Page 5 of The Fine Line
Because as an aspiring NHL commentator, my job is to stay objective. Know the stats. Report the news. Keep personal opinions out of it.
And the fact is—Rhett Sutton is the new captain of the Texas Storm.
Rhett “Sutty” Sutton.
The golden boy from Toronto. Drafted second overall after giving the University of Toronto their best two seasons in decades. He was supposed to be the league’s next shining star.
Instead, Chicago cut him before his second year.
Why?
The rumor mill has churned out theories for the last ten years—but no one knows for sure.
Everyone has their opinion on him.
I know I do.
Even if I’m not supposed to.
But I’m not blind. And I’m definitely not naive.
Rhett Sutton’s charm has no effect on me.
Even if he somehow resurrected his career.
Even if he turned Texas into believers.
Even if he’s now one of the NHL’s hottest commodities.
The boy with the golden curls, the eyes of a wolf, and a grin that makes people forget he’s dangerous. A loose cannon on the ice, a smooth talker off of it. Every opponent's worst nightmare and the media’s dream.
Every woman wants him. Every man wants to be him.
I think you can guess where he falls on that spectrum for me.
Because Rhett Sutton’s been a recurring feature in my life for years.
The difference is, before, I could pretend to ignore him.
Now? Not so much.
I’ve finished my master’s in broadcast journalism. I’ve spentevery spare moment reviewing NHL footage and memorizing stats like scripture.
I worked under the Storm’s rinkside reporter—Courtney Evans—learning the ropes, getting my hands dirty in NHL media. But now? It’s my time.
The Storm’s television analyst is retiring. That role is mine. I’m sure of it. I know hockey, especially Texas hockey.
I’ve put everything into this. Stepped in when Courtney was sick and crushed it. Been a perfect professional. Now I’m just waiting for the final word. And I may just get it today. I have a meeting after the press conference.
“Rhett!” a journalist calls. “What was your reaction when you got the call-up to captain?”
I watch Rhett exhale slowly, dragging a hand over his stubble. “Honestly? It was something along the lines of, ‘I think you’ve got the wrong number.’”
A wave of laughter ripples through the room. I cross my arms, fighting the urge to shake my head.
In sports broadcasting, image is everything. But when you’re a woman and the daughter of a head coach? The scrutiny is amplified tenfold.
“But isn’t it true that Bennett James personally recommended you for the position when he left the Storm at the end of last season?” the reporter presses.
