“Maybe not right now,” Johnny said. “But our next game isn’t for a week. And the next one after that is another week away. That gives us two weeks to help you get better. After that, Coach Smith will be back. Then it won’t be a problem for you or us.”
“Us?” Eldridge said.
“The whole team,” Johnny said. “When I told them how badly you wanted to help us, they thought you should keep playing too.”
“Even Tom?” Eldridge said.
“Especially Tom,” Johnny said. “And that’s a good thing.”
“Why?” Eldridge asked.
“You have to ask?” Tom said. He had sneaked up behind Eldridge.
Eldridge jumped.
“I’m the one who can teach you the most,” Tom said. “I’m one of the best centers in the league. That’s not bragging. It’s just a fact.”
“Thanks, guys,” Eldridge said. “This means a lot to me.”
“No problem,” Tom said. He patted Eldridge on the back. “See you on the ice.”
Eldridge walked away.
“We’re going to make the playoffs, aren’t we?” Johnny said.
“Of course we are,” Tom said. “The whole team is going to help him get better.”
“So did you really have to put that piece of paper on his back when you patted him?” Johnny asked.
Eldridge was partway down the hall. Already some kids were starting to laugh. He didn’t know it, but he had a sign on his back, a sign with a special message:
“Of course I had to do it,” Tom said. “He’s part of the team.”
Sigmund Brouwer loves hockey. He is a best-selling novelist who also writes many books for children and young adults. Sigmund loves visiting schools and talking to students about reading and writing. He and his family divide their time between homes in Red Deer, Alberta, and Nashville, Tennessee.
Sigmund enjoys visiting schools to talk about his books. Interested teachers can find out more by e-mailing [email protected]
Timberwolf Hunt Page 3
