and NHL conference champions on the ice last night.”
“It was an honor to play with all those guys. Sort of feels like last night was a dream.” I didn’t add that my aching body attested to the fact all those body checks had really happened. Wouldn’t want to overdo the self-deprecating humor.
“We saw your pregame interview with Channel 9 News,” Minka said. “I assume you had the questions for that ahead of time?”
“No. Actually, I had no idea any news organization would be interviewing me.”
“Really?” Alan said skeptically. “It was a historic moment, two women playing in an NHL exhibition.”
“That was not a sound bite to make myself look humble, Mr. Mayes. I truly was not expecting it.”
“Then please tell us how it came about.”
“Immediately after I showed up at the arena, my boss, Jaxson Lund, took me over to where a news crew was already set up. I figured he just wanted me to wait with him until Lucas Griswold, the other team captain, had finished his interview. So I was shocked when Stonewall informed me that Pashma would be interviewing me.”
Minka and Alan exchanged a look that wasn’t lost on me. I’d nailed that Q&A. The fact I’d had no prep time and nailed it? Big bonus points in my favor.
“We usually have pregame and postgame coverage,” Alan said. “Our crew asked for an interview with you after the game, but they were denied. Was that because you’d already agreed to an exclusive follow-up interview with another network?”
“No. I left at the start of the third period.” I smirked. “Had to get to bed early since I wanted to be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed for this interview. Not that a solid ten hours of sleep helped my hockey souvenirs heal any faster.”
They both laughed.
Then Alan asked, “Who in your life is aware of your ongoing application and interview process with us?”
“Just my friend who learned about the openings here and urged me to apply. I’ve not shared with my family or friends, including my boss at Lakeside or my supervisor at the Minnesota Youth Hockey League, that I’m looking at other career options.”
“Right. I remember from your application that you’re currently a referee with the MYHL.”
“Yes. I also run coaching workshops and coordinate team-building exercises for girls’ teams.”
“Is that time consuming?”
“While I’m running the events? Yes. But I don’t have to do the paperwork or the legwork setting things up. I am able to tailor my workshops on the fly when I hit the ice that day.”
Minka jotted something down on her notepad before she said, “You do all of these projects and classes because of your love for hockey?”
This was the type of question I hated because my answer could skew the interview. Should I be honest? Or give them the answer that would sound better?
“It’s a combination of love of the game and economic necessity. Last year I needed flexible paying positions that allowed me to train and coach my sister. Now that the Olympics are over and the current hockey season is wrapping up, I decided to pursue other avenues. Does that mean I’ll just abandon my positions if I am offered opportunities that are more in line with full-time employment? It depends.”
“On?” Alan prompted.
I let my gaze move between them. “What this interview is for. I’ve fulfilled all of the requirements, but I still don’t have any idea what specifically this job entails.”
“I’ll bet you have a guess or two what we’re looking for.”
“My first guess would be a game commentator, but that test could’ve just been to judge my verbal abilities and limitations, regardless if it’s on-air.”
“And your second guess?”
“An analyst to dissect the weekly games played and to make predictions for upcoming games.”
Alan watched as Minka wrote something else down. Then he looked at me. “You’re the only applicant that turned in game tapes for both men’s and women’s games. Why did you deem that necessary?”
I gave myself a moment before I spoke. “Because the most logical slot to shove me in is women’s hockey. Which I obviously love. But I was hired as an assistant coach for a men’s college team, and I didn’t want that achievement to get overlooked. Not to denigrate any applicant’s preferences, but I will point out that most female hockey players prefer to stick with what they know, which would be commentating on women’s hockey. I believe I’m more versatile.”
“You feel you’d work well on-air as an analyst with either a man or a woman offering opposing