Fellow players nodded, grimly. They had their hearts set on nothing short of victory. A great showing against Hallstead would do much to atone for a disappointing season and raise Parker’s hockey stock to a high level for the year to follow. Perhaps school authorities would even be sufficiently impressed to hire a hockey coach who was an expert at the game.
“I know you’re going to give your best,” Coach Hogart told them. “You boys may not feel that you have accomplished much this season but I, personally, think you have done wonders this first year. Hallstead is primed and ready with a veteran six and years of experience behind it. I understand, too, that Hallstead is noted for a ripping, rushing sort of game. This ought to be a style well suited to you fellows because you play clean-cut hockey. If Hallstead isn’t careful, some of her players are apt to be spending most of their time in the penalty box. That being the case, you boys can be counted on to make the most of your opportunities during the time that Hallstead may be forced to play short-handed.”
Rudie Antrim, listening to Coach Hogart’s final words before the game, glanced about uneasily at team mates. The good old professor just didn’t have the power to enthuse or excite team members. His pep talks were punchless, far too much like classroom lectures. And his advice now seemed a bit out of place. No suggestion as to how Parker might cope with Hallstead’s rough and tumble attack except by playing clean hockey and taking advantage of possible Hallstead penalties. In between times, however, Parker was apparently destined to absorb considerable punishment.
“Coach probably figures, along with everyone else, that we don’t stand a chance,” thought Rudie. “Well, I’ll have to hand it to Hoyt for one thing—he’s actually got the boys pepped up with the idea that they can win this game. Hallstead may have it all over us but we’re not afraid of ’em!”
It was a crisply cold afternoon with a chilling breeze which swept the rink and caused a fair-sized crowd to stamp noisily in the stands.
“This’ll have to be a hot game to keep us warm!” punned someone.
“It’ll be hot all right,” promised a Hallstead rooter. “We’re going to burn up the ice with Parker!”
Chester Maltby, giant Hallstead centre, and noted as one of the state’s star players, looked formidable as he moved up and down the ice in preliminary practice. Hallstead’s season’s record was marred only by two tie games which was scarcely any mar at all. Her players sized the Parker squad up mirthfully.
“Easy picking,” the great Maltby was heard to remark.