Page 30 of Hot Damn
They’re remarkable. Each of them comes from money, none of them have to work a day in their life, and yet they went balls to the wall on their Rogue sportswear brand and are still doing it with innovative production facilities and materials.
And now they’ve turned that drive to succeed to their NHL team.
“I want to thank everyone for their efforts. I know you’ve all given everything you have to this team so far and I hope you continue to do that going forward. If you have any concerns or need help with anything, professionally or personally, my door is always open to you. Same goes for any member of staff, from your coaches to management to arena staff to front office staff. We’re all in this together!”
A round of cheers goes up and most of us raise a glass when Oakley raises hers.
“I know this is not a new phrase, I know it’s been the motto of a business that has been around for a few years but as you’ve seen, that business is tightly woven with this one, so…” She holds her glass higher. “Go Rogue!”
The chant of Go Rogue is loud enough to raise the roof and the smiles on the faces around me bring one to my own. I feel a connection to this team I haven’t with any other. Maybe it’s the underdog vibe or the dirty stepchild in the corner attitude some have had toward the new franchise.
Whatever it is, I want to get to know these people.
I know a few from playing with them or against them over theyears, but some of the younger guys are new faces and I understand why Coach would ask me to be a guiding influence.
And standing here, surrounded by them, I want to do that. I’m no longer resigned to doing it. Iwantto do it.
I want to build close relationships with these men
I want to build us into a team—a force to be reckoned with.
I want to build this team into a Cup winner.
I know we can do it. Whether we do it this season or next doesn’t matter. We will hold that Cup.
Oakley, Blake, Natalie, and Cami will hold that Cup.
And they’ll do it with their heads high.
“All right, all right. Quiet down.” Oakley smiles out at us and even from this distance I can see her eyes are wet. “Win or lose, you’re all the best players I could ask for and I’m honored you agreed to join us on this journey. I know it hasn’t been easy, and there have been some not-nice things said about us as a team, and individually,but, we are a team, we’ll stick together, you always have someone at your back, and we’ll keep winning games. Now drink up and get to bed. Our plane leaves at seven, I want everyone out of their room and on the bus by six.”
A round of cheers and groans echoes off the ceiling and I have to grin. I’ve never played for a team that felt this close. It’s strange, a little uncomfortable, and yet it feels right.
I walk toward the door as I finish my beer. I make sure to acknowledge each player as they leave, some with a chin lift, some a few words, but when I’m the last one besides the coaches and management, I step forward and offer my hand to Oakley.
“I want to thank you for everything you’re doing.”
“I’m not doing more than any other owner,” she says as she shakes my hand.
“You’re wrong. I’ve played for three teams over my career, so I know what owners do and don’t do. You’re a cut above what I’m used to, what I’ve observed in others. Thank you. Some of these guys know different, some haven’t a clue that this org isn’t the normal. As the captain of these men, I want you to know weappreciate what you’re doing and you have our support, our loyalty, our gratitude.”
“All I ask is you give me your best on the ice and embrace the Rogues as an extension of your family.”
“You can count on it. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got an early wake up and I’d hate to be late and disappoint my boss.”
“Say hi to Whit for me and tell her to join us in the owner’s box next home game.”
“I’ll tell her but now that she’s not keeping a low profile, she’s talking about sitting by the glass.”
“Well, if she wants to sit there, I’ll join her. She’s a remarkable young woman. You should be proud of her.”
“You’re not the only person to point that out recently. I am proud of her. She’s the best thing in my life, no offense.”
“None taken. Now go. I’ve got to close out the tab in this place.”
“Already done,” our GM says as she moves beside her. “I’m heading up. See you all tomorrow.”
“You still heading to Atlanta?” Oakley asks before the GM can leave.
