Chapter 2
Liam
“Liam. So good to finally meet you.” His deep voice is warm and welcoming.
It takes everything I’ve got to keep my nerves in check, and by some miracle, the hand I extend doesn’t shake.
Firm but respectful without gripping too hard, just like Dad taught me.
We head down the hall to one of the smaller conference rooms. He even holds the door for me to enter first.
Oh shit! Joslyn Robertson is here! Damn. I should have worn a suit, but it felt wrong to dress up just to get “fired.” I’m regretting it now.
Way to impress the new owner, Liam.
The auburn-haired owner is just as beautiful in person as she is on television.
The grapevine’s been alive with talk since she became the principal owner of the Wolves a few months ago when her brother-in-law, Tad Robertson, passed away.
She and Jacob Robertson, Tad’s son, are now co-owners, but I’ve heard that she holds the majority.
Personally, I’m not sad about it. Just about anything is better than Tad running this team, and every change I’ve seen has been positive.
She stands to shake my hand as I approach the small conference table. Her handshake is firm but not overbearing. She also has the softest hands and smells like fresh flowers. Her smile puts me at ease immediately.
“It’s so nice to meet you, Liam. I’ve heard some impressive things about you.”
She has? Interesting this to say to someone who they’re getting rid of, but then again, what do I know about any of this? This is all new to me.
“Thank you. You as well.” I mean it. Joslyn Robertson is the kind of person whose warmth just pulls you in and makes you comfortable.
There’s another man sitting next to her, but I take a second to notice him.
He’s older, early forties maybe, with light brown hair and a hint of silver at the temples.
I can’t place him, but he looks familiar.
He holds himself aloof, his brown eyes wary, but not unfriendly.
When he stands and holds his hand out in greeting, I have to look up.
“Sean Quinn. Nice to meet you, Liam.” My eyes light up at the name because it’s a familiar one.
He coached Boston University last year when they won the NCAA Championship game.
He’s taken BU to the Frozen Four every year since they hired him.
There’s even some speculation that he would move into coaching at the professional level soon.
“We haven’t made the official announcement yet, but I’ll be taking over as Head Coach this year. I hope we rely on your discretion until the press conference tomorrow morning.” Holy shit! This year is going to be incredible, and I’m going to miss it. Fuck my life.
“Coach Quinn. Wow! It’s amazing to meet you. Nice job last year in Boston. Hell of a game.” I try not to act like an overeager fan, but, damn, this guy’s a legend.
“Let’s get started, shall we?” Damon says as he looks around for confirmation before addressing me directly. I take a seat across from Ms. Robertson and mentally brace myself.
“Liam, we’ve been getting encouraging feedback from current and former players about your leadership skills.
Enough to be impressed. The recent trades have left us without a captain and that’s not how we want to start the year.
We’ve all agreed that you’d be an excellent choice for captain. If you’re interested?”
What? Wait, Captain? Then it hits me. I’m not getting traded. They want to keep me. Holy fucking shit!
“Um, so I’m not being traded?” I sound about as mystified as I feel. Damon chuckles, and Joslyn gives me a reassuring smile.
“You’re not being traded. We’re trying to build something solid and lasting here. We think you would be an outstanding addition to our leadership team.” Damon’s response is calm. He seems to take my confusion in stride. I’m speechless. They offered me the C! I do a little internal celly.
“You don’t want to be traded? Do you?“ he asks, sounding concerned for the first time today. “I know last year wasn’t ideal, but we’re planning significant changes this year. We’d really like you to give us a another shot before you make that decision.”
I can hear the sincerity in his voice, and it hits me hard. They aren’t trading me. Which I evidently need to keep saying to myself until I actually believe it.
“No!” I almost shout, but quickly lower my voice. “Absolutely not. The Wolves are my team. Always have been. I grew up here in Colorado, and I don’t want to play anywhere else.” I rush to assure him, afraid the opportunity will disappear if I don’t instantly affirm my interest.
“Glad to hear it. We agree. We’d also like to keep you here in Colorado, Liam. I know this organization’s got some challenges ahead of us, but I think we can handle it, if we all work together.”
“You want me to be Captain? Why?” I can’t seem to keep the disbelief out of my voice.
Being named captain has always been a dream of mine, but I can honestly say I never expected it to become a reality. It’s going to take a minute for me to accept it’s real.
“Because we need you. Because, and I’ll be blunt here, this team has been a damn disaster and we don’t want it to continue.
Damon and I have plans to change everything about this team for the better and you were already working toward that in your own way, so we’d like your help fixing it” Joslyn gives me a look full of compassionate understanding.
That’s when I realize they know how incredibly toxic this team used to be.
The relief that knowledge inspires is shocking in its intensity, because for the first time in a long time, it feels like I don’t have to keep fighting alone.
My eyes sting, and I grip the arm of the chair, fighting back the feelings that are threatening to bubble to the surface.
Joslyn continues, trying to shift the focus so I can get myself under control. I give her a weak grin, grateful for her tact.
“When asked who they trusted the most, your teammates picked you, almost unanimously. You’ve got their respect, Liam, and that’s no small feat. We plan to take this organization to the next level in every way possible and we’d really like you to be a part of that.”
I’m shocked my boys chose me, but having an opportunity to be a part of transforming this team for the better? Well, I can’t possibly resist.
“I’d like to be a part of that too, and I’d really like to hear what you have planned, please.” I tell her.
They lay it all out for me, each one taking the time to go through their strategies and all the programs they want to implement.
I already know about the yoga classes, due to my run-in with Madison, but there’s so much more.
Nutritionists, a new cafeteria at the practice gym and here in the arena.
New equipment and training personnel. Things that were standard for most other teams. Things I never thought I’d see implemented here.
I’m awed by the scope of what they’re doing, but I’ve never been this motivated or hopeful about the future.
Coach Quinn discusses his priorities, and I pay close attention because his coaching style will have the most direct effect on the team.
“My first priority is building trust. This team doesn’t trust anyone right now and that needs to change before everything else.”
“How do we do that with everything that’s happened?” I ask.
“One practice at a time. Damon’s already started.
We’ve got new team leaders, new management, and a new coaching staff.
We have a chance to get it right this time around, and that’s what I plan on doing.
The most important thing is to have clear and direct communication between management, the staff, and the players.
We’d like you to be the point person for the players, Liam.
If you can be upfront and honest with us about all your concerns consistently, that will go a long way toward building trust.”
I’ll do whatever it takes to create a better environment for my team, even though I know the path ahead is anything but smooth. He’s dead on about the trust issue. That’s going to take some time.
“Don’t for a minute think that I’ll go easy on you boys, because I won’t. If we’re going to get this team back on track, everyone’s going to have to give me their all. But I won’t get their buy-in without trust. That’s the way to build a solid team.”
This is where I shine. My dad taught me to be the hardest worker in the room, so if they’re looking for someone who can go the distance, that’s me for sure.
I think about who’s left after all the trades, and Karl Bell comes to mind. He’s a sadistic asshole. He’s been on my shit list since rookie year. No need to go into why that is; it’s not something I’m willing to share.
“Damon’s told me about some of the bullshit hazing that’s gone on here in the past. Let me be really clear how I feel about that kind of shit.
You want to tape someone’s gear together or hang their clothes at the top of the stadium as joke, have at it.
That’s fine, but the minute it becomes more than that, I will shut that shit down. ”
Thank fucking God. Everyone loves a good prank, but that’s not at all what Bell and his boys were up to.
Real injuries happened, some with lifelong consequences, physical and mental.
If I have my way, that kind of shit won’t ever happen again either.
Quinn doesn’t know it, but he’s preaching to the choir with me, so I’m quick to reassure him.
“I one hundred percent agree with you. I feel the same way.”
“Good. The other thing I won’t tolerate is anyone playing with undisclosed injuries.
We need to encourage everyone to handle injuries appropriately.
I know that battle is going to be a hard one, but we aren’t going to be the kind of organization that ignores player injuries for the so-called good of the team.
From a team perspective, you’re more of a liability to us when you play injured.
We’ve got a whole AHL team to call upon if we need them.
There’s no need for that kind of misplaced bravado. ”
While I agree with him, I also recognize that injuries can be a fine line, and I know not everyone’s going to support that line of thinking.
“I agree. That’s gonna be a little tougher considering the way this team ran things last year, but there are a lot of new guys, so if we raise the standard from the get-go, we can get the guys to come around.” I’m hesitant to bring up Karl Bell, but I do it anyway.
“I’ve got some concerns about Karl Bell. He’s a bully, and he’s tough on the rookies.” At the mention of Bell’s name, Damon’s jaw tightens, and his mouth thins.
“Yeah. We are aware of Karl’s predilections.
That’s why it’s so important that you keep us in the loop and that we stand together - especially about the hazing.
I will not stand for any of that bullshit on my watch.
I expect the same kind of stance from you, too, Liam.
Everyone we asked was very clear that you were never a part of it.
I need that to continue.” Damon says with conviction, but I also hear the irritation in his voice, even if it’s not directed at me.
Good, he doesn’t like Bell’s methods any more than I do. Having their support is everything when it comes to enforcing this kind of thing.
“Yes, sir.” I’m quick to reply.
“I do have some news to share, now that it’s official,” Damon announces, smiling, ice-blue eyes alight with anticipation.
“Let’s hear it,” I say with a hesitant smile.
“We just signed a three-year contract with Walker King. I know you two were quite the team in college. Took Michigan to the Frozen Four in your senior year. I’m really hoping to see some of that kind of teamwork this year.”
“Fuck yeah!” I say before I can stop myself, “Oh crap......ummm sorry, Ms. Robertson.” My lack of manners makes me cringe.
“It’s okay, Liam. I appreciate the enthusiasm.” She gives me an indulgent smile. She owns a hockey team, so I’m sure this isn’t the first time she’s heard someone swear.
Walker and I haven’t played a game together since college, but that’s irrelevant.
No matter how much time has passed, we’re always able to connect on the ice.
We’ve been tight since our first competitive travel league together.
I’m psyched we get to be teammates again.
For a day I thought was going to be terrible, it’s turned out to pretty darn good.