I’m shocked my boys chose me, but having an opportunity to be a part of transforming this team for the better? Well, I can’t possibly resist.
“I’d like to be a part of that too, and I’d really like to hear what you have planned, please.” I tell her.
They lay it all out for me, each one taking the time to go through their strategies and all the programs they want to implement. I already know about the yoga classes, due to my run-in with Madison, but there’s so much more. Nutritionists, a new cafeteria at the practice gym and here in the arena. New equipment and training personnel. Things that were standard for most other teams. Things I never thought I’d see implemented here. I’m awed by the scope of what they’re doing, but I’ve never been this motivated or hopeful about the future.
Coach Quinn discusses his priorities, and I pay close attention because his coaching style will have the most direct effect on the team.
“My first priority is building trust. This team doesn’t trust anyone right now and that needs to change before everything else.”
“How do we do that with everything that’s happened?” I ask.
“One practice at a time. Damon’s already started. We’ve got new team leaders, new management, and a new coaching staff. We have a chance to get it right this time around, and that’s what I plan on doing. The most important thing is to have clear and direct communication between management, the staff, and the players. We’d like you to be the point person for the players, Liam. If you can be upfront and honest with us about all your concerns consistently, that will go a long way toward building trust.”
I’ll do whatever it takes to create a better environment for my team, even though I know the path ahead is anything but smooth. He’s dead on about the trust issue. That’s going to take some time.
“Don’t for a minute think that I’ll go easy on you boys, because I won’t. If we’re going to get this team back on track,everyone’s going to have to give me their all. But I won’t get their buy-in without trust. That’s the way to build a solid team.”
This is where I shine. My dad taught me to be the hardest worker in the room, so if they’re looking for someone who can go the distance, that’s me for sure.
I think about who’s left after all the trades, and Karl Bell comes to mind. He’s a sadistic asshole. He’s been on my shit list since rookie year. No need to go into why that is; it’s not something I’m willing to share.
“Damon’s told me about some of the bullshit hazing that’s gone on here in the past. Let me be really clear how I feel about that kind of shit. You want to tape someone’s gear together or hang their clothes at the top of the stadium as joke, have at it. That’s fine, but the minute it becomes more than that, I will shut that shit down.”
Thank fucking God. Everyone loves a good prank, but that’s not at all what Bell and his boys were up to. Real injuries happened, some with lifelong consequences, physical and mental. If I have my way, that kind of shit won’t ever happen again either. Quinn doesn’t know it, but he’s preaching to the choir with me, so I’m quick to reassure him.
“I one hundred percent agree with you. I feel the same way.”
“Good. The other thing I won’t tolerate is anyone playing with undisclosed injuries. We need to encourage everyone to handle injuries appropriately. I know that battle is going to be a hard one, but we aren’t going to be the kind of organization that ignores player injuries for the so-called good of the team. From a team perspective, you’re more of a liability to us when you play injured. We’ve got a whole AHL team to call upon if we need them. There’s no need for that kind of misplaced bravado.”
While I agree with him, I also recognize that injuries can be a fine line, and I know not everyone’s going to support that line of thinking.
“I agree. That’s gonna be a little tougher considering the way this team ran things last year, but there are a lot of new guys, so if we raise the standard from the get-go, we can get the guys to come around.” I’m hesitant to bring up Karl Bell, but I do it anyway.
“I’ve got some concerns about Karl Bell. He’s a bully, and he’s tough on the rookies.” At the mention of Bell’s name, Damon’s jaw tightens, and his mouth thins.
“Yeah. We are aware of Karl’s predilections. That’s why it’s so important that you keep us in the loop and that we stand together - especially about the hazing. I will not stand for any of that bullshit on my watch. I expect the same kind of stance from you, too, Liam. Everyone we asked was very clear that you were never a part of it. I need that to continue.” Damon says with conviction, but I also hear the irritation in his voice, even if it’s not directed at me.
Good, he doesn’t like Bell’s methods any more than I do. Having their support is everything when it comes to enforcing this kind of thing.
“Yes, sir.” I’m quick to reply.
“I do have some news to share, now that it’s official,” Damon announces, smiling, ice-blue eyes alight with anticipation.
“Let’s hear it,” I say with a hesitant smile.
“We just signed a three-year contract with Walker King. I know you two were quite the team in college. Took Michigan to the Frozen Four in your senior year. I’m really hoping to see some of that kind of teamwork this year.”
“Fuck yeah!” I say before I can stop myself, “Oh crap......ummm sorry, Ms. Robertson.” My lack of manners makes me cringe.
“It’s okay, Liam. I appreciate the enthusiasm.” She gives me an indulgent smile. She owns a hockey team, so I’m sure this isn’t the first time she’s heard someone swear.
Walker and I haven’t played a game together since college, but that’s irrelevant. No matter how much time has passed, we’re always able to connect on the ice. We’ve been tight since our first competitive travel league together. I’m psyched we get to be teammates again. For a day I thought was going to be terrible, it’s turned out to pretty darn good.
Madison
“Should we break up, Kenz?” I ask, quirking an eyebrow at my best friend. He looks every bit the three-time MMA featherweight champion he is. Colorful Japanese tattoos showcasing a phenomenal physique.
He’s never said it outright, but I believe that his body art is a way to honor his mom. She passed away right after we graduated from high school. Breast cancer. It almost wrecked him. I’m so grateful I was here in Denver since Walker and Liam were off at college. I was his rock, just as he was mine a few years later when I lost my own parents in a drunk driving accident. Not long afterward, we started “dating.” He needed a refuge, and I needed a break from shitty boyfriends.
