I skated out to center ice, where I did a loop, waiting for the on ice officials to agree to drop the puck. The arena staff had cleared the stage off of the ice, and I skated a loop around the center circle, preparing for the faceoff.

Scream and Shout, by Will.I.Am featuring Britney Spears began to play, and I glanced down at the ice underneath my skates.

"Jake. Break for the net." Dustin said to me, lining up at the center circle to take the faceoff.

I nodded, and motioned for the boys on the bench to be ready.

"I might need a change fairly fast. It's my first NHL shift ever." I reminded them.

Darryl leaned over, and said something to Mike, probably organizing the line changes.

"Let's go!" Called Dustin, and the ref glared at him.

"Way to go Dusty." Said Anze, laughing at the dismayed look on Dustin's face.

The ref slowly skated out to center ice, holding the puck in his right hand.

"I want a nice, clean game boys. This is the first game of the season for both of you, so put on a good show for these fans." He said to the forwards, and I nodded, before crouching in anticipation for the puck drop.

I struggled to gain position for the faceoff, and the ref blew his whistle.

"Let's go!" He said, motioning to the other ref, and the linesmen.

I stared at center, and saw him raise his hand. That was all I needed to see. I pushed hard on the opposing winger's shoulder, and took a large stride, pushing up ice. The whistle blew, and the ref motioned for me to take my place again.

"False start." He said, picking the puck back up. "Let's go again."

I watched as his hand opened, and the puck slowly fell to the ice, before bursting back up the ice.