Michele Lenard

As a kid, you don't think about the sacrifices you'll have to make for your dreams. I surrendered a carefree childhood to hours upon hours of grueling practices. Abandoned life with my family in favor of a boarding school that would hone my skills to perfection.

The first time I saw Bennet Armstrong's baby blues staring up at me from underneath his helmet, stunned and confused that I'd tackled him, I was smitten. So, I tackled him again. And again. Whether he had the ball or not, I'd take him down, just so I could have his eyes on me.

Forgetting to knock changed everything. There I was, innocently letting myself into my teammate's room to search for some protein powder, when I came across a different type of protein altogether. I learned two things that day. Knock first, and straight guys might be missing out.

Athletes are notoriously superstitious. Some don't wash their gear. Others sleep with it. I've even heard of a guy who peed on the field to ward off evil spirits. But as far as I'm aware, my teammate Luca is the only guy whose ritual requires a more intimate activity.

On the surface, I've got it all. I'm the goalie and captain of the Colorado Bulldogs hockey team. I've got more money than I know what to do with. I can count an entire team of elite athletes as my friends. And according to the pundits, I'm an eligible bachelor. That's the image everyone sees.

Ever have someone get you so well that it's like looking in a mirror? That's what I think of when I look at Liam. I might as well be looking at myself from a few months ago. Broken and jaded.

You know the guy everyone loves in a strictly platonic manner? The one that people think is nice and funny and smart, but not in a romantic way? That's me.