“Fuck you, Fergs.” Witty.
“That’s Captain to you, Bell. Looks like all of your asshole buddies got traded, so guess what? No one gives a shit about your opinion anymore. If anyone’s spouting bullshit, it’s you and your goon squad. Too bad they didn’t take out all the trash. But hey, there’s still time. I mean, no one’s guaranteed a place on this team, are they, Bell?”
“You don’t know a thing about real hockey, Captain.” His sneer as he says “Captain” is as telling as his attitude. “If you really cared about this team, you’d be backing me up. You’ve been a pansy ass since rookie year. Captain, my ass.”
He’s up in my face now, chest puffed out like we’re about to throw down, when Walker breaks in.
“You think it’s only Cap you got to worry about, Bell? Maybe you’d better take a look at whose got his back?”
“I’d think rethink your approach, if I were you.” What? The faint Russian accent tells me exactly who commented - definitely Orlova. He tops me by at least three inches, and I’m pretty sure he outweighs me by at least 20 pounds. It feels pretty damn goodto have someone like him at my back. I glance behind me to see my alternate captains and a few of the veterans.
“Looks like you’re voted off the island, Bell. Now run away like the slimy rat you are.” Our goalie, Reid Gauthier, says with more than a hint of satisfaction. Seems like I’m not the only one who’s got a history with Bell.
I’ve never known Reedsy to take sides in the past. In fact, I was pretty confident he and Bell were tight. I’m sure there’s a story behind it, but I couldn’t be more thrilled to be wrong. Reedsy’s had a tough time in the last few months. He’s been in the player assistance program. No one knows exactly why, but drug and alcohol rumors are everywhere. All we know is that he tested positive last year for PEDs before one of our games, and then he was gone. I figure if he wanted to talk about it, he would. It’s his call, and none of my business.
I give Reedsy a nod for his assist. He nods back.
“I don’t need this shit from you fuckers. It’s your funeral.” Bell snaps before stomping out the door. Fuck him.
“Wow, what a dick. Is he always like that?” Walker asks, shaking his head in disbelief.
“Yeah, that’s just a small sample of what it used to be like.” I tell him, not wanting to go into detail. Bell’s comments are nothing new to me. I’ve had to put up with that fucker for seven years, and that’s not even the worst thing he’s said or done. Shameful memories of rookie year surface, but I cut them off. Now is not the time.
“Jesus that’s fucked up.” Walker looks so shocked. It validates everything I’ve believed about how toxic this team’s culture used to be.
I catch my breath as my supporters surround me. I have to stop myself from choking up. Just knowing these guys have my back is everything. I never would have seen this coming, but damn, it’s pretty fucking awesome.
I make them all a silent promise. A promise to be worthy. They’ve got my back, so I’ll be damn sure that I’ve got theirs.
With Bell’s departure, the energy of the room shifts, like someone’s flipped a switch, and the tension dissolves into pockets of laughter and good-natured ribbing.
I find myself shunted off to the side with my alternate captains. Nikoli Orlova’s the first one with his hand out, introducing himself. Like he even needs to. We’ve never talked, but I’ve played against him plenty. He’s one of the best veteran defensemen in the league, and I’m fangirling hard as I shake his enormous hand.
“Nice to meet you, Mr. Orlova,” I can’t help it. It just comes out.
He lets loose with a big belly laugh that brings a grin to everyone’s face, and I warm to him immediately
“Orly’s fine, Cap.” That deep voice rumbles, Russian accent barely discernible. He’s been playing here for quite a few years now.
“Coop. Burnsy. Good to see you both,” I say, nodding in We’ve been teammates for a few years, but I haven’t spent much time with them outside of hockey.
Gage “Coop” Cooper and Alex “Burnsy” Bernier are both veterans with the Wolves. They’ve always been team players on the ice when it mattered. They’re both solid players but quiet, keeping to themselves in the locker room. To see them step up and support me means a hell of a lot.
“Thanks for having my back with Bell, it means a lot to know I can count on you guys.”
To my surprise, Coop speaks up.
“I was about to request a trade when they hired Hawk but decided to wait. Only because a buddy of mine in Boston said he was one of the best he’s ever worked with. Glad I did. For once I’m not dreading the start of the season and that’s big for me.I’ve pretty much hated playing here the last few years, but I love hockey so I stayed. We aren’t going back to that, ever. That’s why I said yes to the “A”. I respect you, Liam. Always have.”
I’ve never heard Coop say so many words at one time. He’s a grunter on his best day. Maybe one or two words if you’re lucky. Looks like I’m lucky today.
“Thanks, man. That means a lot.”
“I agree. The only reason I’m still here is because my wife likes the schools. So, when Hawk asked me to help get the team back on track, how could I say “no”? We’ve got a chance to fix this shit, boys, and I want that. I miss how I used to love it.” That last bit is soft, like Burnsy’s afraid to admit it out loud, but it hits the hardest.
“I feel that, Burnsy. Don’t think you’re the only one.” I assure him, giving him a pat on his shoulder in solidarity. This is what we need. This kind of heart. This is what makes a team.
Looking back, I can’t help but wish I had looked a little deeper at my teammates, maybe gotten to know them a bit better. I make a note to myself to be better about that going forward.
