Hadlee, Kayleigh, and Caroline dressed for the game and then went to Kevan's apartment. Kevan pointed out his apartment was much closer to the arena. He said they could head over there and get ready after the game for the date. He also informed her that Greg would have a car pick them up at the apartment and take them to and from the arena. He explained the tickets were at will call under Hadlee's name. Hadlee was excited and nervous for her first NHL game. The girls made it to the lobby quickly after Greg informed them the car was there.

"You girls ready" asked Greg taking in all the black and gold.

"I think so" replied Hadlee as she attempted to pass him a tip.

"Mr. Miller already took care of it" replied Greg "But if Miss Kayleigh ever want to give me another cupcake I wouldn't refuse."

"I'll make sure that you get more cupcakes" said Kayleigh as they climbed in the town car.
The girls were dropped off near TD Garden. The place was swamped with people decked out in Bruins gear. Hadlee noticed a few people wearing Capitals jerseys. Apparently number 8 was very popular. Hadlee and the girls made their way to will call. They got their tickets and made their way into the arena. A security guy looked at their tickets and led them to their seats. They were beside the Bruin's bench their seats were right on the glass. It was about 30 minutes before the game. Caroline and Kayleigh informed her that they were going to find beers before warm-up. Hadlee was standing up looking out at the ice. People were starting to file in and fill seats. Caroline hand Hadlee a beer. When the clock in the Garden hit 20:00 minutes the people in the arena started to cheer. The girls stood up at the glass as the Bruins took the ice. Followed by the Washington Capitals.

Hadlee was searching the ice for Kevan. They were all skating laps past the glass. Brad skated by and tapped the glass with his gloved hand. The girls waved. Brad smiled looking at all 3 of them decked out in Bruins gear. He shoved Kevan and pointed at the girls. Kevan threw up a hand then they began stretching out on the ice. After they finished stretching they began taking shots at Rask. Hadlee had no idea that pucks moved that fast. Lucic over shot the net and one slammed in the glass behind Rask with a huge thud. Caroline laughed and told her to wait until someone got checked into the boards. The Bruins periodically skated by waved. Kevan came over and thumped the glass in front of Hadlee. Hadlee blew him a kiss. Kevan waved and headed back towards the rest of the team. Hadlee noticed that Brad was busy putting pucks in the net all around Rask. The entire team had been taking turns shooting on Rask. Some he chose to stop some he didn't. Hadlee was impressed he could do the splits. Caroline explained that Rask was a butterfly goalie and the splits position was the butterfly part. Hadlee could see it when his pads were on the ice why it was a butterfly position. Since they were at the center line by the glass they could also see the opposing team. They were doing the same drills as the Bruins. Marchand skated by and waved at the girls as he and the rest of the team went to the locker room. Hadlee was watching them go when a player from Washington knocked on the glass. Hadlee looked up at the guy. He waved at the girls and skated off.

"Hadlee, that was Alex Ovechkin" stated Caroline

"And" said Hadlee clearly not impressed.

" He is one of the top scorers in the NHL." replied Caroline "He is a complete asshole."

Hadlee laughed. Caroline's first impressions were usually spot on. The lights in the Garden went out lights flashed and the Bruins were introduced. The opposing team was introduced. The anthem was sang. Kayleigh had a hold on Hadlee's arm as the puck dropped on their first NHL game.

Boston's first line consisting of Lucic, Krejci, and Erikson with the defensive pairing of Chara and Dougie were on the ice against Washington's first line. Krejci and Ovechkin faced off. Krejci won the face off and the puck went out to Lucic. Lucic passed the puck to Hamilton. Hamilton threw the puck to Erikson in front of the girls. Brooks Orpik checked Louis into the glass with a resounding thud. The Capitals had the puck and Caroline was cursing a blue. Demanding to know why he thought he could even look at Louis. Caroline explained the Thorton/Orpik/Erikson issue from December of 2013. Hadlee watched as the boys climbed over the wall and a new set hit the ice. This time Marchy, Bergeron, and Smith came out along with Seidenburg and Boychuck. Hadlee watched as Smith stole the puck and passed it to Bergeron. Bergeron slung it down the ice to Marchand. Marchand turned with the puck and fired it into the net past Holtby. The crowd went wild. Hadlee heard a tug boat horn then some random rave music start. Caroline yelled over the noise "goal song". Brad flung himself at Reilly and they both crashed into the glass near the girls. The girls cheered for Brad. Marchy winked at Kayleigh. Then skated to the bench and bumped gloves with all the other players. Kevan came out on the next shift as part of the defensive pair with Krug they were working with Soderburg, Caron, and Spooner. The lines ebbed and flowed from each bench. It seemed neither team could get the puck in the net. Hadlee jumped when Campbell was checked hard into the boards by Wilson. Watching the pace of the game she now knew why Kevan told her to try and anticipate where they were taking the puck. The end of the first period had the score 1-0 in favor of the Bruins.

"Hey" called a small boy in seats behind the girls "How come the Bruins keep waving at you?"

Hadlee laughed the little guy was about 6 or 7. Caroline looked at him and laughed. His dad was apologizing. Hadlee just smiled at him. Caroline then turned and told him that Hadlee was Kevan Miller's girlfriend. The little guy looked skeptical. Hadlee noticed that he had on a Marchand shirt.

"Is Marchy your favorite?" inquired Hadlee talking to the little guy.

"He is now Seguin is in Dallas." he replied.

"I hear ya kid" said Caroline "What's your name?"

"Will" he said quickly "Is Marchy your favorite" asked the lil guy of Kayleigh. She just blushed and nodded.

While Caroline and Will discussed the horrors of Seguin being traded Hadlee fired off a text to Kevan.

Hadlee: I'm pretty sure I have a new favorite sport. Gonna break my daddy's heart. Proud of ya. We've met a lil Marchy fan he is a pretty cool kid. I think he is hitting on Caroline.

Hadlee threw her phone back in her bag. She then turned and asked if he wanted to come stand in front of her and the girls and see the ice and the guys. His dad said it was okay so Will climbed down to the girls. They watched the on ice shenanigans of the mascot and the ice girls. When the boys came back to the bench Will was bouncing he was so excited. Kevan, Brad, Dougie, and Krug came out from behind the bench and skated around to where the girls were standing with Will. They waved at the little boy. He was coming unglued by this point. He kept yelling they are waving at me. Kevan tossed a puck over the glass. Hadlee caught it and handed it Will. Brad smiled at Kayleigh then handed the stick in his hand up over the glass. Caroline held Will up by the waist so that he could retrieve the stick. The crowd cheered when they realized what Marchand had done. Kayleigh pointed at the jumbotron screen which was showing an excited Will and all three girls. They invited Will to stay down at the glass level. He took turns sitting in their laps moving closer to the action. He finally landed in Caroline lap and proceeded to talk to Svedburg the back up goalie.

The second period began with a flurry of activity but no score. It appeared to Hadlee they were skating back and forth but making no progress. So far she had learned that icing was not just for cupcakes. At the other end of the arena Kevan and Volpatti got into a pushing match trying to get the puck loose from the boards. Kevan cleared it out to Paille. It went from him to Kelly. Kelly hopped the puck over the leg pad of Holtby. 2-0 Bruins and the tug boat horn sounded. Will was dancing in front of the glass with Caroline and Kayleigh. Will bumped fists with all three girls much like Kelly was doing with the Bruins. Hadlee enjoyed the game before Will came but it was so much more with him there. She laughed as he was currently banging his stick in the glass. The Caps first line came back on to the ice. Ovechkin and Lucic faced off. The ref or linesmen Hadlee was still confused on that one made Lucic leave the circle and Krejic faced off. Ovechkin won the face off he moved the puck to Backstrom. They all streaked down the ice Bruins behind them with Chara and Dougie skating backwards to defend the net. Backstrom passed it to Niskanen who threw it to Ovechkin. Hadlee watched helplessly as Ovechkin sent the puck flying over Rask' s stick side. Will was obviously not impressed. The rest of the second period was back and forth but no one scored. They went to the locker room with 2-1 lead.

Will decided to explain the Zamboni to Hadlee and Kayleigh. The little boy apparently thought the 2nd best job in the world was being a Zamboni driver. Will pointed up at the Jumbotron screen.

"Gross" said Will pointing at the screen "It's the kiss cam." It then panned to Will, Hadlee, and Caroline. Hadlee and Caroline kissed the little boy on each side of his face. His expression was one of utter disgust. His dad was laughing hysterically. Kayleigh went and got Will cotton candy and a pop. Will was content to sit in Caroline's lap and eat sugar.

Hadlee heard he phone chime. It was a text from Kevan.

Kevan: I hear you are out there kissing other guys.
Hadlee: Yes Caroline and I are double teaming him.
Kevan: After the 3rd a security guy will bring you to us. Bring your new boyfriend
Hadlee showed the phone to Caroline and Kayleigh. Hadlee hoped they won so Will would have a good meeting.

The third period was what Caroline called good old fashioned hockey. It was fast paced and hard hitting. No one seemed to be thinking it was just a preseason game. With 3 minutes left in the 3rd the Bruins went on a power play after Niskanen tripped Campbell. Caroline and Will were both screaming he was still a dirty Pen. They faced off and Bergeron passed the puck to Marchand. Marchand dodged around Kuznetsov and pushed the puck to Smith. Smith careened around Orpik and fired the puck back handed into the net on Holtby's glove side. They all jumped and danced around to Zombie Nation. The rest of the period progressed with the Bruins playing their game. They went to the locker room with a 3-1 win over the Caps.

Will's dad was calling for him to come back up so they could leave. Hadlee asked if they could wait with the girls for the arena to clear a little bit. He climbed down and introduced himself as David. A few minutes later a gentleman in a security jacket called for Hadlee, Caroline, and Kayleigh. Caroline had one of Will's hands and Hadlee had the other. Hadlee asked David to follow them. They were led down the hall through the arena to the family lounge.

Will asked what they were doing down there. Hadlee told him waiting for a surprise. The security guy came back into the room and told them that the guys were done with media and were showering and would be out soon. Will was watching people walk down the hall and naming members of the Bruins coaching staff. He was clutching his stick for dear life and had only allowed Hadlee to put his puck in her purse after it finally came up to room temperature. David had thanked the girls several times. Hadlee laughed and said that it was all Kevan.

Dougie came into the room. He asked the girls and Will if they wanted to see the locker room. Will launched himself out of the chair he had been in. Will then looked at the girls in awe.

"Miss Hadlee" said Will "Since you don't know about hockey don't step on the B. It's bad luck." Dougie laughed and told him he was right. Will was holding Hadlee's hand. Dougie started walking them to the locker room. He paused and yelled inside to make sure everyone was decent. "I mean it" he yelled " I have Millsy girlfriend." They all catcalled so Dougie yelled "and a kid." The boys settled down and opened the door. The guys were in various stages of getting dressed in their suits.

Kevan saw Hadlee and laughed. He had a six year old stealing his girlfriend. Kevan walked over to Hadlee and Will. "Hey bud, thanks for keeping Hadlee company for me."
Will turned to Hadlee "Miller really is your boyfriend?" he asked in shock. Hadlee laughed

"What am I not pretty enough to date a Bruins." Kevan laughed.

"Nope" said Brad "The kid can't believe a chick like you would waste time with Miller. Right Will?" Brad gave her a smacking kiss on the cheek.

Will was now frozen in place as Marchy and Lucic stood in front of him. Looch held his fist out for Will to bump. The boys then all agreed to sign his shirt. Marchy signed his stick and made him promise not to sell it on Ebay. Hadlee laughed. If Marchy wasn't cutting up with Will he was teasing Kayleigh. Hadlee didn't think he had let go of Kayleigh's hand since they got there. Caroline was talking to Krug and Soderburg. Hadlee noticed that Dougie stayed close and made introductions. Kevan leaned down and whispered that Dougie was introducing her to the married guys. Maybe Dougie had some moves after all.

Will ran over and hugged Hadlee, then Caroline, and Kayleigh. His father thanked the girls for being so great with Will. Hadlee assured him it was all the Bruins. Kevan smiled "had to do something your boy was stealing my girl. I heard about that kiss all the way in the locker room." Will turned bright red and blamed the girls. The entire locker room laughed. Campbell walked them out as he headed home.

"I leave you alone for 2 hours and you are picking up guys" teased Kevan as they walked to the players lot.

"Aww don't be jealous Miller. He was super cute." replied Hadlee " In fact, I might have to fight Caro and KK for him." Kevan pulled her up against his side. He leaned down and kissed her. "Plus you actually want me to kiss you."

"Have I told you how hot you are in my jersey?" he asked

"Not today" she laughed she spun around so he could see her entire outfit. Kevan laughed when he saw the giant black and gold bow in her blonde hair.

"I've always wanted my own cheerleader" he said tapping the bow.

Marchand laughed "How many do we have to have to have a squad?"

"12" said the girls in unison. The guys all laughed as they got into their cars.

Marchand opened the door for Kayleigh so she could climb in his SUV. He and the boys were going to take all 3 of their vehicles on the date but first needed to get the girls to ready at Kevan's. Once they arrived at the garage Hadlee told them to go grab a beer and be back in 20 minutes. Kevan and Dougie laughed.

"Damn Miller. You just got thrown out of your own apartment." crowed Marchy. Hadlee looked back at Kevan over his shoulder "Be good or I won't show you what I did and didn't buy on my shopping trip."

"Gentleman" said Kevan herding the boys to the bar down the block " Move your asses."

Notes