Making the Cut (14 page)

Charlie practically leapt out of his bed when he heard a knock on the door.

“Down to the cafeteria,” a voice ordered.

It sounded like Trevor.

“We didn’t have a meeting scheduled, did we?” Corey said. “I need a shower.”

“I think it’s a surprise,” Charlie said dryly. Corey hadn’t stopped exercising the entire time. Charlie was almost thankful that the moment of truth had come.

Slogger was already in the hallway.

“Did you know about this meeting?” Corey asked.

“It’s a surprise, I think,” Slogger said.

“Hey, that’s what Charlie said.” Corey laughed and slapped Charlie on the back.

Slogger gave Charlie a quizzical look, as they headed down to the cafeteria.

Scott and Nick were walking down the hall.

“You fellas know what this meeting is all about?” Corey asked.

Would his friends resist the temptation?

Nick whispered something in Scott’s ear.

“Might be an award for the best-dressed defenceman — obviously me,” Scott said.

The joke was weak and Scott knew it. But he stayed true to his word, and that was the end of it. Charlie relaxed. His friends would keep the secret. In short order, all the players had taken their places in the cafeteria.

Jen clapped her hands a few times. “Gentlemen. Let’s settle down, please.” She waited for silence. “We’ve decided to announce the lineups for the Challenge Game now instead of after dinner. Before we do that, Coach Clark wants to talk to you.”

Coach Clark seemed more serious than usual. He cast his eyes around the room, settling them briefly on Charlie.

“As all of you are well aware, a few days ago someone took Coach Miller’s Stanley Cup ring. This is easily the most unpleasant thing that’s happened in the twenty years we’ve run this camp. To say the theft showed a lack of respect for the YEHS, Coach Miller and the game of hockey is an understatement. As well, the ring is worth a great deal of money, and stealing it is a criminal offence. The police were called and were beginning to investigate. This afternoon the ring was found in Jake’s hockey bag. He denied taking it, and accused Charlie of putting it there.

“About half an hour ago Charlie addressed the coaches, and he stated to us that he did not take the ring, and
that he did not believe Jake took it either.”

A murmur rose among the players.

“Charlie also stated that he knew who took the ring, but that he wouldn’t tell us who did it. When we pressed him for a name, Charlie said that he didn’t want this individual to be punished, and promised there wouldn’t be any more trouble.”

Charlie couldn’t help glancing over at Corey. He’d gone completely pale, his hands gripping the bottom of his seat.

“I should clarify for the record that Charlie cannot prove absolutely that Jake didn’t take the ring. His evidence is based on certain suspicious behaviour and comments made by the unidentified thief. It is not the strongest evidence, but at the same time I cannot entirely dismiss it. There is also the plain fact that Charlie is so insistent that Jake did not steal the ring.

“As my dad used to say, this puts us firmly on the horns of a dilemma, which is another way of saying we don’t know exactly what to do. I think the coaches all agree that Charlie is being sincere and truly believes Jake is innocent. On the other hand, he’s covering up a crime.”

Clark took a few steps forward and his face took on an even more serious expression. Charlie’s chest tightened.

“The coaches have decided that in light of the circumstances, and after speaking to Jake and Charlie, we no longer consider Jake a suspect. He will remain in camp and is eligible for the Challenge Game. As for Charlie,
while I respect his desire to protect a friend, and admire his willingness to prove Jake’s innocence, his refusal to identify the real thief cannot be condoned or ignored. There is only one day left in camp, and we do not see it necessary to send him home. Charlie is not eligible to play in the Challenge Game, however.”

An eerie silence followed. It was a bizarre moment for Charlie. Corey was only about ten seats away. He was sitting ramrod straight, his hands clenched together in his lap, barely moving a muscle. He looked ready to break into a thousand pieces. Seeing Corey like that convinced Charlie that he’d made the right decision. It would absolutely destroy his roommate to be caught. Charlie couldn’t do it to him, and if it meant missing the Challenge Game, then that was a price he was willing to pay.

Charlie slumped in his seat. They’d probably start to announce the lineups for the Challenge Game now. He wondered if Jake would make it.

“I don’t think that’s really fair, Coach Clark,” he heard someone at the far end of the cafeteria say.

Charlie looked around. Richard was standing up and had walked towards the middle of the aisle.

“Coach Miller has his ring, and I don’t think Charlie should be punished for telling the truth. He didn’t have to help Jake,” Richard said with real emotion.

Clark seemed taken aback. “The coaches have made their decision, but I understand your position.”

“I think it’s unfair too.” Gabriel stood up, not far from Charlie. “Is it really that important to find the thief if
Charlie says the guy won’t steal again? Charlie probably knows the guy well enough to say that, and I trust that if Charlie says the guy won’t be a problem, then he won’t.”

Simon stood up next to his friend. “I agree. Charlie should be allowed to play.”

“I wouldn’t feel right about the Challenge Game if Charlie loses a spot because of this,” Slogger said next.

Charlie fought to control his emotions. He’d never thought that these guys would be such true friends.

“We want Joyce! We want Joyce!” Scott and Nick began chanting and then all the players began talking at once. Coach Clark held up his hands. “Hold it down, boys. Hold it down. Again, I appreciate your willingness to help a friend, but …”

J.C. Savard stepped forward. The players quieted down. Charlie was totally surprised. While Savard was possibly the best player at camp, which gave him a lot of status, he wasn’t that vocal and he rarely spoke in groups. Was he going to support him too?

“I wish you would reconsider, Coach Clark,” he said. “I don’t think any of the guys would feel right about Charlie being banned from the Challenge Game. I’ve played against him, and at this camp I’ve played with him, and I think he deserves the chance to play.”

His buddy Burnett spoke next. “I’m with J.C. on this. I think he should be eligible.”

A half-smile played across Clark’s face. His head tilted to one side, he closed his eyes slightly and nodded a few times. “Before another ten of you ask, I will discuss
this with the other coaches. Give me a minute, please.”

Clark huddled with the coaches, and Jen and Trevor joined them too.

Nick and Scott gathered around Charlie.

“I thought you should’ve been tossed out of camp, but I didn’t want to say it because we’re friends,” Scott said.

“That’s a weird coincidence, because I wanted Scott kicked out,” Nick said.

Charlie was grateful for their attempt to lighten the mood, and he laughed. Savard, Burnett, Gabriel and Simon came over.

“Thanks for the support, guys,” Charlie said, feeling a bit awkward about the whole thing.

“You deserve to play,” Simon said emphatically.

Slogger, Pete, Richard, Nathan, James and a few other guys from Teams 1 and 2 joined them too, and soon they were all joking around, Scott and Nick leading the way, naturally. Charlie did notice another smaller group of guys had formed around Jake and Zane. He could guess what they were talking about.

Things got fairly loud as time passed and at first no one heard Clark trying to speak. A piercing whistle interrupted their conversations.

“Thanks, Jen. I wish I knew how to do that,” Clark said, laughing. “And now, gentlemen, would you please take your seats.”

They laughed politely and sat down.

“We had an interesting discussion to be sure,” he said. “One thing I am emphatic about is not being afraid
to change my mind. Sometimes I think referees refuse to reconsider a call because they fear that will lead to players or coaches questioning every call they make. I see their point, but a bad call is a bad call.

“In that spirit, we have decided that after hearing the opinions of the players who have had the courage to speak out in Charlie’s defence, and considering their objections to our decision, I am prepared to reinstate Charlie for the Challenge Game.”

The players around Charlie clapped and cheered, and Scott and Nick and a bunch of others gave him a high-five.

Clark held his hands up again, and they settled down. “With that bit of unpleasantness behind us, we can move on to more important matters — namely, announcing the lineup.” Jen handed Clark a clipboard. “When your name is called, come up beside me, please.”

He started calling out names. Jake’s name was called, which got a reaction. His friends cheered, but Charlie noticed a few guys shaking their heads. Nick got called, and Charlie hooted and hollered along with Scott and Slogger. Then Slogger got the call, and Charlie flashed his new friend a big thumbs-up. Corey’s name was announced, and his roommate threw his fist in the air. He looked ready to explode, he was so happy.

“… and, last but not least, Charlie Joyce.”

He felt Scott push him forward. Clark beckoned with his head for him to join the others. A rousing cheer sounded, and not just from his friends this time. He tried not to blush. He also didn’t trust his legs, and was
grateful when he found himself standing next to Slogger without having tripped over anything.

Clark raised an arm. “I give you your Challenge Game players. Let’s give them a cheer for this accomplishment.”

Coach Miller led everyone through three Hip, hip, hoorahs.

“Isn’t this the coolest?” Slogger said.

Charlie had to agree.

Charlie circled the net and pushed hard to the blue line in an effort to slow the butterflies in his stomach. A quick meeting had followed the announcement of the Challenge Game rosters where Miller and Binns drafted the teams. Charlie ended up on Binns’ team; and, intentionally or not, Miller took Jake. The next morning, his team met with Coach Binns to go over the lines and some basic strategy. He was stoked when Binns announced he’d be centring a line with Simon and Gabriel. Then the team was asked to come up with a name. After a few bogus suggestions, someone called out the Sharks, and no one objected. It turned out Miller’s team wanted a dangerous name too and chose the Cobras, so it was going to be the Sharks versus the Cobras.

“Charlie, come here for a sec.”

At the Sharks’ bench, Binns and Corey waved. Charlie glided over and leaned an elbow against the top of the boards.

“We need a big game out of you two. I figure J.C. and Jake will generate most of the Cobras’ offence. Both are excellent players, very fast, great shots, and instinctive scorers. Be aware of J.C.’s creativity with the puck. We can’t afford to let him control the puck in our end. Get on him fast and try to keep the puck off his stick. As for Jake, he’ll try to overpower you if he can. Focus on positioning, and keep your feet moving. He’s a tough customer in close, so make sure you keep yourself between him and our net.”

“Got it, Coach,” Corey responded. “We’ll shut them down, and pop in a couple too. This is when the hard work pays off. You can count on us.”

“I like your confidence,” Binns said.

Corey grinned and slapped Charlie on the back.

“So can my line start?” Corey said. “We’re totally ready to get on the forecheck and bang some bodies. Do you mind, Charlie? Thanks, roomie,” he said before Charlie could respond.

“Let’s be sure to stay calm,” Binns said.

It seemed to Charlie that Binns was speaking to Corey.

“I’ll make adjustments as needed. Why don’t you go finish your warm-ups.”

“You got it,” Corey answered for the both of them.

Charlie pushed off, looking for a puck to take a few shots on net. He’d barely moved when a stick slapped his shin pads.

“I’ve got mega-energy today,” Corey said. “The batteries are totally charged. I’ll be taking a little extra
time on each shift to grind J.C. and Jake down. That’ll make sure you’re fresh.” Corey tapped his shin pads again. “You’ll do fine, Charlie. It’s only natural to be nervous. I’ve been here before, and played in lots of big games. Leave the hard work to me.”

He whacked Charlie’s pads a third time and skated off.

The ref blew his whistle and the players skated to their benches.

“Let’s have Corey’s line out first,” Binns announced. Charlie took a seat next to Simon and Gabriel to wait — and wait he did. True to his word, Corey stretched the shift and stayed out for almost two minutes. By the time Charlie finally got on, his linemates had come off and he had to shift up too.

It became obvious early on that Corey was having trouble keeping up with Savard. He was obviously fit, but the skill level made it a bit of a mismatch. On one play in the Sharks’ end Savard slipped the puck between Corey’s legs and then flung a saucer pass across the crease to a wide-open Cobras player. Only a helpful goalpost kept the puck out. The Cobras players changed up after that, as did Corey’s wingers, and again, Corey stayed out as promised, leaving Charlie to cool his heels on the bench. Fortunately, the ref whistled the play down on an offside and Corey had to come off.

“Change up a little faster there, Corey,” Binns called out.

Corey nodded to Charlie as he came off, but didn’t say anything.

Charlie hunched over for the draw. Jake was a formidable centre, very strong and hard on the puck. He knew from experience that Jake often used his size and strength in the faceoff circle, not to mention the occasional cross-check. Surprisingly, the only thing Jake used his stick for was to try to draw the puck to his defence. Charlie was a hair quicker, however, and the puck went spinning back to the Sharks’ left defenceman.

Charlie held Jake up slightly to give his defenceman time to move the puck, which he did by swinging it wide to his defence partner. Charlie cut deftly up the middle and promptly received a hard pass two feet past the blue line. An opposing winger challenged. Charlie saw it coming and cut inside to get the angle, then flipped it wide to a streaking Gabriel flying up the wing.

Simon came off the left side calling for a pass, and Gabriel didn’t disappoint. Meanwhile, Charlie hightailed it to the far side vacated by Simon. It was a three-on-two, although Jake and his linemates were hustling back. They wouldn’t have much time for a play.

Simon seemed to agree. A left-handed shot, Simon veered that way with the puck on his forehand, drawing both defencemen over. Charlie drove for the net, which forced the defenders to hesitate. That gave Gabriel the opportunity to get behind the defenceman on the right side. Simon whipped the puck across his body. Before the defenceman had a chance to react, the speedy winger was in alone.

Gabriel faked left, then right, dropping the goalie to his knees. He had an easy forehand up high, Charlie
thought. Instead, he slid it across to Charlie. It was a totally unselfish play. Charlie banged the puck past the goalie’s outstretched pad.

The players in the stands went wild, clapping and banging the back of their chairs.

“Great follow up,” Simon said, slapping the top of his helmet.

Gabriel tapped each player on the mask. “Good hustle, boys. That was a sweet.”

The Cobras changed forwards, and Corey hopped over the boards.

“What’s with the quick shift?” Simon growled.

Charlie had only been out thirty seconds because of Corey’s extra-long shift. He didn’t see the point of complaining, however, and headed to the bench.

Savard won the draw back to the left defenceman, who one-timed it off the boards to his winger. He sent it spinning into the Sharks’ zone as his linemates gave chase on the forecheck.

“You’ve barely had a chance to stretch your legs,” Simon said to Charlie on the bench. “We pop one in and that clown comes bouncing over.”

Gabriel spit some water over the boards. “I still think Duncan deserved the fourth centre spot. Corey’s a solid player, don’t get me wrong; and the guy’s fit —”

“But he’s got hands of stone,” Simon cut in.

“He got invited last year —” Charlie began.

“I played in a tournament against him last season,” Simon interrupted. “The guy was almost as big then as he is now. He used to overpower everyone. I say he’s
peaked, though. Now others are catching up in size. Like I said, he’s got the hustle and the heart — but the skill’s not there.”

“Look at that,” Gabriel interjected.

Savard had snagged a loose puck at the far boards. When Corey moved in to forecheck, the slick centre spun to his right and rolled around him. At the hash marks he let a slapshot go that caught the top left corner.

“Charlie, you gotta cover Savard,” Gabriel stated bluntly. “Corey can’t handle him. Coach doesn’t make the move, we’re done.”

Binns patted the three linemates on the helmet. “We need that goal back. Get ready to change up.”

He didn’t necessarily disagree with Gabriel, but it was hardly his place to say that. He hopped the boards and skated to centre for the faceoff. Jake had already set up.

“Centreman, put your stick down, or I’ll drop the puck,” the ref barked.

That snapped him out of his fog. Too much time had been spent thinking about Corey. He’d done enough damage. Now the time had come to focus on Charlie Joyce.