Bryson's POV
I leave practice with my heart racing, excitement, and nerves all tangled up inside me. When I first joined the hockey team, it was just because Mom asked me to. But now I actually love it. It gives me purpose, distracts me from all the family chaos, and it feels like something I can finally own.
Still, Coach's announcement about the exhibition match shakes me up pretty badly. The way he looked right at me when he talked about proving ourselves - I know what that means. I'm still the new guy, still trying to earn my place. I don't want to let him down, especially since he's already started designing plays around me.
The thought of scouts watching makes my stomach twist. What if I mess up? What if I'm not good enough when it really matters?
I push myself harder ov
