“Same difference.”
Dave pinches the bridge of his nose like he’s calculating how much I’m costing him per second.
“So they send me to Iowa, what then?” I ask, quieter now. The energy’s draining out of me, fast.
“Then you call me, and we think about next steps.” He says it like it’s a lifeline, but I’m already slipping. “We could try to get them to trade you. But that only works if they want to move you and someone else wants to pick you up. That’s a pretty narrow window. If you win, they’ll want to keep you. If you lose, no one else will want you anyway.”
The words hit harder than I expect. Not because I think he's wrong. But because I know he’s right.
“And if being gay really is the distraction everyone whispers it is?” He pauses, jaw tight.
“Well, Jamie, then I won’t be able to trade you to a beer league in Florida.”
The silence stretches between us.
“So your best bet is to go to Minneapolis and make it work.”
CALIFORNIA PHENOM TO JOIN HUSKIES
JOHN ANDREWS FOR THEMINNEAPOLIS STAR TRIBUNE
[Image 1 Description: A young, white hockey player is dressed in a blue and gold uniform. The photograph captures a moment just before he scores a wraparound goal on a goalie in red and yellow gear.]
[Image 2 Description: The same player stands in a gray suit and blue shirt on stage. His blond, wavy hair comes to the top of his ears. He is holding a Minnesota Huskies cap up to the cameras with a small smile on his face.]
The NHL draft is done and the cards have fallen. After a disappointing season - or, rather,seasons- the Minnesota Huskies were in position for a solid pick. Unfortunately, the pool this year was fairly weak for forwards, with many considered either too small or too problematic.
Among the choices was UCLA star Jamie Carter. In four yearswith the Bruins, he played in 143 games, never scoring fewer than 50 points per season. The hometown boy led the brand-new program to two Frozen Fours, creating a new hockey powerhouse in the land of sunshine. For his efforts, Carter was a two-time All American and earned a Hobey Baker nomination his senior year.
Carter also holds the distinction of being the first openly gay player to be drafted into the NHL. While several teams were interested in his offensive production, word around the league was that they were concerned about how Carter’s sexuality would play in the locker room. At press time, neither the team nor Carter had commented on the situation.
In later rounds, the Huskies drafted forward Finn Murphy, defenseman Calvin Briggs, and goalie Matt Poulin. All three are anticipated to spend the majority of the season with the AHL affiliate in Des Moines. Remaining picks were used on prospects who plan to return to their college and junior league teams.
CHAPTER TWO
ETHAN
Minneapolis, September
After two months off,I tell myself I’m ready to be back at the arena. For the past six weeks, I’ve run and lifted and pushed my body to the limit, but nothing’s been able to get the draft out of my mind.
Yes, Carter’s good.
Yes, the other names I gave him were off the board by the time we picked.
But how the hell am I supposed to play this season with Jamie Carter on the ice with me? On the same bench? In the same locker room?
At the same press conferences?
The parking lot is mostly empty when I pull in. I sit in the SUV a few extra seconds, then haul my gear out of the back and head inside. The familiar chill of the rink hits me as I step through the door.It smells like fresh ice and new tape. For a second, the quiet comforts me.
In the locker room, I head to my usual stall and begin my ritual. Pads, gloves, stick, towel — everything exactly where I want it. I hang up the framed photo of me hoisting the Stanley Cup five years ago, the same one I hang every season.
A reminder of who I am. Of what I’ve earned.
The door creaks open.
In walks Jamie Carter, all easy posture and wide eyes.
