Jordin Cliff sighed as he sat down on the home bench and looked out over the ice. He'd just finished cleaning up from his work in the dressing room. He'd been doing some work on it ever since the call he'd received from Angela Smythe a few days before. He wanted it ready for the new team.

The first set of skates took the ice. While he'd been working, the players had been using one of the guest dressing rooms. There were more here than he had anticipated. Jordin would need to make sure he hurried his renovation efforts.

Two more sets of skates took the ice. One went left, and one went right. They were collecting the nets that had been pushed aside for the Zamboni. The first skater was taking laps, picking up the pace with each stride.

Another set of skates took the ice.

And another.

And another.

Jordin smiled. It wasn't a complete team just yet, but Angela and Theo had done well. Six forwards, three defenders and even a goalie. They needed one more defender, and then perhaps they could at least get a team to accept an exhibition game. Maybe even enter a tournament.

Angela took the ice. Jordin was impressed with her willingness to play a different position, but he did find it a shame she wouldn't be able to do what she did best. Nonetheless, her skating was excellent. She would play defence better than anyone, and drive play from the blue line extremely well.

A tall blonde girl, Jordin believed her name was Kelsey Gardner, looked up in surprise as Angela began skating. Jordin grinned at the look. The others were taking notice, including another pair who were taking the ice. They were finally seeing what many in Loon's Lake who were paying attention already knew.

They were seeing the greatest player this small town had ever seen.

Angela picked up a puck among the few that had been dropped onto the ice. She either hadn't noticed the stares, or was merely ignoring them. It was a great skill in and of itself to be able to do that. Even Theo had struggled to avoid noticing the stares.

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Flaming red hair billowed in the wind as Angela picked up speed. The puck didn't skip as she handled it back and forth. The ice, of course, was perfectly cleaned, and no puddles caused the puck tto stick, which could often happen after the Zamboni was done. Another of Theo's talents. Jordin was proud he'd learned that art so well.

The lone goalie the team had brought to the cause took her place in one of the nets. Jordin believed her name was Sarah. She didn't appear to be a very high level, but Jordin was impressed with her willingness to join the team. Getting a goalie was always going to be this team's biggest hurdle in acquiring players.

Angela set her sights on the goal, skating down the ice and watching as Sarah came out to challenge her. Jordin had a guess as to what Angela would do. She wouldn't want to embarrass Sarah, so she wouldn't deke. No, she would merely show off her wicked wrist shot.

Ping!

Gasps were heard throughout the players on the ice. Hardly any of them had noticed the puck leaving Angela's stick. Jordin had been looking for it, and he'd nearly missed it himself. The quick pull back, and the sudden flick of Angela's wrist had sent the puck darting past Sarah's glove. It was off the post and into the net in an instant.

"Wooo! Nice one, Angela!" Kelsey called out, skating up to the young star and giving her a high five.

A few others headed over to her as well, and Jordin chuckled to himself. It was good this team had a star player like this. If they were to play some games in the near future, it was likely going to be tough going for awhile. A player like Angela could always give them hope, though.

Clunk!

A door at the other end of the ice opened, and a pair of skates stepped out. Someone in a tracksuit, holding a hockey stick and a clipboard skated out, closing the door behind him. Around his neck, was a whistle. He pulled it up, but didn't need to blow it.

Everyone on the ice gathered around him immediately.

Jordin took a deep breath and stood up. He headed back to the dressing room, deciding to do a little more work on it. Everything would be fine on the ice.

No one in Loon's Lake could play the game like Angela Smythe.

No one in Loon's Lake could see the game like Theodore Byers.

A cheer rose up from the stands. Jordin took a quick glance up, seeing the girl Chloé and Theo's friend Dylan. There were even a few others there. A young family who had been part of a public skate on the weekend. A father and his son who had just signed up for youth hockey. A couple of brothers who had just had a practice. A mother and her daughters who had cheered for their cousin on the Loonie Girls for years. Jordin laughed, continuing on his way.

No one in the world could love their hockey team like Loon's Lake.

To Be Continued...