Page 282 of Wrong Pucking Jersey

I can only wonder where their relationship will go from here on out.

“Needless to say, I’ve never had good relations with my father. It’s the reason why such instances and criminal charges being laid against my father for manipulation of government assets, money laundering, and other criminal offenses will not be used against me. My father disliked me simply because I was the younger twin. Despite my performance in Moscow and immense achievements, it wasn’t enough for him. The pressure was on the older sibling, and maybe that’s what drove my brother to do stupid things for the thrill of it all. I don’t defend his actions. However, I simply wanted you all to know the environment he was raised in.”

He bows his head and encourages Ms. Sinclair to finish what has to be said.

“Now that this is out in the open, I’d like to announce the future of the hockey teams,” she says. “As Captain O’Riley briefly discussed, the Strattonville Vipers will be facing the Toronto Maple Leafs in six months’ time. This will give them the opportunity to recover as a unit and train in preparation. The game will give them to chance to advance and be a part of the final games toward the Stanley Cup.”

Many applaud.

“As for the Saskatchewan Pincers… It’s become clear that due to Winchester’s involvement, the team hasn’t gotten a real chance to succeed. It was made from day one that Jayce Winchester had an agenda on his own. Getting initial pay that was far higher than his playmates to working effortlessly to secure his future and not the future of the team. I find this both selfish and unfair because, as Captain O’Riley stated, not everyone is born in a silver-spoon lifestyle where opportunities are given to you because your family has wealth,” she reveals. “The players of the Saskatchewan Pincers are very talented. If they weren’t, despite Winchester’s leadership, they wouldn’t have made it this far. Therefore, we’ve decided to give them another chance to succeed. This was approved throughout the board.”

Cheers and loud clapping ignite, making Ms. Sinclair smile in approval.

“Due to this change, a number of teams that have also previously lost will be given the opportunity to join the league and try to get to the finals. This will, of course, be smaller but will give every team the opportunity to enter the top four teams that will be added to the winning eight-team roster in preparation for the final games for the Stanley Cup,” she reveals. “With that, I will be appointing Jamie Winchester as the new captain of the Saskatchewan Pincers.”

Everyone claps and cheers, many even standing up in welcome.

Jamie bows his head before adding, “Thank you for this opportunity. I will do my best to lead the team to the playoffs and onto the road toward the Stanley Cup.”

“I’d like to thank all of you for your time. Please support these new changes and be patient with us as we transition into this new era of hockey.”

“Yes!” Many cheer.

“Jamie Winchester! We’d love a statement from you!”

“Captain O’Riley, what’s your verdict on this new change?”

The questions keep going, but we’re allowed to cut things short and leave the room, which is filled with happy chaos.

“Guess we’re going to see each other more often.”

I glance to my left and confirm it’s Jamie, who’s with Iris, hand in hand.

“I hope you’re not as competitive as your brother,” I mutter with a smirk.

“Oh, no,” Jamie states, but his grin is even wider as his eyes darken. “I’m worse.”

“Fantastic,” I approve, feeling the competitive sparks between us.

Iris groans and elbows him.

“Ow!”

“That’s not how you make yourself look good! You’re supposed to be friendly and say something inspiring!”

“That’s so fake,” he grunts.

“Fake it till you make it, Jamie!” Iris huffs and squeezes his hand until he’s trying to get her to let go.

“Dammit, woman! You love to make me suffer.”

“Enjoy it for the next six months, Winchester. Can’t get rid of me now. You need someone to make you look like a good captain.”

“Fucking hell. Puck bunnies. You’re all evil.”

“No,” she gasps and leans in. “I’m just the evilest of them all.”

“How can YOU get away with spinning that shit on me, but when I do it, it’s illegal?”

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