Page 239 of Wrong Pucking Player

Like ever.

“Winchester would never admit he’s wrong,” Diesel emphasizes. “He has too much pride for that shit.”

“Diesel’s right,” Kane agrees but frowns. “But we all know what happens when you take money from people and don’t keep up your end of the bargain.”

You can be the most naive individual in Strattonville and still know what happens when you don’t give back the money that’s due from illegal lenders.

You show up dead on the news.

“So how do we ensure we don’t get pulled into this shit?” Cole questions. “I don’t know about you guys, but I deal with enough shit. I know how cruel this world is, but I’ve joined this initiative in hopes of paying my father’s debt. I don’t want to be dragged into Winchester’s shit.”

“Same. I’m here to make a name and keep this team going,” Ryker admits. “We may not have a good start with Winchester as our captain, but I overheard Mr. Champion saying no matter what happens, he wants us to have a shot at a long-term career here.”

“Really?” a few guys comment.

“Yup.” Ryker looks hopeful. “I didn’t want to mention it until after our first game and without Winchester overhearing. Mr. Champion really likes our strive. He had a few observers watching us the last few days, and they liked what they saw.”

“Wow,” Axel sounds excited. “I wouldn’t mind being with you guys past this season. No matter where we place.”

“Honestly, same,” Royce agrees. “I think we can go far, but more so, we can make an impact in this world of hockey.”

“Same,” Kane agrees, and Diesel nods.

The others nod in approval before all eyes go to Mitchel.

“Honestly, we just have to have each other’s backs,” Mitchel confesses. “I’m not like my brother in terms of how he’s able to make so many connections and business deals, but what I have learned is that teamwork and loyalty are everything. People observe how we interact with one another. When you least expect it, you’re rewarded for the fruits of your labor. I think we can all go far, and truthfully, I believe we can do it without Winchester.”

He looks over to me.

“I know you’re not interested in the captain position Wyatt,” he pauses to further glance at Oscar. “Or you, Armani, but our team respects the effort you’re putting in to watch us succeed. I don’t know what the future holds, but trust me when I say, a lot of people are noticing. I like to observe what the world is saying about our team, so I know where we stand in all of this. I see what they say on social media about our team outside of the Winchester drama. They’re witnessing our determination as a whole and potential. I think if along the path we have to get a new captain, so be it, but the focus should be having each other’s backs.”

He glances around the table and lifts his beer.

“Some people may try to break us apart or make drama in hopes of ruining our dreams. We as a team have to stick together and defend one another no matter what. By doing that, we can go far,” he declares. “I’ve been talking to a few sponsors, and though our advances may have been deemed little, this is only the beginning for us. Our financial situation can change with a snap of one’s fingers, so let’s just support one another and do our best on the ice.”

I smile at that and look around the table to see everyone’s grins of approval. Reaching for my beer, I raise it up like Mitchel’s.

“I’ll cheer to that.”

“Likewise,” Oscar declares.

“Not sure if Caren and I will get to remain as team nurses for the team, but if there’s a chance, I’m fucking down,” Xandra proudly states.

“I can make it happen.” Caren doesn’t even sound concerned. “If I want something, I’ll fight to get it, so get used to me assholes.”

“Ugh,” a few of the guys groan.

“As long as you’re less of a bitch,” Royce grumbles.

“She’s not a bitch,” Leo firmly declares. “Caren just likes perfection and ensuring you guys get the best in all areas, even if it makes her look bad. So, can we stop acting like she’s intolerable to be around?”

Caren’s eyes are wide as she looks over to Leo.

“It’s not a big deal…”

“It’s a big deal to me,” he asserts and looks over to her. “Your ex used to call you a bitch all the time when you went over and beyond to protect him. That’s why you’re fine with everyone calling you a bitch when you’re the same person pushing all the buttons to ensure they’re safe on the ice and get the best opportunities from sponsors and fundraisers. Am I wrong?”

We’re all gawking at the revelation while Caren’s face turns red.

---