"Good game, kid."
Heath glanced up. "Thanks. You too."
"You earned it."
I pulled on a clean t-shirt and reached for a pair of joggers. In five minutes, I'd sit next to Heath in front of cameras and lie about what we were.
The door opened.
Media coordinator. Clipboard in hand.
"Scrum in five. Mathers, Donnelly, Cross—you're up. Coach after."
I finished dressing. Quarter-zip. Ran a hand through my damp hair.
Cross was already moving, and I followed.
Behind me, Heath stood.
We all walked out the door into the hallway. Cross led. Heath fell into step beside me.
The silence between us was heavier than on the bench. Loaded with everything we couldn't say.
The media room had one long table. Three chairs. Microphones. Cameras. Reporters watched as we entered.
I took the middle seat. Cross left. Heath right.
We'd barely sat down when the first question came.
"Kieran—opening night, two left wingers scored from the same position. How does that feel?"
I leaned forward. Calm. Controlled.
"Feels like a win. That's what matters. We played solid team hockey, and this is the result."
The reporter didn't let go. "But both goals came from your position. Does that create internal competition for ice time?"
Next to me, Heath didn't move. He braced for my answer.
"We're all competing for ice time every shift. That's professional hockey. The coaching staff manages deployment. My job is to play my shifts and help the team."
Polished. Safe.
Another reporter. "Heath, first NHL opening night, you score and earn first star. What was going through your mind?"
He leaned toward his microphone. Shoulders tight.
"Just trying to get to the net. Puck bounced my way. Right place, right time."
Quietly minimizing.
The reporter pressed. "Coach Markel gave you significant minutes in high-leverage situations. Does that feel like validation?"
Heath hesitated for a beat. "I'm just trying to do my job. There's a lot of really talented players on this team. I'm grateful for the opportunity."
Another voice from the back. Sharper tone.
"Kieran, you and Donnelly are both playing left wing at a high level. Realistically, is there room for both of you long-term?"
