Hustling back, the Thunder set up a box of their own as the Rams manoeuvred the ball around the outside. With the shot clock down to fifteen seconds, Cayln threw a pick for Ryan in the corner. Cutting across hard to the goal, Ryan ripped a shot at the bottom corner of the net. Donnie kicked his leg out in dramatic fashion, and the ball hit his pad. It popped off the hard plastic and struck Mark in the back of the leg, bouncing toward the net. Horrified, Donnie and the rest of the Thunder team watched as the ball dribbled back into the far corner of the net. The Rams’ bench exploded as gloves and helmets flew into the air. Donnie flopped onto his back and covered the cage of his mask with both hands as he started to cry.
The Thunder were heartbroken! They stood dumbstruck as the Rams celebrated.
Breaking away from the revelry, Ryan Domino jogged to the Thunder net. “Hey, Donnie, isn’t it?”
Donnie peered out from between his gloves. “Yeah.”
“You played one incredible game, and if it wasn’t for my one fluky goal, you guys would’ve likely won. You kept your team in there, and you’re one of the best goalies I’ve ever seen.” Ryan bent over and extended his hand to the big boy. Slowly, Donnie sat up, gripped Ryan’s hand, and hoisted himself to his feet.
The rest of the Rams joined Ryan in the Thunder’s zone. Without waiting for the traditional lineup at centre floor, they began to shake hands and exchange congratulations.
“That has got to be the most amazing move I’ve never seen,” Warchuk said to Tommy. “I closed my eyes because I thought we were going to hit so hard. I open them, and you’ve jumped clear over my head!”
Tommy couldn’t help but smile. “Thanks, man. You’re an incredible player, too. We learned a lot playing against you guys.”
Todd Lorenz and Jimmy Quinlan made their way onto the floor, and along with Ben, huddled the players together.
Jimmy shook his head at Tommy. “Okay, man, now I’ve seen everything. The Rush just called and told me I’ve been traded. They want to sign you to a long-term contract.”
Most of the team managed to smile, and the mood began to lighten.
“Boys, and Gwen,” Todd said, “you’ve done yourselves proud. You’ve done the game of lacrosse proud. Watching you play made me realize I’m the luckiest guy alive to be part of this great game. And I hope you all feel the same way. No one will ever forget Arctic Thunder.”
After the officials brought the championship trophy onto the floor and presented it to Ryan, Spencer, and Eric, they waved the Thunder players over. Together the two teams jogged around the rink, with everyone on both sides taking turns carrying the hardware. The fans stood and cheered as both teams shared the trophy.
When they stopped, the Rams insisted that a picture be taken of both teams clustered around the trophy. With some players sprawled on the floor, others kneeling, and a few standing in the back, the party continued.
Mike felt arms loop around his neck from the left and right. Gwen and Joseph both smiled at him widely as they pushed in close. Mike rumpled Donnie’s hair as he crouched in front of the other players, and there was no way to describe the expression of happiness that filled those huge eyes.
As the cameras flashed, Mike held his index finger above his head, much as he had more than a year ago at the provincials. This time it felt even more like a victory.
EPILOGUE
Mike sat quietly and glanced out the window of the plane to Inuvik. They were above the clouds, and all he could see was a white blanket below him. He smiled and contemplated the interior of the cabin. Donnie was sitting next to him, head slightly flopped to one side, sound asleep. The silver medal they won was still hanging loosely around Donnie’s neck.
Leaning forward, Mike looked across the aisle to where Tommy, Bobby, and Joseph sat. It was quite clear that all three had fallen asleep, as well. Lifting himself half out of his seat, Mike peered over the heads in front of him and across the aisle a couple of rows up. Gwen turned and caught his eye. Smiling, she gave him a little wave that he returned before relaxing and sitting back down.
Warmth filled Mike’s chest, and he turned back to the window, not knowing whether to laugh or cry. He knew where he belonged now and what made him happy. Most of all, he knew what was important in life. Tipping his head back, he closed his eyes and smiled. “Quyanaq, Victor,” he said out loud. “Quyanainni. Thank you.”
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