Defenseman No. 9 - Xavier Neal Page 0,1

to model this year’s charity league jerseys is at noon followed immediately by the interview. You can dip out of today’s ‘practice’ early to pick up your packet, shower, and make sure you arrive on time.”

The volunteer league is one I’ve done every summer since I graduated high school. Back then I signed up because it helped keep my ass away from trouble that typically manifested in the forms of redheads and blondes. They were drama I didn’t need. They were drama I wasn’t interested in. They were drama I would never be interested in no matter how hard they pouted and pleaded. Aside from helping me keep my distance from those types of individuals, playing in the volunteer league provided me a way to keep my skills sharp, which gave me an extra edge during tryouts for my Sophomore and Junior year here at Vlasta University. Under Coach Cannon – the coach that retired at the end of my freshman year – such advantage wasn’t needed. Under Stiles – his seemingly savage successor who shaped our asses into champions of back to back seasons – it’s helped guarantee me more than just a spot on the team, but a starting position. Playing for him is a fucking privilege that is to be earned.

He never lets us forget that.

The summer league is a trail mix of players from eighteen to forty. It creates a different dynamic that requires an open mind and often unusual challenges that I also benefit from.

That particular personal benefit inevitably equals team benefit.

Stiles has also taught us what it truly means to be a team during the last couple of years.

Patrick Peck, our captain and another member of my hockey crew, has definitely done everything in his power to assist in the process as well.

This is another reason why I fell for what I knew consciously was a fucking trap by coming in here.

I would do anything to help defend or protect my crew.

Including…being the prop to showcase the uniforms designed by a member of our team, something that will be great publicity to display how dedicated the Vipers are to staying connected to the community even in the off season.

By participating in this publicity stunt, I am further protecting the prestigious reputation Stiles worked overtime to clean up and keep clean.

When the regime change occurred, we were forced to stop being selfish assholes who liked to fuck Skins – or Puck Bunnies as others call them – and were required to become men held responsible for every fucking move they made.

I personally like the structure.

It reminds me of a good stanza.

Solid.

Steady but stunning.

I thrive in the organized systems.

It’s easier to understand my place and see my purpose.

It’s easier to know where my protection capabilities are needed.

“Also,” Stiles slowly states, reluctance rearing its head again, “I um…I actually won’t be coaching a group this year.”

This time my typically stoic face flinches in question.

I’ve played under him every year since I started.

Even though he was an assistant coach for the university, he got to be head coach for the volunteer shit.

It’s probably why his no bullshit style didn’t hit me nearly as hard as it did everyone else when he took over.

“I have…,” his voice trails off indicating there’s information I won’t be receiving, “family business that I need to tend to prior to next season officially starting.”

I offer him a sympathetic nod of understanding.

“As far as I’m aware, everything else with the league will be the same. Practices will still consist of two sessions staggered throughout the week. You should still be on whatever team practices Tuesdays and Fridays, which shouldn’t conflict with your summer semester class schedule. If, for some reason, you need to change, the league can’t decline the request since it’s for academic accommodations. Games are every other Saturday, and the ‘season’ will end with a small enough window for you to adjust back to life as an actual Viper instead of whatever animals are being used this year.”

Cats.

Big cats.

Needless to say – but I’m gonna fucking say it anyway – I’m far less excited about it than Stratton was when he was recruited to design the logo shit.

“My absence this summer also means the ‘team inspired practices’ over the next couple of months will be Peck planned and operated.”

A small grunt of irritation is given.

“Yeah, that seems to be the general consensus every time I make the announcement, but just remember these gatherings over the summer are of your own volition. You