Page 278 of Wrong Pucking Jersey

“Captain O’Riley! What is in store for the Strattonville Vipers’ future?”

“Mr. Wilson, can you make a statement in regard to Mr. Harvey’s condition?”

“O’Riley, what about an update on Nurse Johnson?”

“Due to the circumstance of Winchester’s actions, do you know if Coach Johnson will still coach the Saskatchewan Vipers?!”

“The real question is, will both teams be disbanded due to the circumstance unfolding revolving around the new leaked photos?”

“Maddox! Is it true four of your players, including yourself, are dating Nurse Johnson?”

The questions go on and on, and the interviewers are desperate for answers as I sit at the table in the conference room.

Despite previous conferences, when I felt a sense of nervousness about what to say that would give off the best image of myself and my team to the world, today was different.

I didn’t give a puck.

My ongoing silence forces the interviewers to settle down until the room is quiet. It allows me a moment to scan the room, noticing the various recording devices that are all pointed my way.

I see Coach Cyrus in the corner of the room, standing with Mr. Champion, Amelia, Dakota, and Goalie Coach Destiny. Their expressions are serious, but I feel their support from the back corner of the room. I discussed my plans with them, and now it’s time to publicly confront and reveal where the future lies for us.

Time to stand up for what we believe in as a unit.

“Good afternoon,” I begin, knowing well this conference will be shown to the masses. “My name is Maddox O’Riley Wilson, Captain of the Strattonville Vipers. I’m honored to be given the opportunity to sit here before many of you to answer your questions and obvious concerns revolving around the semifinals that happened a week ago today.”

Allowing a moment of pause, I get straight to the points that need to be addressed.

“As many of you witnessed the incident live, you all watched as Jayce Winchester of the Saskatchewan Pincers intentionally crashed into Ace Harvey during the final seconds of the game. This led to Ace suffering a concussion. The impact, matched with the vigorous activities played on the ice prior to the moment, triggered a shock response that stopped Ace’s heart. That’s why CPR and other heart-reviving methods needed to be taken place on the ice to save Ace’s life. He was later airlifted to a hospital in downtown Toronto that specializes in sports trauma.”

Taking a pause, I deliver the news I’m sure they’re hoping for.

“From the overall progress of Ace’s treatment, he should make a full recovery.”

Many sigh in relief as others clap to express their gratefulness.

Once things quiet down, I move to the next point.

“As you are also aware, Team Nurse Mikayla Cross Johnson was also injured during the incident. She suffered a broken nose as well as a minor concussion due to blunt force trauma from the punch. She underwent cosmetic surgery to fix her nose placement and has been treated for her concussion. It is also promised she will make a full recovery.”

Another round of sighs of relief and applause circulate the room.

“Now that you’re aware that the important individuals in our team are well and recovering, I’m sure you wish for us to address the incident that occurred. I know many of you have questions. Why did it happen? What was the underlying motive for Winchester’s actions? Was this provoked due to outside circumstances? What are the consequences awaiting both teams?”

I try not to look at a camera, my eyes staring forward while I let my thoughts reign free.

“Jayce Winchester’s actions were all his own. Since I’m not a mind reader, I cannot justify his actions or assume I know why he did what he did. Regardless of the scoreboard, violence should not be the answer when faced with not getting what you desire in gameplay. It’s no different from life,” I elaborate.

“Many of you witnessed our goalie, who witnessed everything in close proximity, hold back from fighting Winchester on the ice. Obviously, I was present to ensure he didn’t give Winchester what he was instigating, but I feel the need to emphasize that Augustus not only held back his anger on the ice but acknowledged the very problem that has slowly blown up this last week across social media. With the last few weeks of incidents, the world of hockey is attempting to understand why Winchester did what he did at the semifinals.”

I further straighten my back, knowing the next conversation will be the most serious one.

“As many of you have become aware, our goalie, Wolfgang Augustus, has been blackmailed for more than six years. Long before the intention of joining a hockey team, Augustus received condescending and threatening messages via text revolving around his sexuality and relationships. Particularly centered around belittling the idea of Augustus having an interest in Miss Johnson, who was very involved in the hockey scene prior to pursuing her education in nursing, and myself.

“Augustus kept these disturbing text messages to himself because he did not want to disturb anyone. He thought it was an act to scare him away from his goal. A constant bullying tactic that would only stop if he dropped out and didn’t pursue his dreams of being a hockey player. Augustus is a very dedicated individual and would never pull away from his commitments. As one who was originally born here and later taken to Russia to be raised, Augustus was taught not to cower when things become hard and unmanageable.”

Everyone is focused on me as I continue.

“Unlike in Canada or even America, where there are many opportunities of privileges, other countries are not given the same chances in life. Hockey is a big deal to Augustus. Like it is to many of us on the Strattonville Vipers. None of us were completely born silver-spooned. Our families range in economic class, but many of us have experienced what it is like to once be rich, then lose it all to the tribulation of life. Despite those losses, we never gave up hope and used such falls to encourage a new rise. It’s why many of us are willing to commit to something, even if there are frightening aspects that can make the commitment tedious.

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