Page 20 of Thrown for a Loop
“That’s the whole point. It’ssupposedto be easy. My job is to find all the little ways to make your skating more fluid. Simple fixes. Ifwe’re lucky, they’ll add up to a real difference. Now let’s warm up Petrov and O’Connell, shall we? Step right over here, boys.”
Tremaine knows what’s coming. With a smirk, he watches me dust Petrov on the first drill and O’Connell on the second one.
Both take their beatings with cheer, and now I have their attention. And then we get down to work ironing out a few issues I have with their individual strides.
A half hour later, I’ve dispensed some crucial words of encouragement and advice, and I’ve timed everyone’s sprints. Petrov is a very fast skater, but there’s always room for improvement.
“Your strides are some of the quickest on the team,” I tell the panting defenseman. “But that fast stride isn’t getting the glide I’d expect from someone of your strength, so you’re not maximizing your efficiency. Can I take a look at your blades?”
The tall Russian shrugs. “Okay.”
I kneel down to examine the steel, running my thumb carefully along the edge. “These are pretty traditional. Half-inch radius, right?”
Slugging down water, he nods. “What I have always used.”
“Have you ever considered trying a profiled blade?” I ask.
He makes a face. “Nyet. New shit is not for me. We have an old proverb in Russian—trendy shit will fuck up your game.”
I laugh. “Well, I know some Russians, too,” I counter. “They also say that the devil is not as terrible as he is painted.”
He stares. “Thatisa Russian proverb!”
“I know, and I’m not trying to waste your time. I’m making this suggestion because I want you to have better control and a more efficient energy transfer. What if you tried three practices on the new blade? Just three. If you hate it, you never have to wear them again.”
He considers this. “You really think it could help?”
“I do,” I say firmly.
Alexei nods slowly. “Fine, Coach Zoe. I will give it a shot. Just in practice.”
I smile, pleased he’s willing to try. “Great. I’ll talk to Bernie, and we’ll have a pair ready for you tomorrow. Just keep an open mind, okay?”
“Yes. If you are right, I’ll give you a fat bottle of Russian vodka.”
“Bolshoye spasibo.” That meansthank you very muchin Russian.
First he looks startled, then he grins broadly. “I like you, Coach Zoe.”
“Aw, shucks. Too bad we’re out of time for today.” I glance at my watch. “Catch all of you later?”
“Of course,” Tremaine says. “And let us know if there’s any way we can help make your transition to the team smoother.”
Why, yes. You can order the whole team to schedule sessions with me.Instead of saying that, I ask for something specific. “Actually, there’s one thing you guys could do.”
“What is it, Coach Zoe?” Petrov vaults over the boards instead of opening the gate. “Is not enough to make me try new blades?”
The other two guys laugh.
“This one’s easy,” I protest. “Tell Chase Merritt how helpful you found the session and that he should schedule one, too.”
Alexei frowns. “I will try. But the kid does what he wants.”
O’Connell frowns, too. “Coach is pissed, too. He really stank it up in last night’s game.”
My spine tingles.It’s like he’s broken inside.
“A slump can happen to anyone,” Tremaine says quietly.
