Marcus's POV
The cold air inside the Maple Ridge Arena bit at my cheeks as I skated to the face-off circle. The scoreboard loomed above, glowing a daunting Hillcrest High Hawks - 3, Lakeview High Lions - 2 with only six minutes left in the third period. The crowd was alive—Hillcrest fans banging drums and waving flags, while Lakeview supporters clung to hope, shouting encouragement from the packed bleachers.
I adjusted my helmet and glanced over at Peter, stationed at left wing. Peter met my gaze and gave a small nod—the kind of look that said, We’re not done yet.
Carter's gaze locked onto mine as a smirk pulled across his face. He was fast, ruthless, and smart, but I knew how to make all of that crumble like dust in my hands. I had shadowed him all game, but Carter had already notched
