Page 49 of Second Round

Lepper walked into my office.His visits were a regular thing, but his play on the ice hadn’t changed at all. If I hadn’t watched video of him earlier in the season, I would have been shocked that he was drafted at all. But since I knew how good he could be, he presented an interesting challenge. Mainly we shot the breezes when he came in. We’d talked about his junior hockey experiences, his dad passing away young, and his first season withtheVice.

“Coach, I thought about why I got into hockey, likeyousaid.”

“And what did you comeupwith?”

“To be honest, it was mostly about my dad. He was a huge hockey fan and really proud of my hockey playing. So he was a big influenceonme.”

If that were true, it was bad news for Lepper. Players who were externally driven often struggled to push to new levels. My philosophy was not to motivate players, but help them motivatethemselves.

“You miss himalot.”

Lepper’s gaze dropped to the floor. “He was a great guy. You know, it’s so stupid, but when I see the Millionaires doing those father trips, I can imagine my dad there. He would be in the middle of everything, having the best time.” Lepper’s lower lip trembled. I gave him time to work through his emotions. We were comfortable enough with each other that silenceswereokay.

I switched the topic. “Hey, I finally got the answer to the question you asked me in our firstmeeting.”

“Whatwasthat?”

“About Coach Panner. Amanda told me he’s going to be taking up a scouting positionthisfall.”

Lepper’s expression was solemn. “So, he’s not coachinganymore?”

“He’s good with the new position. He’ll start out part-time because he needs some time to rehab, and he’s moving back toOntario.”

The player’s forehead creased, and his sigh was almost audible. “Then, that’s good,right?”

“Right. Listen, correct me if I’m wrong, but I sense that you feel responsible for Bob’s heartattack.”

Lepper’s eyes widened. “Of course, I was. He was yelling at me when it happened. I didn’t cover my man in our zone. And then I gave him crap when he calledmeout.”

“Rico, stop. Bob is a grown man who makes his own choices. In all the times I’ve seen him, he never blamed you. Nobody does. His lifestyle meant something had to give. He was working way too hard and not looking after himself. Now he can make changes and come back one hundredpercent.”

Lepper didn’t look convinced, but I was sure this was the breakthrough we’d been searching for. If he could shed his guilt around Bob’s heart attack, he could clear his mind and play better. I was no psychiatrist, but it was clear that he harboured some issues around his dad’s sudden deathaswell.

“You know, most players can benefit from talking to a psychologist or therapist,” Isuggested.

“What the hell? There’s nothing wrong with me. I’m not nuts, if that’s what youthink.”

I raised my hands. “Slow down. Your life is incredibly pressured. You want to play your best to reach the next level. So you need to clear your mind to focus on your game. Working with a sport psychologist can help in somanyways.”

He exhaled. “Oh. Asportspsychologist. That’sdifferent.”

I hid my smile. That was always the reaction. If it was couched in mental preparation for hockey, everyone was on board. “All kinds of therapists are helpful. I went to one myself during mydivorce.”

“You?” Lepper was shocked. “You’re always totally incontrol.”

“Mental health is as important as staying in shape.” After I split with Sophie, it was affecting my work so much that Ineededhelp.

Lepper yanked out his phone and checked the time. “That reminds me, Coach. Don’t forget to call yourdaughter.”

“Merde. Thanks.” After talking to Jackie, I had arranged to call Charlotte at six o’clock every night. I preferred to use my laptop so I could really see her, but if I was on the road I’d use my phone instead. I’d booted Lepper out of the office a few times to make my call, so he knew thedrill.

He headed out. I made a note to follow up on hooking up Lepper with help. The Vice lacked many things, but Amanda had made sure that our medical insurance coverage was extensive. Some kind of therapy for Lepper would be covered and benefit himtremendously.

Then I closed my office door and dialled up Charlotte. Her sweet face appeared on the screen, and my heart took its usual dip at the sight. I smiled at her, and the corners of her mouth turned upslightly.

“Hello,chaton. How are youtoday?”

“I’mfine,Papa.”

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