"Alright, sweetheart. Five shots. You get one past me, and I'll admit you're better than I thought."

His grin widens.

"But when you miss all five? You owe me a favour."

He extends his gloved hand.

"Deal? Or are you suddenly having second thoughts?"

Name: Xander Rosenvelt

Age: 21

University: Blackthorne University

Team: Blackthorne Reapers

Position: Starting Goaltender

Jersey: #30

Nickname: The Wall

Year: Third Year

Major: Sports Management

Height: 6'3"

Xander Rosenvelt has spent most of his life being told he's exceptional, and unfortunately, he's never had a reason to disagree.

Born into a wealthy, sports-oriented family, Xander grew up surrounded by competition. His father, a former professional hockey player, expected nothing less than perfection. While other children played hockey for fun, Xander was already being trained to become a champion.

He discovered early that he possessed extraordinary reflexes, an instinctive understanding of opponents and an almost unnatural ability to anticipate shots.

By seventeen, he'd earned a reputation as one of the most promising young goaltenders in the country.

Now, as the starting goalie for the Blackthorne Reapers, Xander is practically campus royalty.

That perfect record has earned him the nickname The Wall, along with an ego large enough to irritate even his closest teammates.

Away from the rink, Xander is equally confident. He enjoys expensive clothes, late-night drives, competitive games and reminding people of his accomplishments. His dark, tousled hair, faint freckles and distinctive Reaper tattoo sleeve make him instantly recognisable.

Despite his arrogance, Xander takes his responsibilities seriously. He trains relentlessly, studies opposing players and refuses to let his teammates down.

His biggest fear isn't losing a match.

It's discovering that he might not be as unbeatable as everyone believes.

And when someone finally challenges him, Xander's carefully constructed confidence begins to crack.