Page 4 of Breakaway

“Nepotism in sports is no secret. Look at the NFL or NBA. The pool for our sport, women’s hockey, is small. Reality is that talent often begets talent. I played with Doc Banner. He had a contract for the big leagues until an injury forced him to leave the sport. Now he tries to save the dreams of others.

“But this is a business for me. So let me make sure that you all understand. I don’t care what your name is, where you came from or who you know. You will keep your job based on one thing. How you play the game with your teammates.

“This is a team sport, and we are only as good, as strong, as the team. Team first. Be inclusive. Be respectful. Weak, selfish links will be removed.

“There is a morality clause in your new contracts. I expect everyone to keep their noses clean and stay out of trouble. What you do privately is your business. Keep it PG in public. Remember, what you do on and off the ice reflects on the team.

He turns, effectively dismissing her. “Coach, I know you have drills to work through. Please send me the first two players and we’ll make this as quick as possible.”

CHAPTER 3

Turk

The last three hours have been grueling. Not because of the women. Most of them are team players who only want to play the game they love. Missy is going to be an issue. I could see the dollar signs in her eyes as she tried to flirt. I shut that shit down immediately.

She also tried to pump me for information on Clark which was almost laughable since he’s already looking for her replacement. When he says ‘team sport’ he means it.

No, the hardest part was remembering how much I miss hockey. Miss playing. Maybe Clark is right. We need to live vicariously through our sisters and help them make the sport they love a national treasure. These women have just as much heart and drive as their male counterparts.

Our interviews are over. I’m worried about a few of the women. I don’t think a couple weigh enough and Teddie needs to get her blood pressure checked, like yesterday.

One player caught more than my eye. The one who was hanging with my sister. The one I watched workout with Tatum and Leslie. Caitlyn. They call her Cat.

She could use a few pounds, too. But I don’t feel it’s that she doesn’t eat. She’s full of nervous energy. I wonder if she ever just relaxes. The way she bounced her leg as we talked made me realize she’s wound tighter than a clock. Maybe we need to add a yoga instructor, or meditation to the benefits package.

There was something about her responses to all the family medical history questions that gave me pause. Her parents died a few years ago. No brothers or sisters. No family health issues that she knew of. No remaining family. Everything seemed above board. Except she clutched her hands in her lap like her life depended on it. Like there was something she wasn’t telling me.

I’d been captivated watching her and Tatum on the ice. There she hid nothing, giving the game her all. She didn’t skate. She flowed. Every move an extension of her being.

She’s going to be a star if she keeps her nerves in check on and off the ice.

Clark joins me in the minuscule medical room. “So, what do you think?”

“Probably the same as you. Good core, a few questionable.”

“Yeah. Missy has got to go. Coach wants Leslie. There’re a couple other girls I’ve had my eye on from the minor team. I’ll try to get them up in the next week or so. I’d like to see what you think. Four more will fill our team openings plus a replacement for Missy. I’d like to do it sooner rather than later. We have time to make this a winning season.”

“Sure. I’m free the rest of the weekend. I’ve got surgeries on Monday and Tuesday. I’m in the office the rest of the week.”

“How’d it go with Baylor?”

“Who?” I raise an eyebrow, then grin. “Didn’t notice him.”

“He’s another one I’d love to dump, contract be damned.”

“Patience my friend. He’ll hang himself. He always does.”

We catch the end of practice. Coach lets Baylor comment first.

“You did pretty good today, girls. Missy you were on fire. Teddie, you need to focus. Cat and Tatum, you need to push harder, you’re supposed to be the leaders. This is the pro’s not the powder puffs. Cat, I need a few words with you when we’re done.”

“I-ah-I can’t. I have to be somewhere.”

He raises a brow. “More important than your job? Your career?”

I’m stepping forward before I know it. Clark steps in front of me and shakes his head. “Let’s hold that conversation for another day, Baylor. I was planning on meeting with you, coach and Doc.”

Turning, Clark smiles at the team. “I’m impressed with all your efforts today. Thank you for taking the extra time. Have a great rest of your day. Relax and enjoy. I plan on being here for practice tomorrow and I’m looking forward to our game Monday.”

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