Page 34 of Coach Sully
“Great. Run it again.”
Their technique improves this time. It’s progress.
Kendra’s wearing the Rogues jacket the players gave her. The team already likes her, because of course they do. It’s impossible not to. Her hair is up, showcasing the thick curls I loved digging my fingers into when I kissed her. She holds up a mittened hand behind the glass and waves. I haven’t spoken to her since the restaurant. Her smiles range between big and fake, and pained. I crave the real one, so I skate closer to her.
“How am I doing?” I ask, half-joking.
She gives me a thumbs-up. “Really great.”
Cool.
I head back toward my team covering the open pockets like I showed them. “Beauty! Okay, let’s move into corner one-on-ones, and then we’ll finish with edgework drills.” I slap pucks out to the players, and they snatch them up. “Yes, Coach!”
Pretty sure Joey said something about edging; thank God she’s not mic’d up today.
I meet Whit in his office after practice to discuss our progress. The more we learn about the players and how they operate, the better we can coach them. Some of the old-school coaches think there’s only two methods: hard-ass or buddy-buddy. I disagree. We’re a team. I will not rip them down and hope they buildthemselves up, but I’m also not going to pass out participation ribbons.
I’ve come to learn that Whit is very hands-on. He’s observed every practice from the stands. Something I never saw the Lakes GM do. I wonder if Whit should have had this job, so for now, I will treat him as another coach to learn from. Two heads are better than one and all that.
“So, what are you thinking?” he asks.
“Our defense is good, but we have to get our offense focused on where they lack coverage… Speed could be better too, I’d like to see them dig in more. But they’re hungry.”
“That’s all we need.” He nods. “How’s Delta doing as captain? Is the rest of the team receiving her well?”
I nod. “Yeah, all good. She’s dedicated and focused, but, ya know, not a dick about it.Overall, the players are getting along well from what I can see. I’ve got them going out together on Friday to Top Shelf. Hope they can strengthen that team bond a little more.”
“They don’t seem distracted by the camera crew, so that’s good.”
“Yup.”
“What about you?” he asks.
I don’t understand the question. “What do you mean?”
“Are you distracted by the camera crew?” His eyes laser-focus on me. Guess my subtlety needs some work when it comes to my producer.
“Not at all.”
In the parking lot, Kendra is helping Lance load some of the equipment into a van. I adjust my hockey bag, hoisting it on my shoulder.
“Hey you,” I announce.
“Hi.” She spins around. “Great work today.”
“Do you have a second?” I want to make sure she’s okay after the weird interaction we had at the restaurant.
Lance shuts the van doors and gives me a small wave.
“Hey, man,” I say, wanting to acknowledge him.
Lance nods and climbs into the driver’s seat. He’s a quiet guy.
“Is it about the show?” she asks.Why does she look so ashen?
“Kind of.”
She nods. “Look, I’m really sorry, but do you mind if it waits until later? I don’t mean to brush you off, but I’m absolutely beat. I gotta grab some dinner or something before I collapse.” Her hands tremble, then she quickly tucks them into her jacket pockets.