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with the huge lake and majestic mountain, the scene made Ben feel small despite his muscular six foot two frame. It was the only place that could put everything in his life into perspective.
    He was used to playing in front of thousands of people watching his every move, so it was nice to enjoy some down time once in a while. In the world of professional sports, every athlete had a place they could escape to for relaxation. A hobby or passion to take them away to unwind from the pressures that came with performing for the fans.
    The schedule of the Red Valley Razors was rigorous and exhausting right up to the end of the season. Today, Ben and Dom were appearing at the Razors’ Merchandise Store for a meet and greet autograph signing. The next day, the annual charity game was being held to help raise money for disadvantaged kids. After that, the Razors had three games in four nights, with a day off in Orlando before playing the Orlando Everblades in Florida.
    Ben loved his team, but couldn’t shake the feeling of uneasiness in his gut. Teamwork had been on a steady decline since mid-season and he didn’t think he was getting enough support from the other guys on the team. To make matters worse, injuries were sweeping through the team like the bubonic plague. Currently, the Razors had an astonishing twelve players out with assorted injuries. There definitely wasn’t an ‘I’ in team, but lately Ben felt like he was the ‘M’ and the ‘E‘.
    Not only was the team riddled with injuries, but rookies as well. It was beginning to feel like Ben was fighting an uphill battle and he longed to be a part of a team with more skill and experience. He at least owed that to himself. After all, he had dedicated his life to the sport. Hockey was his life. Hell, hockey was life.
    Ben’s cell phone rang, interrupting the calming silence of August Lake. Caller ID showed him it was his Uncle Bobby calling from Denver.
    “Mornin, Coach.”
    Ever since Ben was a little boy he had called his uncle “Coach”. And it was fitting. Bobby had had a spectacular career in hockey as a player and had been the one to teach Ben all about the game. And now, his Uncle Bobby was the Head Coach for the Colorado Blizzards.
    “Good game last night,” Coach said.
    Uncle Bobby was all business, but Ben was honored that he took the time to watch his games. Ben’s Aunt Nan had been proud to divulge the fact that Bobby recorded every one of Ben’s games. Ben grinned, knowing that his uncle had a soft spot for him under his tough exterior.
    “Thanks.”
    “I just wish they would play you more. It grinds my gears how those idiots in Ca-lee-fornia aren’t using you to your potential. You are the sparkplug of that team and they only have you playing fifteen minutes per game.”
    “Fourteen, last night,” Ben corrected.
    “My point exactly. It’s like their heads have been out in the sun too damn long. You are far more talented than they give you credit for out there.”
    “Thanks for your vote of confidence, Coach. My agent is trying to get me some more ice time.”
    “They shouldn’t have to be told that. That’s part of why your team is in the crapper. You are the driving force of that team but they‘re holding you back.”
    “I know.”
    Ben thought about his own issues with the team. It had been a while since he was one hundred percent happy with the Razors. The team chemistry hadn’t been there and there were a lot of cliques. But, then again, his contract was due to expire that summer, which would give him the opportunity to make some changes. By this time next year it could all be different. Anything could happen.
    * * *
    Dominic Devereaux was fearless on the ice. At 6’4” and 235 pounds, he was the most coveted defenseman in the league. He would slam his opponent into the glass with no regards to his own personal safety or anyone else‘s. And he loved fighting. Fighting was his favorite perk of the sport. If the wrong move was made