TABLE OF CONTENTS

  COVER

  TITLE PAGE

  CHAPTER 1: VARSITY DREAMS

  CHAPTER 2: MULTIPLY YOUR CONCENTRATION

  CHAPTER 3: THREE CHANCES

  CHAPTER 4: BEST WING ON THE TEAM

  CHAPTER 5: PLAY CHANGE

  CHAPTER 6: ATTACK OF THE MAC

  CHAPTER 7: MARAUDER MADNESS

  CHAPTER 8: ICE RINK MELTDOWN

  CHAPTER 9: RIVALS

  CHAPTER 10: THE ICE POND

  CHAPTER 11: BRINGING THE FIRE

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  GLOSSARY

  DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  WRITING PROMPTS

  MORE ABOUT ICE HOCKEY

  EXPLORE MORE

  COPYRIGHT

  BACK COVER

  CHAPTER 1

  VARSITY DREAMS

  The hockey puck slammed into Kyla Woodson’s stick. She glided across the ice, puck in her control. She could hear her opponents gaining on her, but she was too fast.

  As Kyla neared the goal, she locked eyes with the goalie. The defenders were still trying to catch up. Now was her chance. All she had to do was aim and score.

  “You’ve got it, Woodson!” a shout came from the stands.

  Kyla tensed. Tom, her mom’s new boyfriend, was here — again. Her eyes flicked away from the goal. It was just for a split second, but a split second was all it took.

  Mackenzie Martin, Kyla’s ultimate rival, dashed in and hooked her stick around the puck. She sent it spinning in the other direction.

  Kyla heard a cheer as the puck sailed into the net. She groaned. She’d just let her opponent score. Worse, she’d just let Mackenzie score.

  Coach Adams blew her whistle. “Nice play, Mac!” she called. “Gather round, team.”

  Kyla resisted the urge to smash her stick against the ice. Even though it was only practice, she’d failed. She’d had an easy shot, and she’d lost it.

  It was all Tom’s fault.

  As she glided toward Coach Adams, Kyla heard Tom’s voice again. “Keep your eye on the goal, Woodson!” he yelled.

  Just pretend like he’s not there, Kyla told herself.

  This year was supposed to be one of the greatest years of Kyla’s life. She’d always dreamed of playing in this rink, the home of the Walker Ice Storms. The Ice Storms were one of the best varsity teams in the state. Now that she was in high school, she could finally try out for the team.

  But the year hadn’t started out so well. At tryouts, the varsity coach, Coach Rafferty, had announced she wasn’t recruiting any ninth grade players. “At least not until mid-season, after I see some JV games,” Coach Rafferty had said. “If anyone stands out, I may consider it.”

  Kyla had been brokenhearted. She was stuck on the junior varsity team.

  Kyla let out a heavy sigh as she joined her teammates in a huddle. Not making varsity was just another disappointment in a series of bad events. Six months ago, her parents had gotten divorced. Then they had sold the house she’d grown up in. Since the start of the school year, she’d been splitting her time between her mom’s new house and her dad’s apartment. Neither place felt like home.

  And now her mom had a new boyfriend — Tom.

  Kyla shot another glance into the stands, where Tom was waving and grinning. She rolled her eyes. Tom was quite possibly the most annoying person on earth. He loved hockey, and he asked her endless questions about her skills.

  Normally Kyla loved to talk about her favorite sport, but not with Tom. Tom acted like a know-it-all. And ever since the start of the season, he had been coming to almost all her practices.

  I’ll never make varsity now, not with him around, she thought. He’s just a big distraction that’ll mess up my game.

  Ana Gonzales, Kyla’s friend and the team’s starting goaltender, skated up to the huddle and scooted in next to Kyla. “Hey, Fire. Thought you had that one for sure,” she said.

  “Fire” was Kyla’s hockey nickname. She’d earned it in little league because she’d skated so fast, it was like she was on fire.

  Kyla tossed her head in Tom’s direction. “I wish they’d lock the rink during practice,” she muttered.

  She hadn’t meant for Coach Adams to hear, but Coach never missed a thing. “You have to keep your head in the game,” she told Kyla. She looked around at the rest of the girls. “And that means everything. Eyes, nose, ears, all of it. Every inch of you has to be in the game. Right?”

  Mackenzie immediately piped up, “Yes, Coach!” She shot a glance at Kyla, but Kyla looked away.

  Mackenzie had been her number one rival for as long as Kyla could remember. They’d gone to different middle schools and had often played against each other on the ice.

  Last season, Kyla’s team, the Sundogs, had played against Mackenzie’s Cougars for the middle school championship. Tied at zero and with only eight seconds left of the game, Kyla had gained command of the puck and headed for the goal. She’d launched a shot but came up with only thin air. Mackenzie had stolen the puck.

  Kyla had swirled around just in time to see Mackenzie score the winning goal of the game. She would never forget that moment.

  Coach Adams glanced at the clock. “Practice is over for today, but we still have a lot of work to do. See you tomorrow.”

  At that, Mackenzie whipped off her helmet and shook out her long blond hair. Mac was one of those girls who seemed to have it all — confidence, good looks, and popularity. She never faltered on the ice. She always wore a smile, and she always encouraged even the weakest players. Mackenzie was perfect.

  Kyla’s stomach swirled with jealousy whenever she was around her. Now, they were at the same high school, on the same JV team, both trying to catch Coach Rafferty’s eye and make varsity.

  I can’t keep making mistakes if I want to make varsity, Kyla thought as she skated off the rink. At least I have until mid-season to get my game together.

  CHAPTER 2

  MULTIPLY YOUR CONCENTRATION

  “You coming?” Ana asked. She and Kyla were the last girls left in the locker room after practice.

  Kyla paused. Lately, she had been staying at the ice rink as long as possible. She never felt like going home. “What day is it?” she asked.

  “Wednesday,” Ana answered. “Why?”

  Kyla sighed. “The day determines where I go, remember? Mondays and Wednesdays I’m at Mom’s, and Tuesdays and Thursdays I’m at Dad’s. The weekends switch. It’s so confusing.”

  Kyla had to admit, though, both of her parents seemed happier in their new lives. They didn’t argue anymore, and her mom seemed to really like Tom.

  But my life feels like a mess, Kyla thought as she pulled on her jacket. And now Mackenzie is skating circles around me out on the ice.

  “Why does Mac have to be so perfect?” Kyla said out loud.

  Ana shrugged. “She’s good. We’re lucky to have her on our team. It’s definitely better than having her as an opponent. Right?“

  “I guess,” Kyla muttered. “But she might not be on our team for long if she makes varsity.”

  “I’m glad I don’t have to worry about varsity,” said Ana. “No way does Coach Rafferty need another backup goalie. But you shouldn’t worry about it, either. Either you’ll make varsity, or you get to keep playing with me on JV. Win-win.”

  Kyla gave a halfhearted smile. “Yeah, I suppose,” she said.

  But as they headed for the door, Kyla couldn’t help but worry. She wanted a spot on the varsity team more than anything. She needed at least one good thing in her life.

  * * *

  “Please pass the spaghetti,” Kyla said. She was starving after practice and was already on to seconds.

  “You know, Kyla, I was watching you out there today,” Tom said. He reached for the pot of spaghetti, balanced it in his hands, and kept talking. “And I think you need to multiply your concentration.”

  “Multiply my concentration?” Kyla repeated. She felt her mom’s eyes on her, but she couldn’t keep the irritation out of her voice.

  “You have to concentrate on the puck, obviously. But you also have to concentrate on the goal. And you always need to know where your opponents are. And your teammates.” Tom grinned. “See? Concentration multiplied!”

  “Please pass the spaghetti, Coach,” Kyla said.

  “How did your algebra test go today?” Mom broke in.

  “A lot of multiplication,” Kyla snapped, taking the pot from Tom. She scooped some spaghetti onto her plate and scarfed it down. “May I be excused?”

  Without waiting for a reply, Kyla shoved off her chair and ran to her room. She didn’t even try to start her homework. She just flopped onto her bed, pulled out her phone, and clicked on Ana’s number.

  “Hey!” Ana answered. “What’s up?”

  “Ugh, I just needed to vent. Tom was here for dinner again,” Kyla explained.

  “Again? Sounds like he’s practically moving in,” Ana said.

  Kyla groaned. “I hope not. Mom’s only been dating him for two months. But they seem pretty serious.”

  “So how did dinner go?” Ana asked. “Did Tom offer any helpful tips on your technique?”

  Kyla rolled her eyes. “Of course he did, and they were so helpful. He is beyond annoying. Maybe I should ask if I can just stay at Dad’s forever.”

  “That seems drastic,” Ana said. “Maybe you could just talk to Tom and tell him how you feel.”

  “No way!” Kyla protested. “He wouldn’t listen to a word I say. He’d be too busy thinking of ways to critic

ize my game.”

  “Well . . . how about talking to your mom?” Ana suggested.

  “No, I don’t want to make her feel bad,” Kyla said. “But I’ll be at Dad’s tomorrow. Then I won’t have to think about Tom. All I’ll have to do is decide what I want on my pizza for our weekly movie night.”

  At that thought, Kyla’s mood brightened. She couldn’t wait to be eating pizza and watching a movie with her dad, escaping from all her worries about Tom and making varsity.

  CHAPTER 3

  THREE CHANCES

  The sun was just starting to peek over the horizon as Kyla eagerly jumped into her mom’s van the next day. She was heading to her early morning practice. Even after yesterday’s terrible scrimmage, Kyla was looking forward to getting back in the rink. Maybe today she could redeem herself.

  As they drove, they passed the local outdoor ice pond. The early morning light glittered off its surface.

  Mom sighed a little. “Remember when I taught you to skate out there?” she asked.

  “I’ve always known how to skate, Mom,” Kyla answered, grinning.

  Most people assumed it was Kyla’s dad who’d taught her to skate. But Dad could hardly glide a few feet on the ice without falling over. It had been all Mom.

  “I love seeing you out on the ice,” Mom said, pulling up in front of the ice arena. She paused. “Tom does too.”

  Kyla rolled her eyes as she reached for the door handle. “Bye, Mom.”

  “Go get ’em, Fire!” Mom called just before the door closed.

  Kyla sighed. Why did Mom have to ruin the moment by mentioning Tom? Maybe she should take Ana’s advice and talk to her mom. She had to do something before Tom ruined her whole hockey season.

  After putting on her gear, Kyla walked into the cool arena. Then she noticed someone in the center of the rink, next to Coach Adams. It was Coach Rafferty, the varsity coach.

  Kyla’s heart pounded as fiercely as if she’d just speed-skated a mile. She waved at Ana and joined the team as they crowded around to hear what the varsity coach had to say.

  “Ladies,” Coach Rafferty began, “we’ve had some injuries on varsity. So I’m going to be recruiting a few new players earlier than expected.”

  Kyla’s hammering heart stopped mid-thump.

  Coach Rafferty scanned the girls’ faces. “I’ll be watching you all in action. Not in practice, but in games. I want to see you under pressure.”

  From where she stood, Kyla could see Mackenzie’s face shining with excitement. She probably already thinks she’ll make the team, Kyla thought.

  “I’ll be watching the next three games,” Coach Rafferty continued, “starting with tomorrow’s game against the Rockets. I’m looking to add one to three girls to the roster. Show me your skills, and you may just earn a spot on the team.”

  Kyla swallowed as the players broke from the huddle to start their warm-ups. She was excited but also nervous. She’d thought she had until mid-season to perfect her game. Now, she had just one day.

  “You’ve got this, Fire!” a voice shouted from the stands.

  Kyla turned to see Tom grinning and waving at her. She gave him a small, halfhearted wave, trying to resist the urge to roll her eyes.

  “Looks like you have a super-fan!” Mackenzie chirped. She smiled at Kyla as she adjusted her gloves. “Good luck tomorrow.”

  “You too,” Kyla muttered. She glanced back at Tom. To her horror, she saw him leaning over the glass and talking excitedly to Coach Adams. She couldn’t hear what he was saying, but he was waving his arms and gesturing toward the goal.

  Kyla skated in close. She was just in time to hear Coach Adams say, “I’ll think about it, Mr . . . ?”

  Oh no, Kyla thought. What is he up to now?

  “Taylor. Tom Taylor,” he replied. “I’m a family friend of Fire Woodson!”

  Coach glanced at Kyla and turned back to Tom. “Like I said, I’ll think about it, Mr. Taylor.” The coach didn’t seem pleased as she skated toward the center of the ice.

  “I’m sorry!” Kyla nearly tripped over her skates as she chased after Coach Adams. “Don’t listen to him. He’s just . . . I’ll try to keep him away from practice.”

  “Don’t worry about it, Kyla,” Coach said. “You just focus on your game. I’ve dealt with a lot of hockey dads before. I can handle it.”

  “He’s not my dad,” Kyla said, but Coach had already turned away.

  CHAPTER 4

  BEST WING ON THE TEAM

  That morning’s practice was intense. Everyone expected the upcoming game against the Rockets to be an easy win, but now the stakes were higher. Tomorrow, every girl who wanted to make varsity would have to show off her abilities. Tomorrow, every girl wanted to shine.

  After Coach Rafferty left, Coach Adams had the team practice speed and stick-handling by sending each girl down the ice with a puck. The rest of the team had to chase her.

  When it was Kyla’s turn, she took to the ice with confidence. They don’t call me Fire for nothing, she told herself.

  Kyla zoomed down the ice. She could hear the pack of girls behind her, but she was too fast. She easily slammed the puck into the goal.

  “Nice job, Fire!” the coach called. “Let’s see that speed at tomorrow’s game.”

  Kyla smiled and glanced into the stands. Tom was gone.

  She felt a stab of disappointment. She’d wanted Tom to see how fast she was. Maybe then he would’ve congratulated her instead of criticizing her.

  “Let’s go over plays for the game,” Coach Adams said. “Bethany, you’ll be our starting center.”

  The team captain, Bethany Charles, nodded. She was a sophomore and played on both JV and varsity. She didn’t get much playing time during varsity games, so Coach kept her on the JV team too.

  “Mac,” the coach continued, “you’ll be starting tomorrow’s game as right wing. Kyla, you’ll be left wing.”

  Kyla wanted to do a triple loop in excitement. But her joy faded as Coach went over the plays. Every single play had Kyla on the assist and Mackenzie or Bethany scoring.

  Kyla wanted to be set up to score at least once. “Can we change it up just a little, Coach?” she asked. “I’m fast. I can get to the goal before the defense even has time to blink.”

  Coach Adams lowered her clipboard and looked at Kyla. “I know everyone wants the glory, but we’re a team. Every girl on the ice has a job to do.”

  “Right, Coach,” Kyla said quickly. She could sense Coach’s irritation. Between her big mouth and Tom’s butting in, Kyla was definitely on Coach Adams’s bad side.

  * * *

  After practice, the locker room buzzed with excited talk about tomorrow’s game and Coach Rafferty’s varsity recruitment. But Kyla didn’t feel like joining in.

  How am I supposed to catch Coach Rafferty’s eye if all I’m doing is assisting? Kyla wondered.

  All Kyla wanted right now was to get out of the locker room as fast as she could. She nudged Ana and nodded to the door. “Let’s go,” she said.

  The two friends headed out. On the way, they passed Mackenzie, who stood at the mirror near the door, applying lip gloss.

  “Are you excited, Mac?” Tamika Kroll asked as she joined Mackenzie at the mirror. “You’re easily the best wing on our team. You’ll make varsity for sure.”

  Her face turning red, Kyla tried to duck as she passed the girls. But she saw Mackenzie nudge Tamika and dip her head in Kyla’s direction.

  “Oh!” Tamika said, turning from the mirror. “Kyla, I didn’t mean . . .”

  Kyla stopped and looked at the girls. She could feel sweat starting to pulse from her skin.

  “Of course you’ll make varsity, Mackenzie,” Kyla said, her voice tight. “And it looks like I’ll be the one assisting you.”

  “I can talk to Coach Adams about the plays,” Mackenzie said, flashing Kyla a wide, lip-glossed smile. “You should be set up to score at least once.”

  “Don’t bother,” Kyla told Mackenzie. “I’m happy to assist.”

  As she followed Ana out the door, Kyla heard Mackenzie say, “I would love to be a varsity Ice Storm. I’ve been dreaming of it since I was a little girl.”

  I have too, Kyla thought, giving the door a small kick. But it’s never going to happen if I’m stuck in your shadow.

 

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