Page 26 of One Good Puck
“Here’s hoping for a good exhibition game,” he says, his gaze still on the ice.
A second later, Ryker skates past us in the middle of his warmup. Alan stares at him for a long moment.
“Let’s hope that for him especially,” he says before walking off and disappearing down the tunnel.
Irritation spikes up inside of me when it finally registers why Alan was here. To remind me what’s at stake. To remind me that I’m the reason we have a past-his-prime right winger on our team…because I wanted to get rid of the young, up-and-coming winger McCoy.
To remind me that if this season goes belly up, Alan’s going to blame it on me…and that could cost me my job.
“What was that about?” Jason mutters.
I huff out a breath and straighten my tie. “Just Alan reminding me everything that’s on the line with St. George.”
Recognition flashes in Jason’s eyes. “Right. Sorry.”
I shrug. “He’s not the only one who feels that way. I know you do too.”
“Yeah, but I wouldn’t pull some passive-aggressive bullshit like he just did. I’d just say it to your face.”
“You’re right. You wouldn’t. Thanks for not being a dickhead.”
He cracks a smile, then sobers. “It’s annoying that he’s being a jerk.”
“Dealing with bullshit from the GM is part of this job.”
It’s true. This isn’t the first time I’ve clashed with a general manager in my career. It sucks every single time, but I can’t let it get to me. I just have to focus on doing my jobthe best that I can, and that’s leading the players on this team so they can perform at their best.
When warmup ends and the game gets started, I’m laser-focused on what’s happening on the ice. Our core guys are all playing well. They’re skating hard and fast. They look energized and eager and are communicating well with each other.
Xander scores the first goal of the season halfway through the first period, and the fans in the arena are on their feet, cheering him on as he celebrates with his teammates.
When the second period kicks off, I send Del, Theo, and Ryker onto the ice.
I watch the three of them work in tandem to take control of the puck from Vancouver. Del checks the Vancouver winger with the puck, and it goes flying. Not even a second later, Ryker takes it and speeds toward the Vancouver net.
You’d never guess this guy was mid-thirties from the way that he moves on the ice. He’s faster than the youngsters who take off after him. The twenty-something Vancouver defenseman who’s on his ass can barely make it to him. Right before he does, Ryker sees Theo open, right in front of Vancouver’s goalie. He sends the puck to Theo, who smacks it over the goalie’s glove and into the net.
The goal siren wails right as the crowd hollers. Adrenaline kicks up inside of me at seeing Ryker pull off that pass.
Jason turns to me. “That was a hell of an assist.”
“It was,” I say. Ryker skates by the bench. “Nice work,” I holler at him. He nods his thanks at me.
I look up at the upper level of the arena, where Alan is watching the game. I can see him standing, arms crossed over his chest as he gazes down at the ice. He’s too far awayfor me to see his facial expression, but I’d bet all the money in my bank account that he’s not impressed. Yeah, that was a solid assist from Ryker, but it’s gonna take more than one good assist to make Alan change his mind about him. Or me.
“Think Alan’s cheering up there?” Jason asks me.
I shake my head. “Not a chance.”
Chapter 12
Gavin
“Coach Porter, congrats on the win tonight,” one of the reporters in the press room says. “How does your team’s performance make you feel about heading into the rest of the season?”
“I feel good,” I say. “I saw some impressive teamwork and skill out there tonight.”
“You’re coming into this season as Stanley Cup champions. Do you feel any added pressure to perform to a higher level because of it, even during preseason?” a different reporter asks.
