Trick Play by Kim Findlay

Halloween in handcuffs – not what I'd planned

Larry Han

Having grown up in Toronto, it was amazing to sign with the Toronto Blaze, close to family and playing hockey on a team where I wasn't the only POC. When a teammate asked if I'd assist at a drop in for kids who needed a place to go on Halloween, I was happy to agree. A lot of my teammates were taking part, all dressed in clown costumes to make our role anonymous.

Then things went south.

First problem? A mistake with the costume I'd rented, so I ended up with one several sizes too big. The solution? My mom sewed skating costumes and promised to fix it.

Second problem? She was out of seam binding tape. There was an easy solution for this one too – a neighbour sewed and promised to lend us some.

Third problem? The neighbour's son, an old classmate, handcuffed me to his sister, as a joke. And promptly lost the key. The solution? Still looking for that. Until we found one, I was spending this Halloween in close proximity to Raggedy Ann.

Final problem? I didn't want to be set free. The solution for that was up to her.

This short story was originally published in the charity anthology, Hockey Halloween.