Resurrection and Revenge

Meanwhile, back on the ice in the United Center, the Blackhawks continued to warm up and get ready for the first game of the season. They were playing the Dallas Stars and it was so refreshing to be back on the ice and to be playing hockey once more. It had been a while now, it felt like.

Jonathan skated over to the bench and rested his arm on the railing, taking a sip from his water bottle. He smiled, as he gazed around the ice, taking in the sight of his teammates happily skating around and some striking up conversations, kindly, with the Stars. The Captain of Chicago was please, but his smile soon vanished, as he realized Patrick was nowhere in sight. He scanned the ice once more and looked around, frantically. Still no sign of the blond winger.

Maybe he went to the locker room real fast for something? Jonathan thought.

He stepped off the ice and headed down the tunnel and into the open locker room. No one was inside. But a piece of white paper caught his eyes. He trotted up and snatched it up. He unfolded it and read the contents.

“No!” Jonathan gasped. He staggered on his legs and carefully sat down in a stall. He looked at the note with horror. “Kaner, no!”

Brandon Saad entered the locker room and noticed the Blackhawk Captain gazing with horror at the floor. His mouth was agape. The paper had fallen from his hands and had fluttered to the ground. He glanced up at his teammate.

“What’s wrong with you? Where’s Kaner?” Brandon asked, concerned.

Jonathan attempted to answer him, but only managed a small, soft squeak. He tried again and this time managed a little more, “It-it’s...A-Avery!”

Brandon instantly deflated and ran over to his captain. “Are you sure?”

Jonathan nodded. “Avery has Kaner.”

“Not again!”

“Yup.”

“Fuck!” Brandon cursed.

“Indeed.”

“What are you going to do?” Brandon sat down beside the brunette man.

“I don’t know, Saader. I can’t do anything right now. We’re about to play a hockey game. But how can I play without Patrick?”

“You’re the Captain, Jonny. You’ve got to try. Let’s get past tonight and then we can all help you search for him!”

“Thanks, Saader, but I have a REALLY bad feeling about this. And I mean it. If Kaner isn’t here, I don’t know what good I will be.”

It was the truth. If Patrick wasn’t playing well, it affected Jonathan and when Jonathan wasn’t playing well it affected Patrick. It was a weird “twin” power they shared with one another. It was due to their bromance yes, but they were the only pair in the NHL who had this...the only Dynamic Duo. Jamie Benn could play without Tyler Seguin. Sidney Crosby could play without Chris Kunitz. Ryan Getzlaf could play without Corey Perry. BUT Jonathan Toews could NOT play without Patrick Kane.

“You can do this without Kaner. Just for tonight.” Brandon patted his teammate on the shoulder, comfortingly.

The Chicago Captain sniffled. He wasn’t so sure that was the case. And they were going against one of the newest Dynamic Duos in the NHL. The Hawks had to shut down Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin!

Jonathan didn’t like to be negative, but he couldn’t help himself. “Saader, without Patrick Kane, the Blackhawks don’t stand a chance. We’re doomed. We need to talk to Coach Q and postpone the game. As much as everyone hates it, we have to! It just won’t be fair!”

“But--Tazer--”

“No, I’ll be too worried and distracted about Patrick. The game must be rescheduled! Go tell Q and the boys. I’m going to go find my friend and save him!”

Brandon nodded. He jumped to his feet and darted out of the room, as fast as he could on skates. Jonathan closed his eyes momentarily and drew in a deep breath. It was time to give Russell Wilson the call once more. As much as he hated it and knew Russell wouldn’t like being taken away from his “football,” they had to find Patrick before hockey season was underway completely and the Hawks were screwed.

Jonathan Toews would not let his Blackhawks be screwed. Not under his leadership!

Notes

Poor Jonny...all he wants to do is play hockey with his buddy and Avery shows up and says, "Fuck you, Kaner needs to pay for his sins!"


Next up: What's up Dangeruss? How's Chop Chop and Seattle?