine back to town.  Dave 
watched television in his trailer waiting for the phone to ring for a curfew 
check but it never did.  

Jennifer arrived back a short while later and she sat with Dave.  His parents 
were out for the evening and both Beth and Julie were out as usual.  Dave and 
Jennifer were kissing and fondling each other when Jennifer confessed, "When 
Katherine and I went in to take our showers, I snuck into the shower with her.  
She was uncomfortable at first but I promised I wouldn't do anything besides 
help her clean up.  She has a fantastic body.  She is very athletic, like Ann, 
but taller and her breasts are larger."

Dave nodded agreement as he felt his prick lurch at the thought of the two girls 
in the shower together.  He whispered, "I would have loved to see that."

Jennifer immediately replied, "Maybe you will.  I don't think Katherine is quite 
as shy about me joining the two of you as you might imagine."

Dave and Jennifer spent another hour together before Jennifer went home.  Dave 
slept soundly with thoughts of Jennifer and Katherine, golf, and hockey.  

He awoke at seven o'clock and went to the golf course for practice.  He 
practiced until noon before he returned to the trailer for a large dinner.  
Jennifer had cooked him a good meal.  He had to meet the team for an afternoon 
skate at two o'clock so he left shortly after eating.  He skated with the team 
before returning to trailer.  He went back to the golf course and practiced his 
chipping and putting for an hour before meeting his family for an early supper.  

His mom cooked a pasta supper and Dave ate before he left for town.  

Dave prepared for the game with the team and was very nervous when he stepped 
onto the ice for the pre-game warm-up.  He stretched then skated hard; as he 
left the ice he thought, "I'm ready".  The team returned to the dressing room 
and Coach Vigneault talked to them in French.  He told them that Charlestown 
would be looking for revenge and would be playing very physical.  He told his 
players to play hard and work as a team.

When it was time to take the ice Dave was psyched and ready.  Irquart's line was 
starting as usual followed by Maxim Lapierre's line.  Pierre-Andre Bureau's line 
was the third line.  The rink was almost filled with about three thousand fans.  
Dave skated around his end a few times before moving to the bench.

The game started on a very physical note and it was tight checking as well - 
which meant there were very few scoring opportunities for either team.  Dave was 
nervous to begin his first shift but got settled in by the end of that shift.  
He played well his first three shifts and threw several big checks.  On his 
fourth shift, he caught Saunders off guard and pounded him into the boards.  
Saunders was very pissed off and took a slashing penalty when he retaliated.  
The top line came on but couldn't score before the second line came on and also 
failed to score on the remainder of the two minute power-play.  Dave noticed how 
the power-play shifts tended to be longer as the top scorers tried to make the 
best of the man-advantage situation.

Late in the first period John threw a big check at centre ice which freed the 
puck.  Pierre-Andre picked up the loose puck and passed it to Dave who was 
breaking down his wing.  Dave accelerated around Saunders on defense and cut 
hard to the net on a sharp angle.  He pulled back his stick and faked a shot 
before he passed to John who was parked at the far corner of the net.  John 
redirected the pass into the net before he threw his hands in the air in 
celebration.

Dave joined him with the rest of his line-mates.  As they were skating to the 
bench Saunders said something chippy to Dave before Dave yelled at him, "Thanks 
for the goal, pylon."

Saunders again got pissed off and skated at Dave as he was going through the 
gate of the bench.  Dave just smiled at him and nodded.  As Dave sat on the 
bench watching the play, the horn sounded ending the first period and the 
Missiles went to the dressing room with a one-nothing lead.

In the dressing room Vigneault congratulated them and told them to keep working 
hard.  He went into his office with the assistant coaches.  The players rested 
and after a few moments Tucker came out of the coach's office and sat beside 
Dave.  He explained, "Saunders is going to come at you first shift.  Are you 
ready or do you want us to send Jimmy out to fight him."

Dave looked at Tucker, "I think I'm ready."

Tucker nodded, "Okay, get his helmet off as soon as you can and try not to let 
him get loose before you're ready to throw punches with him."  Dave simply 
nodded.

Coach Vigneault came out and gave the team a quick pep talk before they went 
back on the ice.  Dave noticed Saunders pointing at him on the bench and Dave 
just nodded in return.  Just over a minute into the period the whistle blew and 
Dave's line took the ice.  Dave was lined up at his winger position when 
Saunders moved his team's winger out of position and lined up next to Dave.

Dave simply looked at him and said, "Let's go!"

The linesman dropped the puck and Dave moved back and threw his stick and gloves 
to the side.  He moved to centre ice and waited for Saunders.  They circled each 
other twice before moving together.  Each threw a punch before moving close and 
getting each other's helmets off.  Dave used Jimmy's advice and got the helmet 
off easily.  They both moved back and started throwing punches.  They threw 
punch for punch, both landing hard punches right in the other player's face.  
Dave felt several hard punches hit his cheeks and he landed several hard punches 
on Saunders' face.  The two heavy weights threw at least fifteen punches each 
before they both started to tire.  They both seemed to stop throwing at the same 
time and held on as the linesmen jumped in and separated them.

The fans went crazy cheering the great fight.  Both players were tired when they 
went to the penalty box and both knew that the fight was a draw.  Dave was happy 
he held his own against the Charlestown tough guy but his face was sore from the 
repeated pounding it took.  He couldn't feel any blood running down his face so 
he was confident he wasn't cut but he could tell there was a welt under his left 
eye and possibly one under his right eye.  As he sat in the penalty box catching 
his breath he looked over at Saunders who happened to be looking at him.  
Saunders had a huge red welt over his left eye and a small one under his right.  
Dave thought he was looking in a mirror because his face felt the way Saunders' 
face looked.

Dave watched the two teams continue to battle for the puck but the score 
remained the same.  After sitting in the box for five minutes, Dave and Saunders 
were let out and they skated to their respective benches quietly.  As Dave 
neared the bench Jimmy smiled at him, "Great fight, kid.  You handled yourself 
well."

Dave sat down as Tucker walked up behind him and echoed Jimmy, "Good job, Dave.  
You sent a solid message to the Wildcats and to the whole league for that 
matter.  You should be able to just play hockey now without being harassed."

Dave nodded as he watched the play on the ice.  He could feel his face throbbing 
but he had more hockey to play before he could worry about his face - he wasn't 
convinced he had earned a position on the team yet.  On his next shift he 
received a cross-ice pass from John just outside their own blue-line; Dave 
immediately accelerated up the wing.  He saw a small opening between the 
defensemen and faked outside before he cut to the middle.  He slid the puck 
between the defenseman's legs and carved a sharp line around him as he moved 
past both defenders.  He moved in on the Charlestown goaltender and faked a 
wrist shot before deeking to his right and scoring in the empty net.

He threw his hands in the air and celebrated the goal.  The whole rink went 
crazy as the Missiles took a two-nothing lead.

Dave, John, and Pierre-Andre were resting on the bench when the Wildcats scored 
their first goal of the game to make the score two-one.

But Dave, John, and Pierre-Andre replied on their next shift.  John again sprung 
Dave with a nice cross-ice pass and this time Dave and Pierre-Andre were skating 
over the Charlestown blue-line with a two-on-one.  The opposing defenseman was 
staying in the middle and Dave slid a pass across to Pierre-Andre who skated 
past the defenseman and drew the goaltender to himself before he passed the puck 
back to Dave who redirected it into the net.

John joined the celebration as the Missiles regained their two goal lead.  The 
rest of the second period was hard fought without any more scoring.  After the 
break the Missiles returned to the ice with a three-one lead.  

As the third period started, Dave was feeling very tired.  He had stepped up the 
intensity but playing two games in three nights at a very fast pace was catching 
up with him.  He pushed as hard as he could but by the middle of the period he 
was totally exhausted.  Coach Vigneault stood behind him on the bench and said, 
"Good game, Dave.  I'm putting Hawes on your line for the rest of the game.  
Your conditioning still needs more work."

Dave tried to argue but he was too tired to even do that and finally just nodded 
agreement.  He watched the rest of the game which finished with the three-one 
score.  As he left the ice with his teammates a man told him and John to wait 
outside the dressing room.  Dave thought the worst - he was getting cut.  But as 
the game announcer called over the loud speaker Dave suddenly understood what 
was going on.

The announcer's voice boomed, "With one goal and two assists, the third star of 
the game is John Stewart!"  The fans yelled their approval as John skated back 
on the ice, circled once then returned to where Dave was standing.  The 
announcer then called the second star of the game and Dave saw a Charlestown 
player skate off their bench before he heard, "And the first star with two goals 
and one assist, Dave Mac Donald!"  Dave skated onto the ice and out to the blue 
line before he circled back to the gate behind his team's net.

John was waiting for him and the two friends walked into the dressing room 
together.  Coach was already talking to the team and he continued as Dave and 
John sat down.  He congratulated them on a hard fought game and told them it 
would get harder when the season started in three weeks.  

Dave got undressed slowly - he was totally exhausted.  When he finally finished 
taking off his gear he waddled into the showers.  He relaxed under the warm 
water and for the first time since the fight he felt his face throbbing.  As he 
exited the shower he looked in a mirror - there was right a large welt under his 
right eye and a smaller one under his left.  He thought, "My eyes will be black 
for a few days."  

As he stood in front of the mirror, Jimmy walked by and teased, "Don't worry, 
'Pretty Boy', your face will heal fine."  Dave smiled at him before he returned 
to the dressing room and pulled on his shirt and tie.  

He was just walking out when Tucker said, "Dave, Coach wants to speak to you."

Dave walked towards the office and thought how this was probably it - decision 
time.  His stomach was in knots with nerves but he had given everything he had 
even though he had run out of steam.  He felt good knowing he gave his all and 
whatever the coach decided he was going to thank him for the opportunity.  

Coach Vigneault was sitting at his desk with his door open.  Dave knocked on the 
doorframe and the coach motioned him to take a seat.  Dave closed the door 
behind him and sat in the office alone with his coach.  Coach Vigneault started, 
"Dave, you played two great games.  You worked hard and moved the puck well.  
You also handled yourself with the rough stuff extremely well - however, your 
conditioning is a problem.  You started camp late and now you are leaving for 
ten days."

Dave looked at the coach and waited to hear those two words, "You're cut!" but 
they never came.

Coach Vigneault moved a small sheet of paper in front of Dave, "The coaches and 
I are very pleased with your effort and ability and want to sign you right now.  
You will have to do some extra work when you get back from Ontario to catch up 
on your conditioning but, as long as you can assure me that this golf trip is 
your last absence this year, then you are invited to play with us."

Dave was relieved and he smiled at the coach, "I promise - this is the only 
tournament I will play before the end of the hockey year.  Thanks for giving me 
a chance, Coach."

Dave filled out the player card and signed it.  He then stood and shook hands 
with the coach.  He exited the dressing room and found Jennifer and Katherine 
waiting.  He kissed both passionately before he explained, "I made the team.  I 
just signed a card.  Can you believe it?"

Katherine was the first to reply as she ran a hand over his bruised face, "Yes, 
they would be crazy not to sign you.  Does your face hurt?"

Dave replied, "A little; but right now I'm too happy to care."

Dave hugged her and then Jennifer.  Jennifer also ran a hand over his face 
before she asked, "Can we go to McDonalds for a bite to eat?  I'm kind of 
hungry."

Dave hugged her again before they walked out of the rink arm-in-arm.  Several of 
the French players congratulated Dave on his game as they left.  

John was already at McDonalds with his girlfriend and Dave quietly told him 
about signing a card.  John told Dave he was happy for him and hoped that he 
would also make the team.  Dave, Jennifer, and Katherine spent an hour at 
McDonalds talking to friends before Dave drove Katherine home.  He walked her to 
the door and gave her a steamy goodnight kiss before he rejoined Jennifer in the 
car.  The drive to North Beach was filled with talk about his hockey.  His face 
was sore and he knew he would likely have at least one black eye if not two.

When he arrived at the trailer his parents were still up and they congratulated 
him on good game.  His mother walked to him and touched his already tender 
cheeks.  She kissed them lightly before she went to bed.  Dave and Jennifer sat 
and talked for a while before Dave walked her home.  He kissed her goodnight and 
told her he loved her.

He crawled into bed tired and sore.  He thought about the long upcoming season 
with the Missiles and he was happy he made the team.  He hoped John would make 
the team as well so they would be playing together.  He fell asleep thinking 
about the rugged fight with Saunders.  He sure hoped the rest of the league 
heard about it because he didn't think he wanted to have to fight every tough 
guy on every team in the league.