CHAPTER SIXTEENMatt
Matt skated around the mostly empty ice. Coach Walker had made today’s practice optional, meaning each guy could decide on his own whether or not to participate. Matt had opted in, but not a lot of guys had. But now on the ice, his hip ached, and he regretted that he hadn’t stayed home, or had just gone to the video meeting with Coach.
The hit he’d taken the other night from Rogers had made a lasting effect on his bad hip. A few years back, he’d taken the butt end of a stick to his hip, and things hadn’t felt the same since. Plus, his overall play was rough, which didn’t help.
Sam skated around the opposite end of the ice with the trainer, doing some stretches and working on wrist shots with Pat. Dom was in net, and the goalie coach was watching him and giving him po
