“That we’re trying to get him from very good to exceptional. Not sure he bought it.”
Coach Brennan sighed. “He’s our top scorer by a significant margin. Kid’s got NHL potential, no question, and the scouts agree. He’s got the skills, but it’s the tactical stuff that’ll make or break him at the next level. It’s why he wasn’t drafted. His talent is still too raw.”
I nodded thoughtfully. “Skills without tactical discipline will only take a player so far at the professional level.”
“He’s hit a plateau,” Coach Brennan said. “Physically, he’s got everything. Speed, strength, instincts. Mentally, he’s confident. Maybe too confident. He dominates at this level, but if he wants to make it to the big league, he needs refinement. And he has two more seasons to make it happen because once he graduates college, he’s done.”
Kevin nodded. “His positioning in the corners could be better. His defensive awareness when he doesn’t have the puck. And his shot selection… Sometimes, he tries to be the hero when a pass would be smarter. He needs to see the bigger picture, develop game smarts.”
This confirmed what I’d seen of him in the footage. “But he doesn’t agree?”
Coach Brennan scratched his chin. “No, he’s pushing back. Individual coaching is new territory for him.”
“He will test you,” Kevin added. “See if you know what you’re talking about.”
A challenge, then. I’d faced plenty of those, though most of those had involved some kind of royal aspect. “I appreciate the honesty. Maybe I could resort to bribery? Would homemade Swedish meatballs win him over?”
That got a good chuckle out of both men. Ah, the benefits of royal training. I always had a joke at my disposal to diffuse sticky situations.
I got serious again. “And the rest of the team is on board with me working with him individually? I understand that in American hockey culture, there can be concerns about favoritism.”
Coach Brennan waved a dismissive hand. “The other players know Adan’s special. Hell, they’re all proud of him and want him to succeed. If we can get him to the NHL, it reflects well on the whole program. It’s been ten years since we sent a player to the pros, and Adan would be our fifth student to make it. That should take care of our enrollment numbers for the next few years.”
“Besides,” Kevin added, “you’ll be working with him outside of regular team practice. Extra sessions, focused training. It won’t interfere with team practice.”
I was genuinely excited. From what I’d seen of Adan Rivera, he was a phenomenal player and working with him would be a dream opportunity.
Coach Brennan rose. “Team practice starts in an hour. We’ll introduce you to the team, but especially to Adan.”
My pulse quickened again. “Excellent. I look forward to meeting him.”
Kevin stood, straightening his jacket. “Adan will probably have questions about your background, your coaching philosophy, maybe even your playing experience.”
“I can handle his questions.”
That part, I wasn’t worried about. I had played center at Rideau University in Ottawa, being the starter for two years straight, and I’d damn well earned that position. It was the royal part of me that I was anxious to hide. If that came out, my whole experience here would be ruined.
Even at Rideau, amazing as those four years had been, people had known I was a prince. My teammates had given me shit about it for sure. Thank goodness Rideau had agreed to keep that part of my identity confidential when Millard had called to check my references.
Coach Brennan moved toward the door. “Kevin, you wanna show Nils around while I finish up some paperwork?”
“Sure thing.” Kevin gestured for me to follow him. “Come on, I’ll give you the grand tour.”
As we left Coach Brennan’s office, Kevin glanced at me sideways. “So, Sweden, huh? Must be a big difference from Buffalo?”
My throat tightened. These were the kinds of questions I feared. “I wanted to experience American hockey culture. It’s quite different from what I’m used to, I’ve been told. And not the same as Canadian culture.”
Kevin snorted. “Canadians live and breathe hockey. In some families, you learn to play before you can write your own name.”
“That certainly fits with what I experienced there.”
“The Rideau Ravens did well last season.”
Pride filled my chest. It had been five years since I had left, but a piece of my heart would always be there, and I kept tabs on how the team did. “I know. And Meriah Callahan got called up to the big league. Well deserved.”
“That’s what we want for Adan, too. We want him to have that shot. He wasn’t ready for the draft, but with two more seasons, we can get him ready to be recruited before he graduates.”
“I’ll do whatever I can to get him ready.”
