Page 1 of Shift Change
PROLOGUE
ETHAN
Minneapolis, June
As I enterthe front office, a rush of over-cooled air hits me. At the receptionist's desk, a brunette smiles at me – is it Sandy? Brandy? Candy? While I struggle to remember her name, an older man walks down the hallway behind her.
“Ethan! Good to see you, son! Thanks for taking the time to meet with me today. I promise it won’t take too long!” His booming voice matches his reputation. As a player, he was a tough defenseman; now, he's a general manager with a take-no-shit attitude.
“Of course, sir. If you don’t mind me asking, is everything…okay? I thought Jack said we were still good to go on my contract.” My agent may be kind of a dick, but he usually isn't surprised by anything.
“Oh, of course. That shark agent of yours is still milking us for every dime he can! That’s not what you’re here for. Today, I want your opinion on something as captain of this team.”
I let out a deep sigh of relief. I may like being an NHL defenseman, but I love being the captain of the Minnesota Huskies. Greg gestures me toward the sitting area as he walks over to his desk.
“I’d be happy to help. What’s going on?”
“You know we’ve got to turn it around on offense. We’ve gone too long without a deep playoff run and the fans are getting restless.”
He wasn’t wrong. I’d like to think we’ve got the blue line locked down, but it’s been a struggle to generate many goals over the past couple of years.
“You know we’ve already made some coaching changes, and I’m sure that will help. But I also think we’ve gotta get some solid talent in here. How much do you know about this year’s draft class?”
My breath catches. I’ve been avoiding this news cycle like the plague, but here it is, coming for me after all.
“Some. Do you have your eye on anyone in particular?”
Not Carter. Not Carter. Not Carter.
“You heard much about this Jamie Carter kid out of UCLA?”
Well, shit.
“I think everyone’s heard about Jamie Carter.”
First out player in Division 1 hockey. First out player to declare for the draft. And, on top of that, some say he’s a generational talent at forward. As I take a deep breath, urging my pulse to slow, Greg grabs a seat in the chair next to mine.
“Well, I didn’t think we’d be able to touch him as low as we are. But I’m getting word from around the league that a lot of managers are…concerned.”
Well, if that isn't the understatement of the century.
“Concerned, sir?”
Not as concerned as I am, I guarantee it.
“They think the…gay thing…won’t play well in the room. I kind of figured when a kid skates as fast as he skates and plays like he was born with a hockey stick in hand, guys would be willing to overlook that sorta thing.”
Yes, wouldn’t that be nice, Greg? Wouldn’t it be nice if no one had to hide a little preference for dick as long as they could hit hard and make assists?
“Sir, are you asking me if having a gay player will be a problem in the locker room?”
Part of me can’t even believe we’re having this conversation. That Greg even knows there are gay hockey players, let alone is seriously considering signing one to the Minnesota Huskies. He was in the league at the same time as my dad, and let me just say – Marty Tremblay does not believe in gay hockey players.
“I’m asking if you think Jamie Carter could be a good contributor to this team.”
Yes, God forbid we speak directly about this.
“Sir, I’m sure Carter will find his spot in the NHL. I just worry…”
