The New Next One

by Ryan Taylor

The waitress arrived and set our iced teas and a basket of cheesy garlic bread on the table. “The bread’s on the house. You guys bring us a lot of pleasure watching you play, so enjoy.” She left, and Tyler leaned in again, grinning as he took a piece of bread. “I like you so much.”

“I like you too. We’re lucky to have each other.” I’d been thinking about something, and it seemed like a good time to bring it up. “What are you doing for the rest of spring break?” “You mean after the championship tourney?” I nodded. The USA Hockey National Championship games were being held

Denver the week of our spring break. St. Mark’s had qualified for the first time in a few years. Depending on how far we got, we’d have some time left after the final game before classes started again. Tyler wrinkled his brow. “Mom and Dad are coming to Denver and want me to go home with them afterward.” “Mine too, but I’ve got an idea.” “Which is?” “Let’s come back to school early. Spend a few days together.” He cocked his head, and a smile played across his lips. “I’d have to talk my folks into it.” “Come on! We’ll be worn out from playing, and we could relax and enjoy a few days to ourselves. And…” “And?” I bobbed my eyebrows, going for the clencher. “We could stay in the same room. Hardly anyone will be on campus.” His smile grew into a full grin. “Nobody to watch out for.” “No need to hide.” “We can… you know, whe...

We all talked for a while, alternating jokes with serious conversation. Before we left the cabin, we shared tight hugs and promises to be there for each other. Being alone was certainly no fun for Kev, and even though Tyler and I had each other, all three of us needed every bit of support we could get. In the dorm lobby, we stamped our feet to get warm, and Kev looked a little uncertain. “Do you guys still want to hang out and order pizza?” I gave him a playful punch in the arm. “Damn right, we do. We have to break in that new game of yours!”

One of the candles was still flickering, and I watched the shadows move across the ceiling until Tyler interlaced our fingers. “I need to tell you something.” “What’s that?” “I’ve wanted to say it for a while. It’s not because of tonight, but tonight made it stronger.” The tremor in his voice had me turning on my side to face him, and he

caught his lip under his teeth for a few seconds. “I don’t want to scare you.” “What is it, Ty?” “Don’t feel like you have to say it back or anything, but… I love you, Nick. I’ve loved you for a long time, and now I’m in love with you.” I couldn’t contain the big smile that quickly gave way to gentle laughter—laughter that stopped when Tyler huffed loudly. “You think it’s funny?” He looked about a second away from crying, and my heart leaped into my throat. “Baby, no! I’m not laughing at you. I’m happy… I’m crazy happy because I love you too.” He smiled, and I stroked his cheek and kissed him. “I’m in love with you too, Tyler. Forever.”

One of the most surreal moments of my life was having dinner with Drew Simon—The New One. Simon, the starting center for Chicago, had graduated from St. Mark’s almost a decade earlier. He was an NHL superstar in the tradition of Gretzky—The Great One, and Crosby—The Next One. In fact, it was Crosby who dubbed Simon The New One.

After dinner with the team, Drew asked me to go for a walk by the lake. He cut to the chase. “I saw the championship game on video, and you’re not just good, Nick. You’re a fantastic player for your age. With the right guidance, you’ll be the golden one from your generation. You’ve got unbeatable skills and an amazing instinct for the game. That’s critical because you can’t teach instinct.” He snickered. “Damn, if you do things right, it won’t be long until I have to call you the next new one.” He tittered again. “Or maybe the new next one? That has a better ring to it.” I didn’t know where the cat was, but she sure had gotten my tongue. I stuttered for a moment before eventually managing to say I was looking forward to college. “I’m sure I’ll get good experience at Crispin.” “Crispin’s great,” Drew said, fixing me in place with the most intense green eyes I ever saw. “But let’s be honest. You’re too good for Crispin. You’ll be teaching them, and you need a place that will teach you

instead. A program that will give you the experience and exposure you need to get ready for the big-time.” My heart did a flip. “The D-1 schools passed on me. You must know that.” Drew led us to the edge of the water, picked up a rock, and expertly skimmed it across the surface. Smiling, he looked at me. “You know I went to UNY, in Syracuse.” “I was really interested in going there, but they said—” “I still know a lot of people at the school, Nick. Let me talk to them. I can’t promise anything, but I wouldn’t be where I am if it hadn’t been for a couple of people doing their best to help me. Let me pass that on.” A flood of emotion threatened to make me wet-eyed. Playing at a school like UNY would be phenomenal, and I knew it would open up all kinds of possibilities, but… Tyler. I would be so far away from Tyler. I couldn’t do it, but what was I supposed to say to Drew Simon? After a few seconds, I settled for, “That would be amazing.” Showing me his trademark wide, white grin, he nodded. “Like I said, I ...

He winked and made a rock-tossing motion with his arm and hand. “Up for a game?” I didn’t say anything to Tyler about the conversation with Drew. I loved Tyler, and there was no point in worrying him needlessly. I’d found my man, and I wouldn’t go to UNY even if Drew worked some magic and they made me an offer. Tyler and I would have four years togeth...