Page 13 of Huge Pucking Play

"You alright there, Hughes?" Coach Martinez claps me on the shoulder.

I blink, trying to regain my composure. No way I’m talking to him about this. Not yet, at least. "Yeah, just...taking everything in."

"Quite a team we've assembled, huh?" Martinez asks proudly.

I nod, distracted. "Impressive for sure. I’m looking forward to meeting everyone individually." I’m particularly interested in talking to one very sexy Blades employee.

My mind continues to race. Out of all the NHL teams, we both end up working with the Blades. It’s so funny to me now that we talked extensively about hockey in Vegas but neither of us revealed how deeply entrenched in hockey we actually are.

What role does she play on the team? Is she a doctor? A trainer? Or maybe she works as a scout?

I've thought about her constantly since Vegas, kicking myself for not getting her number.

I can still see her long, wavy blonde hair cascading down her back, framing her radiant face and sparkling emerald eyes. Her form-fitting dress hugged her curves in all the right places, showing off her athletic and toned body.

The way her soft, silky skin felt against mine. Her eager hands had explored every inch of me, leaving trails of heat in their wake.

"Hughes? You with me?" Coach looks at me, obviously wondering what has me so distracted.

"Sorry, Coach. It's been a whirlwind few days."

He chuckles. "Well, buckle up, buttercup. It only gets crazier from here. Let's introduce you to some of the team."

I follow him into the locker room where quite a few of the guys are there suiting up for afternoon practice.

One player in particular, Nate Barnes, also known as Barnesy, is a good-looking kid but seems unusually cocky and full of himself. I make a mental note to take him down a peg or two as soon as I get a chance.

Barnesy enthusiastically takes me aside and informs me that he’s the best player on the team but is underappreciated. He wants to be acknowledged more for his skills and leadership abilities.

As he finishes his self-praising monologue, I can't help but raise an eyebrow at his arrogance. "Interesting, Barnesy. I look forward to seeing those skills in action during practice," I reply with a hint of skepticism.

Barnesy smirks, clearly unfazed by my response. "Oh, you'll see, Coach Hughes. Just watch and learn."

Coach Martinez steps in, sensing the tension building between us. "Alright, enough ego-boosting for one day, Barnesy. Let's focus on getting ready for practice."

With a dismissive nod, he heads back to his locker, leaving me and Coach Martinez exchanging knowing looks.

"He's a talented player, no doubt about it," Coach comments quietly as we watch him walk away. "But sometimes he lets his ego get the best of him."

I nod in agreement, understanding the delicate balance between confidence and humility in team dynamics. I was known to have quite the ego as well back in the day. I’m sure that also contributed to my nickname.

As we continue to make our rounds in the locker room, I meet the rest of the players—each with their own unique personalities and quirks. From the veteran goalie, Evan Daniels, who definitely earns his nickname of Ice Man to the rookie defenseman, Cole Sloane, nervously adjusting his gear, it's clear that this team is a diverse mix of characters.

After the introductions are done, Coach Martinez gathers everyone for a quick pep talk before practice begins. He emphasizes the importance of teamwork and communication on and off the ice, setting the tone for a productive session ahead.

As they hit the ice, I can feel the energy and camaraderie buzzing among the players. The sound of skates slicing through ice, pucks clacking against sticks, and teammates calling out plays fills the air.

I’ve missed this so much. Life without hockey just isn’t the same.

I focus on the opening drills, determined to prove myself and earn my place on this coaching team.

There are a few non-players watching on the sidelines and I glance over to see if Cyn is one of them. I’m disappointed when I don’t see her gorgeous face.

I wonder again what she does for the team and when I’ll find out.

Practice finishes up eventually and Coach and I leave the locker room, continuing down a hallway, discussing how my first practice went.

My curiosity eventually gets the better of me. "So, uh, that staff meeting earlier...quite a diverse group you've got," I say, aiming for casual. I’m hoping he might give me more info about what everyone’s roles are.

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