"Things can always be improved upon, but that was pretty damn great," I tell him. That's one thing I learned playing hockey. No matter how great a move might be, you always have to find ways to make it better. If you get complacent, you'll fall behind.

The score board looming over the rink distracts my attention for a moment, ears ringing with phantom cheers before I blink a few times and look back at Bittle. "Oh, I don't if I'd be any good, but I can give it a try."