Chapter 26
Halle
After unexpectedly taking several consequetive sick days off from my new job, I had to get caught up on a ton of reporting upon my return before I could pull the data I needed to prep for my presentation today, my first one at our regular staff meeting.
The meeting was supposed to be earlier in the week, but because I was out, Trevor moved it to… today.
Now, as I carry my laptop, notepad, and pen into the conference room just down the hall from our bank of cubicles, nerve pangs hit me in my belly. This is the first time I have to present in front of my new team.
I’ve really enjoyed getting to know my teammates, especially PJ.
I’ve come to find out that PJ is brilliant and can regurgitate stats like nobody’s business, but he has the maturity of a twelve-year-old boy, which can prove to be annoying.
He is also hooked on watching KPop Demon Hunters and listening to the soundtrack on repeat, which is also a bit annoying.
I swear, Lenni has a higher maturity level than that kid.
And then there’s Anna, our team’s statistician.
Over the past month, her system knowledge and willingness to train me have been invaluable and because of it, we’ve become close personally.
She asked me out to lunch again before I got sick, and she and her partner have invited Lenni and me over for a spa day at their house soon.
Sanjay is the video coach who reviews all the video clips from each game. He provides valuable insight into each player’s strengths and recognizes the challenges which he then passes on to the coaches.
As I’m the first one in the room, I’m uncertain whether there’s a seating order around the table, so I grab the chair nearest to the back wall, leaving my back to the wall of windows that overlook the practice rink.
The room is like a fishbowl, surrounded by glass.
On one side is the rink below and on the other, more windows give a view of the hallway for the offices.
When the team is at home, we can easily watch them practice right below us.
My brothers get super excited when I send them short video snaps of the boys practice sessions.
It’s been fun to come in here with a cup of coffee and watch the team do their thing. I’ve been particularly interested in watching one of the best right wingers in the league—aka the Ax Man—as he works on his skating form and stickhandling.
Trevor walks into the room and does a quick headcount check around the table.
“Okay, peeps. I’m glad everyone could join us today and that our newest member is back and fully recovered.
” He offers me a warm smile, and I feel my face and neck heat.
Trevor’s tone isn’t admonishing nor patronizing in any way.
It’s genuine and sincere. “I’m sure you’ve all met Halle, but just in case, let’s give her a warm Vikings welcome. ”
Everyone raises their arms and chants, “SKOL!” three times, then pounds on the table like warriors going into battle. I cover the embarrassed smile on my face with my hand, my eyes flashing in surprise.
Once that’s over, they go around the table, each introducing themselves, even though I know them all. When it comes to Anna, she gives me a knowing grin. “I’m so glad you’re here, Halle.”
I return the smile and immediately feel the tension depart my body. I’ve been so nervous about this presentation and knowing she’s in my corner helps calm my nerves.
If there’s one thing in this world that makes me want to hide and quake in my shoes, it’s having to speak in front of people.
I’m naturally an introvert by nature, and I’ve always been good with math and loved hockey, which is why I was so drawn to numbers and sports analytics.
Numbers and data don’t expect you to make small talk or share personal information like people do.
“Halle, we firmly believe in getting to know each person on our team and treating them like family members. We use the assessments you took your first week as a way to help you reach your goals and tap into your unique strengths. If you don’t mind, why don’t you share your top three strengths with the team, as well as a little bit about your background and how you ended up with the Vikings organization? ”
Thankfully, I don’t have to stand up, which is helpful for my shaking legs. I clasp my sweaty palms together on my lap and smile like I’m not petrified to have all eyes on me.
It’s exactly why the top strengths identified through this assessment are what they are because I’m a numbers geek.
During my first week on the job, the HR rep had me complete a very lengthy skills assessment and afterward, we sat down and reviewed the results, identifying my key traits and areas of opportunity within the organization.
None of them came as a shock, but it was interesting to learn how I can use them in the workplace to be a better team player and grow my career.
It makes me curious to know whether Dane and his teammates took the same test.
“Thanks, Trevor. Well, it should come as no surprise based on my job here, but my top three strengths are Analytical, Responsibility, and Achiever.” Everyone chuckled.
I had a feeling there were more of us here than I originally thought.
“I’ve always been good with math and science, so when I was looking at universities, I already knew I’d major in a STEM program.
” I clear my throat and glance away at the glass window.
“My college path wasn’t as straight as I’d hoped, though.
As most of you know, I became a mother to my daughter Lennon at a very young age, so I switched to an online program that allowed me to finish my degree from my home in Calgary.
” I inhale a large intake of breath and try not to worry about what everyone thinks of me as I exhale.
Although I’ve gotten to know some of this crew in the past month, it’s hard to judge what they might think about unwed single mothers. Honestly, it took me a long time to come to terms with the fact that some people are just opinionated assholes and I don’t have to validate their viewpoints.
It’s not my problem, it’s theirs.
Trevor suddenly jumps in with his own comments, giving me a chance to catch my breath.
“Your commitment to finishing your degree after such a challenge demonstrates your drive to succeed. Well done, Halle.”
I chew on the inside of my cheek, flustered by his encouragement and support. It’s like having my dad here to root me on.
“Thank you, but I didn’t do it all alone. I had family around to help me.”
My team members nod their support, and I see quite a few encouraging smiles.
“That’s exactly what I’m talking about. We’re not just part of a team here, we’re a family of sorts, too.
” Trevor sweeps an arm over the table, gesturing to everyone seated around it.
“Just like the players out on the ice, we don’t win without each other.
It’s never a one-person solo job. There is no I in Team. ”
Anna locks eyes with me and jumps in with her question. “Can you tell us why you choose to move to Vancouver to work for a hockey team, since your family is all back in Calgary?”
Now this is a question I have an answer for.
I snap on a delighted smile and tilt my head confidently.
“I love hockey. I grew up in a hockey-loving home where my dad and two brothers both played. In high school, I also worked for the juniors organization in our hometown. It’s just part of my DNA.”
And then under someone’s breath, I hear them mutter, “And her daughter’s.”
I’m stunned by the whispered remark and I see Anna shoot a look down the table to where a few other people from other departments sit. Was it said with intentional malice? Did someone come to that conclusion because they saw Dane with Lenni?
Regardless, I now know I’m going to need to figure out how to navigate that minefield without it blowing up in my face.
Secrets have a way of coming out. And when and if mine does, I fear the discovery of the deceit will leave me vulnerable and accountable for my actions.