The game was against Seattle.
Sebastian was on the ice, focused, trying to ignore the whispers from the crowd. Some fans still cheered for him. Others booed. He had learned to block it out and focus only on his game.
Julian was on the bench, waiting for his shift. His knee had been bothering him all week, but he had hidden it. Wrapped it tight. Taken painkillers before every practice. Told Sebastian he was fine.
But he was not. The pain had been getting worse for months now. The doctor's warning echoed in his head. If you keep playing, you risk permanent damage. But Julian could not stop. Not now. Not with the merger vote looming. Not with his father watching.
His shift came. He jumped over the boards and skated to his position. The puck moved fast and Julian chased it into the corner,
