The arena was dead quiet at 7:45 a.m. Sunday morning skate was optional, but the top line never skipped. Muscle memory. Discipline. Or maybe just the need to see each other’s faces after last night without the buffer of a full team.
Marek was the first one to arrive. Just as always— black Under Armour hoodie up. His beard was still damp from the hotel shower. He dropped his bag by the bench and his eyes went around the empty rink. Scanning, like he was checking for landmines.
Jaxon was the next one to show up. His hair was mussed. Hoodie sleeves pushed up to show the fresh ink that was curling around his forearms. Sunglasses were still on despite the dim tunnel lights. He walked with a slight hitch— subtle. But Marek still noticed it.
Of course he did.
“Morning cap.” Jaxon said to him.
