You Had Me at Hockey (Bears Hockey #2) - Kelly Jamieson

Chapter 1

Josh

Be a warrior.

That’s what I tell myself as I sit in the lobby of the Sheraton in Calgary with the team’s general manager, Joe Bianchi. I was on my way out for breakfast with my teammates when I was told Mr. Bianchi wanted to see me.

That’s never good.

I knew right away I’d been traded. There’d been rumors for a while. I just don’t know to where.

This is my worst nightmare.

I know there are no guarantees in professional hockey. I know guys rarely play for the same team their whole life. I know I’m a name and a number—and not just the number on my back but also my salary—and trades depend on how that all fits into the teams’ books. But ever since the accident, I’ve tried to control my life as much as possible. I like to plan things out. I have to have my routine. There’s safety and comfort in routine.

I got drafted seven years ago by the Dallas Stars. I played my first three seasons for the farm team, only a few hours from Dallas, with some call-ups. When I finally cracked the lineup for good, I was already familiar with the team and the city, and the change wasn’t that hard.

But this? Like I said…nightmare.

“New York Bears,” Mr. Bianchi tells me. I can see he’s choosing his words carefully. This can’t be easy for GMs, and they have to do it all the time. “This could be a great move for you, Josh. They’ve been playing well and they’re trying to deepen their defense for a playoff run. They need someone like you.”

It’s hard not to take it personally, but I know this team is loaded with great defense players. And the Bears are not.

“Aren’t things a little crazy there right now?” I’ve heard what’s been happening. Their coach was accused of using racist slurs against one of the players as well as physical abuse. He resigned last week.

Mr. Bianchi sighs and runs a hand through his hair. “Their assistant coach Viktor Meknikov is running the bench for now. He’s a friend of mine. He’s a great guy.”

I question that. He had to know what was going on. Yet it was players who came forward about the issues.

My stomach tightens thinking about that.

Easton Millar.

He was one of the ones who came forward and made a complaint to the players’ association. Years ago, we were good friends. But he disappeared when I needed him most. I’ve barely seen him since, other than a few games here and there where we didn’t talk at all. Asshole.

As if it’s not enough that my life is being turned upside down, I have to go play for a team that’s in turmoil and I’ll be joining one of the last people in the world I want to play with.

“You need to be on the next flight out of here,” Mr. Bianchi says.

“Jesus.” I rub my forehead. Every muscle in my body is tense and my chest feels squeezed by a tight band around it. “What about my stuff? My apartment…” I stop. That’s not Mr. Bianchi’s problem. It’s mine. “I got it.”

“We’re sorry to lose you, Josh. You’re talented and you’re a hard worker. Your work ethic is a great example to the team.”

“Thanks.”

I’m on my way up to my room when my phone rings. I don’t recognize the number, but I answer anyway.

“Josh? This is Brad Julian in New York.”

My new boss. Great. “Hi, Mr. Julian.”

“Joe let me know that he talked to you. I wanted to give you a call and welcome you to the team.”

I step into the elevator. “Thanks, I appreciate that.”

“We’re really excited to have you join us. We need some depth. We need a guy like you who’s got some games in, and you have a great reputation as a solid team guy. We think you can really add something to our room.”

“Thanks.” I close my eyes, leaning against the elevator wall. “I’m looking forward to it too.”

He chuckles, as if he knows I’m lying. “We’ll talk more once you’re in town.”

“I’m on my way.”

“Great, great.”

We end the call and I step out into the hall of the hotel. I stand there for a moment, gathering my thoughts. I’m…fucked up.

In my room, I make the call to my mom. I wouldn’t be surprised if she already knows. My dad is the general manager in Winnipeg, and it’s entirely possible he heard talk of this. She doesn’t sound surprised, so she at least