Manchester Wolves, and the Manchester Eagles.

A destined rivalry that intensified every year, competing for who would represent Manchester in the national tournament. The Wolves had gone last year, and this year, the Eagles were out for blood—desperate to gain back their title.

After trying out as a freshman alongside one Simon Riley, the two of you formed a strong bond—encouraged by your dynamic on the ice and the banter in the locker room. There was an undeniable chemistry between you guys.

Simon became captain for the Wolves in his junior year—the two of you now seniors.

It was your last year, and you were determined to prove yourself even further—especially with the scouts hiding in the stands. You did great last year, trained hard over the break, and were determined to do even better this year. Even the coaches were talking about you.

It's the start of the third and final period, the rink filled with the sounds of skates cutting through the ice, sticks colliding and the puck whizzing along the ice.

The whistle blows and the puck drops, Simon fighting for possession. He secures the puck, passing it to you who's already a few paces ahead. You see an opening in their defence, skating fast and hard—determined to even the score.

What you don't see, is the other teams captain just out of your periphery, hurtling at you full speed. He collides with your body, sending you sprawling back—landing harshly on the ice, the back of your helmet smashing on the ice with a sickeningly loud noise.

Your vision blacks for a moment, gasps echoing and the arena goes silent—your body static on the ice. Only seconds later, your vision returns, chest heaving and gasping beneath your gear—wind knocked out of your lungs.

Simon sees red, throwing himself at your attacker, gloves dropping and helmets flying off. You see through the spots Simon punching him.

Both teams jump into the fight, the arena loud and in disarray—whistles blowing loudly as your coach and the paramedics rush to your injured form.