Total pages in book: 137
Estimated words: 131271 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 656(@200wpm)___ 525(@250wpm)___ 438(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 131271 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 656(@200wpm)___ 525(@250wpm)___ 438(@300wpm)
[She hops off the counter and starts grabbing ingredients for a cake.]
Anonymous Host:
“Hockey is a game of patterns. Coaches analyze, opponents anticipate, and everyone tries to stay one step ahead. But the best players, the real magicians on the ice, they’re the ones who break the mold. It’s like that no-look pass in last night’s Icebreakers game. Jacob Drayton faked a slapshot so convincingly even his own team thought he was going for the net. Then, bam! A sneaky backhand to Skarsgard, who buried it in the top corner. Chef’s kiss.”
[She kisses her fingertips dramatically, then starts measuring flour.]
Anonymous Host:
“Here’s the thing about surprise plays: they only work when there’s trust. Skarsgard didn’t second-guess Jacob’s pass. He read the play, he was in position, and he executed. That’s the magic of teamwork. You don’t get surprises like that without people working together, trusting each other to pull it off.”
[She starts mixing the batter, her tone becoming more reflective.]
Anonymous Host:
“And you know, surprises aren’t just for the ice. Life works the same way. Sometimes, you think you’re heading in one direction, only to get blindsided by something—or someone—you didn’t see coming. And when you embrace it, when you trust the team around you, those surprises can turn into the sweetest moments. Kinda like today’s bake.”
[Cut to her pulling a round cake pan from a cabinet. She starts lining it with parchment paper.]
Anonymous Host:
“Today, we’re making a Teamwork cake. On the outside, it’s just your classic chocolate cake, frosted smooth and simple. But inside, there’s a team of flavors and textures working together for the perfect result. A dash of amaretto combined with white chocolate chunks and a caramel/nut center. It’s all about defying expectations—from the description, you’d think it wouldn’t work, but believe me, it absolutely does.”
[The video skips ahead to her chocolate batter into a plan]
Anonymous Host:
“This cake is basically a metaphor for hockey. The best plays and the best games are not about brute force or sticking to the script.”
[She pulls the baked cake from the oven, cools it, and starts adding the caramel and nuts before frosting it]
Anonymous Host:
“Let me leave you with this. Whether you’re on the ice or in the kitchen, surprises are what make life and hockey exciting. So, to all the Draytons out there pulling off crazy no-look plays and to all the Skarsgards ready to finish them, keep trusting your team and keep us guessing. It’s what makes the game worth watching.”
[She cuts a slice of the finished cake, revealing the chocolate chunks and gooey nutty center. She lifts a bite to her mouth off-camera and moans with pleasure.]
Anonymous Host:
“Pure perfection. This is what I call teamwork. And to all of you watching? Go out there and embrace the surprises. They might just be the sweetest part. Until next time, keep it creative, keep it unexpected, and keep your stick on the ice—and your frosting on the cake.”
[The video ends with the cake on display as her logo for Icing the Cake fades in.]
Comments:
@RinkRat89:
“‘Keep your stick on the ice and your frosting on the cake’ is officially my life motto. Thanks for the wisdom and the sugar cravings.”
@GoalieMom32:
“I tried the Teamwork cake and my kid’s team demolished it faster than a breakaway. 10/10 would bake again!”
@PuckBunny21:
“Jacob Drayton and Skarsgard better be watching this. That no-look play was pure magic, and now I need this cake in my life.”
@BakingOnTheBoards:
“Honestly, the metaphor game here is UNMATCHED. I came for the hockey tea and left with baking inspiration.”
@PenaltyBoxSnacks:
“Can confirm: this cake works. My team thought I was nuts mixing all these flavors, but now they’re all asking for the recipe.”
@StickSideSweets:
“‘Life is like a surprise play’ really hit me in my feelings today. Who knew a baking channel could double as my therapy session?”
@HockeyFanatic87:
“‘Trust the team around you’ is a nice thought, but let’s be real: I’d still fight someone for that cake.”
@ZamboniLife:
“Skarsgard better see this and bake that cake for the team. It’s only fair after that top-corner beauty last night.”
@IcingGoals:
“Okay, but the moan after the cake bite was EVERYTHING.”
@HatTrickBites:
“Drayton better share this episode on his socials. If he doesn’t, I’ll be tagging him with ‘where’s the cake?’ comments all day.”
@FrostedOver:
“Next time, can we get Skarsgard and Drayton in the kitchen trying to make this cake? I need the chaos in my life.”
@TopShelfTarts:
“I’m here for the deep hockey insights, but let’s be real—this show could single-handedly get the NHL to sponsor baking competitions.”
23
HAYES
“Stay over tonight,” I murmur into Riley’s ear, pulling her close as the wind sends a flurry of leaves tumbling over our feet. Her cheek rests against my chest, and the top of her head fits perfectly beneath my chin as she snuggles into me. The wind is high today, and the light is the dull gray infused white of approaching winter. She shivers, snuggling closer, searching for the warmth I seem to radiate at all times. I don’t feel the cold. I’ve spent half my life on the ice, so this is nothing.