Page 65 of High Sticks

Cheryl laughed. "And that's a wrap! Big thanks to our guests and folks, if you've got more questions, show up at the town meeting next week. Let your voices be heard.”

As we took off our headphones and said our goodbyes, my phone buzzed. It was a text from Mayor Libby.

"Listened to the radio show. Well done. Momentum is going your way.”

I showed the text to Hoss and Waller. "Like I said, skating toward a win."

Hoss clapped me on the back. "And we better not trip on the way."

Waller chuckled. "Don't worry, if either of you messes up, I've got your backs.”

* * *

We packed the room, not an empty chair in sight, for the Cold Pines Town Council meeting. I looked around and saw many familiar faces from around town, including reporters and even a few fans wearing Cougars jerseys.

Hoss sat by my side, and five players joined us. I gripped the edge of my seat.

"Order, order," Mayor Libby banged her gavel, cutting through the chatter. "We are here to discuss a unique proposal—the acquisition of the Cold Pines Cougars hockey franchise by the town of Cold Pines."

She looked at me. "Coach Peter Zingara, you may present your case."

I stood, my heart pounding in my chest. It wasn’t nerves. It was a rush of adrenaline like I’d get for every important game.

"Members of the council, Mayor Libby, fellow residents of Cold Pines," I began, looking around the room and making eye contact to draw them in. "I'm here today not just as the coach of the Cougars but as someone who loves this town as much as I love the game."

I had their attention; I could feel it.

“I haven’t lived here long, but it doesn’t take many months to fall under the spell of a place as special as Cold Pines. Please indulge me as I explain more about what a community-owned team can do.”

Mayor Libby leaned back in her chair with a smile as I continued.

"Imagine, if you will, a future where our kids look up to their hometown heroes, where local businesses thrive from additional revenue generated by the team, and where the sense of community and pride grows," I said, pausing for effect.

Mayor Libby nodded, and I had the full attention of Councilman Pelletier, a notorious hard-ass.

"The proposal we've laid out is more than just a plan; it's a vision for Cold Pines. Owning the Cougars will be an investment in our collective future," I continued, my voice rising slightly.

"We propose to finance this project through municipal bonds," I said, diving briefly into the nuts and bolts of the plan. "And as I've laid out in the documents you all have before you, it will not be a net cost. It will result in new revenue generation to more than offset the funds invested in the team."

Councilwoman Hall raised her hand. "Coach, what's your vision for the management of the team? Will the community be involved?”

"Great question," I replied. "We're proposing a board of directors made up of council members, team staff, and elected community members. The idea is to make the team as accountable to the community as possible."

After a few more questions, Mayor Libby pounded her gavel again. “Very well. I believe we've heard enough. Council, it's time to vote. All those in favor?"

Time froze. The room held its collective breath. I felt like I was back on the ice, in sudden death overtime, waiting for the puck to drop.

Chapter23

Hoss

Isat beside Pete at the Cold Pines Town Council chamber, lightly rubbing my knee against his. Five of our players sat on my other side in a row. It was time for the vote. The mayor called on those in favor to raise their hands.

The hands slowly went up, even those of people who’d asked tough questions. I jumped when the mayor banged her gavel again. “It’s unanimous,” she declared. “The town of Cold Pines will purchase the Cold Pines Cougars. We have a statement by the current owner that the sale will take place as long as we match the offer currently on the table.”

The room erupted in cheers.

I took a long, deep breath. As we all stood, Pete squeezed my thigh, and I shared a fist bump with him. Nothing more needed to be said for the moment. Our team was staying in Cold Pines, and we were staying with it.

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