Cross Checks by Blair Brady

Chase Taylor breathes hockey. Raised in Maine’s icy winters, he perfected his skills on frozen ponds. At 21, he’s living his dream as a top forward for the Cold Pines Cougars in the minors. Last year, alongside veteran Rick Jensen, Chase played a crucial role in their unexpected championship win, with his friend Eddie scoring the decisive goal.
This season, with Eddie promoted, Chase steps up as the lead forward under Coach Pete Zingara and the shrewd assistant Hoss Ricketts. They’re on a roll, aiming for another stunning victory. But their winning streak takes a dramatic turn when a Halloween celebration prank turns into a fiery disaster in the locker room. Enter Hank Davis, a rugged firefighter, who dashes into the flames, saving a shirtless and shocked Chase.
Hank can’t shake off his encounter with Chase. Over coffee, their connection is undeniable, even though Chase has only dated women before. Their romance blossoms in secret, with Chase confiding in Hoss, who has faced his own challenges with coming out. As the team’s home arena undergoes repairs, Chase’s performance on the ice heats up, fueled by Hank’s support. Emboldened by his feelings for Hank and guided by Hoss, Chase embraces his true self, publicly coming out. His journey of self-discovery and love parallels his leadership on the ice, steering the Cougars towards another hopeful championship.