Rebel Power Play Read Free Page B

way I was going back. I think I got twenty shutouts — no kiddin’. When Mike told me about the Hawks, I accepted the offer.”
    Charlie pretended to be impressed. “That’s incredible,” he said. “Twenty shutouts in one season — you must have won the championship.”
    Simon spit on the ground. “The team totally choked. We lost in the semis to a team we’d beat like ten times during the regular season.”
    “Tough luck,” Charlie said.
    “Simon’s gonna dominate,” Mike said. “In fact, Alexi Tolstoy asked me about the team, and I told him to stay with the Snow Birds, unless he wanted to be backup.”
    Charlie knew Alexi was the best AAA goalie in the league — hands down. He couldn’t believe what Mike was saying. Before he could reply, the bell rang and all the students began to shuffle to the front door.
    “See you at the tryout,” Charlie said.
    Mike shrugged. “Later.”
    Simon thrust his chin out again and followed Mike.
    Pudge put his hand on Charlie’s shoulder, holding him back.
    “What do you make of that?” Pudge said.
    “Don’t mind saying that I’m a bit freaked. Can you believe he told Alexi to get lost? Alexi’s good enough to win a championship by himself.”
    “Mike’s living in a dream world — always has. He thinks he’s the next Sidney Crosby and can’t understand why he never makes a good team. If his father wants to win — and from what I know about the guy he’s competitive — then he’ll want you on the Hawks.”
    They headed up the stairs to their lockers. Charlie slapped the railing.
    “I’m totally spaced. I forgot about Matt. He turned down his spot on the Wildcats because he didn’t want to play with Jake.”
    “That’s a familiar song,” Pudge said.
    “I hear ya. I bet he’ll be totally stoked about the Hawks. I’ll talk to him today.”
    Pudge made a sour face. “Not so sure about Matt. He’s been kind of busy lately.”
    Charlie waved him off. “This is hockey. He’s got to play somewhere.”
    “I’ll catch up with you,” Pudge said. “Got to get to my locker before class.”
    He ran off. Charlie spotted another kid who’d been on the school team. He lived a block away from him on the same street. They weren’t the closest friends, but he liked his serious-minded neighbour.
    “Hey, Dylan. How’s it going?”
    “Not bad. Things are busy with hockey starting up. Did you figure out what you’re gonna be doing?”
    Charlie quickly filled him in on the Hawks. “I’m keeping my fingers crossed that some of the guys might switch over and we can play together, which would be totally awesome. Of course, that might not happen,” he added.
    “Not sure that’s the best idea,” Dylan said slowly. “Mike’s not the easiest guy to deal with, and I don’t think his father’s any picnic either.”
    That made Charlie uneasy. Dylan never dissed people. “You’re probably right about that. But I’m hoping the other guys will balance things out. Mike saidhis dad was committed to building things up and … we might go to tournaments and stuff …” He didn’t know what else to say.
    “Who’s playing goal?” Dylan asked suddenly.
    “Simon Godfrey.”
    It seemed that Dylan was trying hard not to laugh. “Good luck at the tryout,” he said. “Tell me how it goes.”
    They said goodbye and Charlie went into his homeroom as the bell sounded.
    “How is Charlie doing today?”
    “I’m good, Mr. Hilton,” Charlie said. “Been busy working on the book report.”
    “Glad to hear it,” Hilton said. “I’m looking forward to reading it.”
    Charlie took his seat and pulled out a folder. He’d worked all weekend on the report. His teacher hadn’t thought too much of his first one, but this time he’d put in the effort. He flipped the pages, scanning anxiously for mistakes. He didn’t want to let Hilton down again, not after the school tournament. He’d been the coach — and probably the best coach Charlie had ever had.
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