Page 91 of Hot Shot
Two weeks ago I sat in this chair waiting for another video call about a hot shot. And I had no idea I’d be a married woman the next time I stepped inside this room.
Or that I would have secured that hot shot not only for the Rogues but for me.
Off the Ice
Inside the private lives of your favorite NHL players
A name we haven’t mentioned here on Off the Ice in quite some time is Branton Lattimer. And we’re not even sure if this story refers to the same man as previous articles because it seems Branton Lattimer Watts is making appearances all over the hockey world right now.
First we heard rumors of agent Drake Morgan signing Branton as his newest client, then his name was touted as a possible starter for the new Baton Rouge Rogues NHL franchise.
And finally we can confirm, through Drake’s office that yes, Branton Lattimer Watts is his newest client and has in fact signed a five-year deal to play for the Rogues.
But that’s not all. We’re also hearing the reason for the name change isn’t a late in life adoption but a marriage. A marriage that just happens to be with his new assistant coach. Who, we note, has added Lattimer to her name. Blake Lattimer Watts, assistant coach and co-owner of the Baton Rouge Rogues, married Branton in a private ceremony at her parents’ property just outside of Ottawa, Canada, last month. A property the newlyweds grew up on together.
We’re not sure what’s going on over at the Rogues camp. Mere weeks after the franchise announcement, we have co-owner Oakley James and newly appointed head coach, Walker Alcott, tying the knot. Now we have co-owner and assistant coach, Blake Watts, marrying newly signed hot shot Branton Lattimer.
Is it something in the water down there?
Should we keep an eye out for more nuptials as the Rogues roster fills up?
One thing is for sure—this new NHL franchise is stirring things up in the league. And they’re doing it off the ice before they even lace up their skates.
Epilogue
Branton
I skim the article onOff the Iceand decide it’s okay. I know Blake thinks I’m not concerned by what is printed about us, and I’m not as long as there’s nothing objectionable said about my wife.
I don’t give a fuck what they say about me, but my wife? Yeah, that’s a death sentence to any journalist, gossip columnist, or social media influencer.
Not that the latter is too much of an issue but if the fans pick up on something, it will be.
When Nat warned us all she was getting the Rogues website updated with the latest additions, and that included front-end office staff, we waited with bated breath to see who might notice the changes.
So far it’s been two of the more popular hockey blog sites and that’s it.
Drake wants to do a press release.
Nat wants to wait.
Blake wants to shout it from the rooftop.
I’m happy to do the last.
In fact, I’ve got just that planned for tonight. I got the okay from Nat and Oakley, and surprisingly Cami came through for me too by getting everything I need and helping me set it all up.
Tonight, I’m going to take care of my wife because I know today was a long one for her. A tough one.
For all of them really, but I’m only concerned with Blake.
I thought about taking her home and running her a hot bath, but I know she hasn’t done her usual celebration for me signing on as a Rogue. The last four weeks have been busy with negotiations with agents and players and handling the mudslinging some of the media are engaging in.
Everyone could do with a break and what better way than shouting good things from the rooftops?
I invited the others to join us up here to celebrate a couple of Rogues milestones they haven’t been able to yet. Hopefully they can relax and enjoy the balmy spring night away from prying eyes and photographers’ lenses.
Hearing voices echoing up the stairwell, I switch my phone off and tuck it away in the bag at my feet.
