I stand, forcing a smile onto my face. My palms are sweaty as I nod at my new teammates.
"Thanks, guys. I'm excited to be part of this team. Can't wait to see what we'll do this season,"I say before sinking back into my seat. Yeah, that was a bit lame, but no one expects a huge speech. The only way I'm going to earn anyone's respect is with my actions. The shit I say during a welcome meeting isn't going to count for shit if I don't live up to expectations on the ice.
Carson introduces Coach Shaw next, who steps forward with a friendly smile on his face. Even with his open expression, his presence commands the room. He’s not a huge guy, but he’s solidly built with thick, gray hair and steely blue eyes that look like they cut through bullshit like a hot knife through butter. He has that rare combination of natural authority and approachability that the best coaches have.
Shaw is a former player, but he was more of a journeyman than a star. He was the kind of player known for always having his teammates' backs. He's been coaching in the farm system for a few years, but this is his first head coaching job at this level, so I'm sure he's feeling the pressure as much as we are.
"Thanks, Carson,"he says in that voice that makes you sit up and pay attention. Commanding without being intimidating.
"The past couple of seasons have been tough on everyone in this room,"he continues."But that's behind us. We're going to focus on the present, on putting in the work every single day to get back to where we all want to be."
There are nods and murmurs of agreement from around the room. I find myself nodding along, feeling the spark of excitement that I've been missing for the past couple of years.
Sometimes I still can't believe I get paid to do what most kids only dream about. During all the toxic locker room drama with the Jags, I kind of forgot how much I genuinely love playing hockey. Maybe his trade means more than just a chance to save my reputation—maybe it's what I need to reconnect with the game itself. To find the pure thrill that used to hit me every time I stepped out on the ice.
"The talent in this room is incredible,"he continues."But talent alone doesn't win championships. It takes hard work, dedication, and most importantly, it takes coming together as a team. And the responsibility for that falls equally on all of our shoulders."
It could be my imagination, but I feel like he looks at me when he says it. I swallow hard, sitting up a little straighter.
"The coaching staff has spent the last couple of weeks laying out some tentative game plans for next week, which we'll be covering during practices but there is one off-ice change that I want to bring up right now."He pauses, as everyone's ears perk up.
"All players, regardless of the number of years in the league, will be sharing a room with a teammate while we're on the road this year."
RYLAN
The coffee I'm drinking takes a wrong turn when Coach Shaw drops the bomb about the new roommate policy. I fight to mask my sudden, choking cough as a simple throat clear, but it doesn't work. Louis gives me a worried glance, but I refuse to meet his eyes, concentrating on keeping a straight face while surprised whispers spread through the room.
Sharing rooms isn't the norm anymore, especially for veterans. Anyone who's not on their entry-level contract gets their own room. It's kind of an unwritten rule, part of"making it"in the league.
"I'm aware this is a bit unorthodox,"Travis continues,"But I'm a firm believer that building strong bonds off the ice translates to success on the ice. We're going to get to know each other better than we know our own families this year."
Through my peripheral vision, I catch Jamie Pirelli shifting in his seat, his casual posture betrayed by the way his fingers drum against his thigh. But his expression remains composed, an easy half-smile playing at his lips.
Travis must sense the room's uneasiness because he holds up a placating hand."Look, I understand it's going to be an adjustment, but I've put a lot of thought into the roommate pairings. When I met with each of you during the off-season, I tried to get a sense of who you are as people, not just asplayers. My goal is to facilitate connections between you all. I'm not looking to force anyone into an uncomfortable situation. If anyone has a serious problem with sharing a room, you can come speak to me privately, but my hope is that you'll give it a real shot."
He gives us a grin before continuing."And just to show you how invested the coaching staff is in this idea, we'll all be sharing rooms this year too."That's met with some laughter and a few of the assistant coaches roll their eyes in an exaggerated fashion, which breaks some of the tension.
"Okay, so before the speculation gets too out of hand, I'm going to go ahead and tell you who you're rooming with this year,"Coach Shaw grins as he pulls out a sheet of paper and puts on his reading glasses.
My stomach clenches as he starts reading names."Marshall with Darbyshire. Reese-McLeod and Gagnon."Some guys fist-bump, others maintain their professional masks as Coach goes down the list.
"Sinclair with Tremblay."Louis shoots his new backup an encouraging smile.
"Collings with Pirelli."
The words hit me like a check from behind. Austin sucks in a sharp breath, but I'm still trying to control the rushing sound of blood in my ears. Oh my god, he's not just my teammate... I jerked off to thoughts of myroommateless than 12 hours ago.
Fuck. My. Life.
Okay, tet it together, Collings.I need to set the example here and show everyone this isn't a big deal.
Evenif the thought of sharing a room with Jamie Pirelli makes my heart race in a way that has nothing to do with hockey.
Chapter 5
RYLAN
The locker room buzzes with energy as we gear up for our first on-ice practice of the year. I deliberately focus on my own stall, going through my familiar routine, putting on each piece of equipment in the exact same order I've used since I was a kid. Pirelli's been assigned the stall two down from mine. Close enough that I keep catching hints of his cologne mixed with coffee when he moves past me.
