Page 31 of No Pucks

“I’m going to med school. They can’t have me.” His grin is back.

“Get back to warming up,” Hawke calls.

I hold up my fist. “Catch you later.”

Savage touches his gloved knuckles to mine before I skate off.

Hawke runs us through a set of drills, then shooting before telling us we all need to be in better shape. He sets up a ladder for us to do sprints on.

By the time practice is over, I’m dripping sweat and already sore. I need a good roll out. I’m heading to the locker room when Hawke calls for us to stop.

“One more thing before you guys head out.”

We all turn around, waiting for him to speak.

“I know Coach Rex ran his team a bit different than I do, and that he hand-picked you all for who you are as players and howhe thinks you’d play as a team. After a month of practice with me, I hope you can see how my style reflects his some, as he was one of my first coaches, but I also have some stark differences. I know each and every one of you on this team has a history, but I am giving you a chance to be a new player this season, and every season after. This is a blank slate.” Everyone starts to mutter and look around, but Hawke goes on, “Which means you are not guaranteed a spot nor first line. From the first day of the new season, what I see reflects if you play, how much ice time you get, and who starts. Period. I will be trying new things, and combinations of players, to find how this team thrives together. You may be the best, but if you aren’t a team player, you won’t play. We live and breathe as a team, win or lose as a team, and I plan to build you as a team. Anyone who has an issue with that should decide now if they want to keep playing for me.” His words are met with silence.

Hawke lets it span a minute before he speaks again. “Understand?”

“Yes, Coach,” we say in unison before pushing our way into the locker room.

“Remember, we leave tomorrow afternoon for our first game,” he calls after us. “Don’t be late.”

I sit on the bench groaning. I don’t want to think about what any of that speech means, but I can’t help but think at least part of it is directed at me, that maybe Hawke will try to get rid of me to solve his issue.

Would he do that? He doesn’t really seem the type, but I have been a thorn in his side all week.

“You okay?” Savage asks me.

“Sore. I’m thinking about an ice bath.” At least the facilities here are top of the line like the Monster’s. There’s no suffering quality, and since the Gods have a bunch of rich alma mater, they have no problem tapping into them for better facilities.

“Have the trainer get one set up for you.”

“Maybe. Part of me wants to go to bed.”

“You can’t do that. It’s Friday, and the seniors have plans. The whole team is encouraged to go.”

Which means forced team bonding. They can’t say any of those things because of hazing rules, but we all know what it means. If we don’t show up, we’ll be iced out.

That’s the last thing I need this weekend.

“Fuck.” But I can’t say no. Team morale and all that. If the guys ice me out, it will affect how they play with me, which will hurt me in Hawkes’ perspective. “You got me. Let me get this ice bath, and I’ll be there.”

He lifts his chin in a nod, dropping his gaze down my body as I pull my pads off. “I look forward to it.”

I sitin the ice bath for longer than I should, until I’m shivering. Then, I take my time getting dressed, waiting for the stragglers to leave the locker room. I run my fingers through my hair and exhale, not sure I should keep pushing Anthony’s buttons. I should just leave and let it be.

My phone buzzes.

Evander: Where are you?

Evander: We need to talk later, you know where.

Logan: You aren’t subtle.

Evander: Don’t ruin it! When will you be home for you know what?

Logan: I have a team thing. It will be late.

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