Page 16 of Pucking Daddy

I’ve always been a bit of a control freak, but right now it’s on another level.

And today has been… a test.

I lean back in the driver’s seat at a red light, fingers tapping once against the steering wheel, my mind replaying the last few hours in sharp, dissected fragments.

Today was my first practice with the Metro Raptors.

New team. New system. New expectations.

They’re good.

Just as good as I’d hoped—fast, aggressive, and skilled enough to make up for a few minor mistakes.

They had a great coach in Petrov. Now they have to get used to me. Trust that I know what I’m doing—even if I do things differently.

I’ve been on the ice myself long enough to know how players think, how a locker room breathes. And I’ve spent the last few years behind the bench, learning how to lead instead of just execute.

I’ve done this before. Taken on a new team and made them mine.

I can do it again.

I have to.

Because this isn’t just another job.

This is the Metro Raptors.

Media attention. Ownership pressure. Fans who expect results yesterday.

The light turns green. I press the gas a little harder than necessary.

Good. Let them doubt me. I work better when I have something to prove.

My phone buzzes in the cup holder. I glance down just long enough to see my lawyer’s name.

I don’t pick it up. I already know what’s in that message.

Another reminder. Another warning dressed up as advice.

Stability matters, Jaxon. Routine. Structure. A consistent home environment.

I exhale slowly, dragging a hand through my hair.

That’s what this is all about.

Not the job. Not the team. Not even the reputation.

Lily. Everything leads back to her.

Six years old, and already too aware. Too observant. She notices when I’m distracted, when I come home late, when I get stuck in my own head.

The memory hits me out of nowhere—her sitting at the kitchen counter this morning, swinging her legs, telling me something about a dragon that sings.

I tighten my grip on the wheel.

I’m doing this for her.

Every late night. Every decision. Every piece of control I force into place.