“Go fish.” Mike Babcock says.

The Toronto Maple Leaf/Team Canada head coach is allowing himself a few hours of relaxation before he gets back to his championship mission. He has only two cards left in his hand, but the pass is coming up.

“Go fish.” Says Jeff “Snacks” O’Neill. The star of TV and radio grins as he dips a grilled cheese sandwich into some chicken gravy. With a full hand and a hold deck Snacks will benefit the most from the pass.

“I have no idea what I’m supposed to do here.” Lou Lamoriello hates this game. He doesn’t know the rules and doesn’t care to learn them. The Toronto Maple Leaf GM only comes to these Games Nights because he believes he is obliged to as part of his job. He is not.

“Do you have any hearts?” Brendan Shanahan asks. The president tries to have a games night every few weeks. This week they are taking a break from the usual Dungeons and Dragons campaign that Lou runs. Instead they are trying a new card game.

“I have three hearts.” Lou answers.

Everybody groans. “You’re not supposed to say it!” Snacks says. He begins to shuffle his hold deck.

“What the fuck?” Lou asks.

“Because you claimed three, each player receives an extra three cards.” Brendan explains. “In addition, the pass skips three turns, you get three hundred dollars and you’re out.”

Lou stares at Brendan while Snacks deals, then each of the players takes out a hundred dollars and throws it at Lou.

“So I win?” Lou asks.

“No.” Brendan answers. “You lose. The cash is so you will go away because we all hate you.”

Lou says, “Fuck you, fart nickel.”

“It’s in the rules Lou.” Mike’s grin stretches from ear to ear. “The game says we all hate you now. So fuck off.”

“Let me see these rules.” Lou says. He grabs the thick manuscript and flops into a nearby sofa. Reading intently, Lou pulls out a joint and lights it.

“Damn it Lou.” Brendan says. “Read page eighty-six.”

Lou flips to the page and laughs. “‘If at any time any marijuana is ignited within sight or smell of any player a Weed Break shall be declared.’ Whoever came up with this is a genius.”

“No, probably just a pothead.” Snacks sits down beside Lou and reaches out for the joint.

“Fuck.” Lou pulls the joint away from Snacks.

“Share Lou.” Barks Brendan.

Obedience is an obligation required of Lou for his job so he shares his joint with the group. Since the game cannot end during a Weed Break Lou decides to hijack play for as long as he can. By the fifth joint no one is even complaining anymore.

“This is a great game guys.” Lou says. “You excited?” He asks Mike.

The coach grunts in reply.

“For the World Cup to start.” Lou explains.

“I’m excited.” Mike says. A wistful sort of stare passes over Mikes face. Lou catches it and does not let it slide.

“What?” Lou asks. “What’s the matter Mike. You can trust us. Well, not him.” Lou points at Snacks.

“Hey!” Snacks protests. “I’m not on the job, you can totally trust me.”

“It’s okay Mike.” Brendan takes Mikes hand in his firm and reassuring grip. “You don’t have to share anything you don’t want to.”

“They’re just so good.” Mike lets the emotions pour through him. Tears try to form in the corners of his eyes but give up almost immediately. “They can all do my drills so perfectly. It’s like having a team of hockey robots, and really heavy nasty ones too. Coaching a team like Canada lets me really dig into what the opposition might want to get done on the ice. God I love winning.” Mike leans into Brendan’s shoulder and the two men hug each other for comfort.

“It will never be like last year.” Brendan says. “Never ever again. Not while I’m in charge.”

“Your right.” Mike says. “Of course your right. We can’t do any worse anyway.”

“No way will you be worse this year.” Snacks says, leaping to his feet with enthusiasm. “Not with Aust…” He never finishes his sentence. Brendan, Mike, and Lou each put a finger to his lips.

“Shhhhhhhh!” the same sound comes from three shaking heads.

“We don’t say his name.” Brendan says.

“We’re protecting him.” Mike says.

“It’s a bunch’a bullshit.” Lou says. “Whatch’a gonna do?”