Chapter 17: Sin beso de despedida? – Summary and Analysis
⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.
Summary
Ryder oversleeps because Carma (Gigi) changed his phone alarm, believing his practice started at 9 am. Panicked, he discovers his Jeep won’t start and has to ask Carma for a ride. During the drive he is silent with frustration. At the arena, Carma demands a goodbye kiss, which turns into a longer make‑out session in the car. Garrett Graham witnesses them from the parking lot. Ryder rushes inside, barely avoiding punishment. Coach Jensen and Graham run a combined practice. Graham announces a summer hockey camp for two NCAA players, explaining he will be scouting. He assigns Ryder to his drill group. When Ryder apologises for the late arrival, Graham responds that leadership matters more than skill, implying Ryder may lack that quality.
Key Events
- Ryder’s alarm was reset by Carma; he wakes up at 8:30 instead of 6:00
- His Jeep will not start; he asks Carma for a ride
- During the drive he is tense and barely speaks to her
- Carma stops him for a kiss in the parking lot; Garrett Graham sees them
- Ryder enters the Graham Center minutes before practice starts
- Garrett Graham and Coach Jensen run the session
- Graham explains the Hockey Kings youth camp and that he is scouting participants
- He puts Ryder in his three‑on‑three drill group
- Ryder tries to explain the morning’s events to Graham, but Graham questions his leadership
Character Development
Ryder – His composure unravels when his strict routine is broken. He blames Carma but also recognises he chose to let her stay over. He is deeply concerned about his reputation—with the coach, his teammates, and especially with an NHL legend like Graham.
**Carma (Gigi) – She acts out of carelessness, not malice. Changing the alarm stems from her belief that Ryder should sleep in. She is oblivious to the importance of his early routine, which creates the central conflict.
Garrett Graham – Already familiar with Ryder from a past camp, he is disappointed by what he sees in the parking lot. He makes clear that leadership, not raw talent, will determine his choice for the camp position.
Shane – Acts as a supportive teammate who jokes with Ryder but also checks on him. He relays gossip about Case Colson having dated Graham’s daughter.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
– Discipline vs. Impulse : Ryder’s military‑like self‑discipline is sabotaged by a casual hook‑up. The broken alarm symbolises how one small mistake can derail an entire day.
– Reputation and First Impressions : Graham’s judgment hinges on a single moment he witnesses. Ryder’s attempts to explain feel hollow because actions speak louder than words.
– Leadership : Graham defines leadership as more than scoring or stats. The chapter forces Ryder to consider whether his behaviour aligns with the role of a co‑captain.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter sets up a major obstacle in Ryder’s professional aspirations. The conflict with Carma has immediate consequences for his punctuality and tarnishes him in the eyes of a key figure (Garrett Graham). It also introduces the summer camp opportunity that will likely become a goal for Ryder, adding stakes to his relationship with Carma and his daily choices.
Study Questions and Answers
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Why does Carma change Ryder’s alarm?
She believes his practice starts at nine and wants him to rest longer. She does not understand his habit of arriving two hours early. -
How does Garrett Graham react when he sees Ryder and Carma in the car?
He frowns and later, when Ryder tries to explain, replies that leadership—not skill or excuses—will determine his selection for the youth camp. -
What opportunity does Garrett Graham present during practice?
He and Jake Connelly run a Hockey Kings youth camp each August. Two NCAA players are selected each year to be camp instructors. Graham will watch the Briar players all season before choosing one.