by Anne Stone
As she walked down the hallway to get her students, she thought of her parents and how their loss affected her day after day. They’d been killed the night of her high school graduation.
The day flew by after meeting with Johnston. She drove home in a blur and spent the night on the couch. Her parents had been on her mind off and on since her earlier meeting. She missed them so much and believed the ache would never fully go away. She replayed her conversation and decided to pull out some of her father’s albums. He’d had volumes of his work, and she took inspiration in reviewing it.
The more she thought about the project, the more excited she became, especially after going through her father’s photographs. Since several of the parents at Lakeview had ties to the Generals, she decided that she’d focus many of the photographs on the Generals’ players. She’d contact Ed Talent, the owner of the team. He was a friend of her father’s, and she still remained close with him.
She texted Ed, and before she knew it, her phone rang. She looked at the caller ID and was surprised that he was returning her call so quickly. “Hey, Jen, is everything alright?”
“I’m doing well, Ed. I wanted to run something past you.”
“Okay, shoot.”
“Johnston met with me today. Did you know he was married before Alana?”
“I did. Helen, in fact, was the driving force behind Lakeview.”
“That’s what I learned. Anyway, he wants to have a celebration in honor of the fifteenth anniversary of the school, and he’s asked me to have a showing.”
“A showing? Of your dad’s stuff?”
“No, mine.”
“Jen, are you sure you want to go there? I know you haven’t been behind the lens much these days.”
“I haven’t and I really don’t know how he discovered that I was a photographer alongside my dad, but he did. He thinks my work is good enough to auction off.”
“No question, it is.”
“Thanks, but Ed, I don’t know.”
“I think it’s a fantastic idea. Stop worrying. You need to jump right in. Now, what do you need other than my words of encouragement?”
“I was thinking of focusing on the Generals. Since several of the players, along with members of the management team, have children at Lakeview, I thought I could showcase them. I could take photographs at practice, games, and the like… I know I’m rambling.”
“I think that’s a great idea. And no, you aren’t rambling. When the team returns from their road trip, I’ll speak with Jacob and his management team. Sound good to you?”
“Yeah, thanks, Ed. You don’t know what this means to me.”
“I think I do. And Jen.”
“Yeah.”
“Your dad would be proud.”
“Thanks,” she muttered as tears formed in the back of her throat.
Jennifer hadn’t taken her photography seriously in a long, long time. Not since her dad passed away. She really had no idea how Johnston knew about her photography, but she was taking his interest as a sign. Maybe this was a sign that she needed to put the sadness behind her, pick up her camera again and make a change in her life.
Chapter Four
Ryne prepared to board the return flight home. It had been his first road trip as a General, and he wasn’t the only exhausted player. As he headed along the jetway, Trevor stopped him.
“Ryne, after we level off, come see me, okay?”
Ryne nodded and continued down the aisle. He stowed his bag and dropped into his seat. As the attendants prepared the cabin for departure, he ticked off all the injuries that had occurred during their trip.
Just last night, Derek, their captain, injured his shoulder. He’d be out a few games. It was a blow to the team, especially since they were entering the home stretch of the season.
When the bell chimed indicating they could move about the cabin, Ryne scrubbed his hand across this face, stood, and headed to the front where Trevor sat. He wasn’t sure what he’d done to deserve this meeting with the coach. He thought he’d played well, having made few mistakes, and had spent no time in the penalty box.
Ryne cleared his throat, notifying Trevor of his presence. He’d gestured to Ryne to have a seat.
“You looked good out there, Ferguson.”
“Thanks, Coach.” He was a little nervous as he sat beside Trevor, clenching and unclenching his fists.
“Derek’s going to be out a few games.”
“That’s what I heard.”
“We have a few more injuries too.”
“I know.”
“Is there a problem?”
“Ah, no why would you think that?”
“You’re being a little quiet.” He chuckled shaking his head. At least his comment broke the ice and Ryne relaxed a little. “So, how do you feel about stepping it up a little?”
Ryne looked at him, shocked. He was a newbie with the team and was still learning the players’ personalities and skills.
“I know your background. You were a leader on the Eagles, and I need you to be the same kind of leader here. I think we have a great chance to make the playoffs, but with our injuries mounting, I need your experience out there on the ice. I need you to lead the rookies while Derek sits out.”
Ryne listened intently and nodded often. “I can do that. I don’t want to overstep myself with being new and all.”
“You won’t, that’s for sure. I know everyone respects you and what you did before your trade. I feel like you’ve been here all year and not just a few weeks. You’re fitting in nicely, jelling with the guys.”
Ryne smiled broadly. “I have to say, I feel the same way. It’s a great group of guys, and they all have one another’s backs.”
“They do. So you understand my expectations.”
“Yes, sir I do.”
“Good. Now one more thing.”
“Shoot.”
“Derek was supposed to speak at an assembly, Wednesday morning. I’d like you to fill in.”
“Okay.”
“It’s at Lakeview Private School.” Ryne eyebrows shot up. Lakeview. Maybe I’ll see Jennifer. “We regularly help out with assemblies. Derek was going to talk to the students about attaining a good education. With your record, I think you’ll be perfect to represent the Generals.”
“I can do that.”
“The assembly is at ten. I’ll email you the information. I know Jacob will be pleased that you are attending. I think Ed may be there as well, speaking from the perspective of an owner.” They spoke about various other subjects until it was time for the plane to land. Ryne returned to his seat and started making notes of some of the points he’d discuss.
He realized he’d had nothing to be nervous about. From all signs, he was adjusting well to his teammates and management better than he thought possible. He was surprised that he’d been asked to fill in for Derek both on and off the ice. He planned on doing his best; he had no intentions of being traded again. The only way he’d change teams would be to go home. Home to his Calgary Storm.
They arrived in St. Louis late Monday evening. Their next game wasn’t scheduled until Thursday, and the players didn’t have to report to practice until Wednesday afternoon. Ryne took the time to settle into his extended-stay hotel room. He wouldn’t begin to find a place to live permanently until after the season.
He slept in later than normal and when he woke, powered up his laptop. As promised, Trevor had emailed him the information he needed for the assembly the following morning. He pulled out his cell phone and located Carson’s number. He decided to check in with him to gain further background on Lakeview.
Carson groggily answered. “Yeah,” he grumbled into the phone.
“Carson, it’s Ryne. Ryne Ferguson.”
“What do you want? Didn’t I just leave your presence?”
“You did.” Ryne held on waiting for Carson to further respond. “Carson, are you there?”
“I’m here.” Dead silence. “Sorry about that,
Ferguson. I’m here. I didn’t get much sleep. My daughter cried through what was left of the night. My wife says she has an ear infection.”
“Sorry to hear that. I know what that’s like. My youngest sister gets them all the time.”
“What do you need?”
“Coach asked me to speak at an assembly tomorrow, and I thought I’d ask you a few questions.”
“Me, why me?”
“I’m going to Lakeview, and I wanted a little insight into the school. And since your wife works there, I thought you’d be the perfect person to fill me in.” Ryne waited a moment, giving Carson some time to get himself together.
“Okay, shoot.”
Ryne went through his list of questions. Carson told him how the school came to be and ticked off several current and former famous names who attended. He expressed what he saw were the positives and negatives of a school such as Lakeview. “First of all, even though they try not to, many of our kids seem to have an attitude as though they are superior since we play a professional sport. I know the coaches address that but just so you know.”
“I get that. I had the same issue growing up, especially with my dad playing for the Storm. I tried not to have that attitude, but I know I did. My dad worked with me. He wanted all of us to be regular guys. I think he had a rougher time with me and my twin, Etienne. Since Philippe’s the oldest, I’m sure he was perfect. I know my parents learned a lot with us, so when Rafael and Jules were going through school, they knew what to expect and how to handle them. My sisters, Olivia and Emma, are still in school. They’re playing hockey too, and I’m sure my parents will be faced with totally different dilemmas than they were with us boys.”
“I forgot that you were a twin.”
“Yeah, Etienne was drafted right out of high school. He played four years with the Boston Ice before being traded to the Storm. He’s played the last five years with Philippe, who has played his entire career in Calgary. Rafael plays for the Arizona Tide, while Jules followed in my footsteps and is playing for the University of Wisconsin.”
“Your mom must have gone batty dealing with your dad traveling and all of your hockey schedules.”
“My mom’s the best. She’s a teacher, too. Looking back, I have no idea how she kept it all together, but she did. We were never late for a game or a practice.” They spoke for a few minutes longer and then Ryne could hear Carson’s daughter crying in the background. “I’ll let you go so you can deal with your daughter. Thanks for the info.”
“Anytime. Have fun tomorrow.”
“I will.” Ryne groaned and said his goodbyes.
That evening, he prepared his notes. He liked to speak extemporaneously and from the heart, but he did have a few points he wanted to stress in his presentation. He wanted to make sure that whether the kids were into sports or not, a good education was paramount in life. They weren’t always going to be able to play baseball, hockey, football, or whatever their sport was. These kids needed to know just one injury could sideline them for the remainder of their lives, and a back-up plan was necessary to survive.
Ryne always arrived at an event early. He was never late and prided himself on that quality, engrained in him from childhood. He still wondered how his mom did it when he was a kid. She’d had seven children who now ranged in age from twenty-nine to ten. He hadn’t a clue how she kept everyone organized. She often had a baby in tow too. Ryne always remembered his mom was upbeat and never got angry or upset with them. Every day she had a smile on her face, and he would always remember that about her.
Ryne dressed casually for himself. Normally he wore a suit when he spoke at events. Since he was speaking with students, he chose dark colored pants, a long-sleeved white shirt and a striped tie. He left his suit coat at home. He was greeted at the front doors by Ed and Johnston. Ed introduced him and explained that he was replacing Derek for the assembly.
“I heard about his injury,” Johnston said.
“Second time this year he’s been out with that shoulder. Luck certainly hasn’t been on his side,” Ed stated.
Johnston extended his hand in a greeting and explained that Ryne would be presenting to the middle grades. He was almost assured that Jennifer’s class would be there. Didn’t she teach fourth grade?
Johnston led both Ed and Ryne to the back of the stage. The students knew that one of the Generals was speaking, but they had no idea who it was. Johnston addressed the assembly and then introduced Ed.
“Some of you may remember me and, well, some may not,” he said to a round of laughter. “My name is Ed Talent and I’m the owner of your Generals.” A round of applause followed. “I know many of you were hoping that Derek Pfeil would be here today. Unfortunately, he was injured Monday night and is undergoing therapy as we speak. Hopefully, he’ll be back on the ice in the near future. So instead of Derek, I thought I’d introduce you to a new player— someone you know very little about.” Ed held their attention as he touted Ryne’s background.
“Let me tell you a little bit about him. He’s from Calgary, Alberta, Canada. He’s one of seven children, all who play hockey in some regard. He has four brothers of which three play in the NHL. So I’d have to say not only did he grow up in the hockey profession with his dad playing for the Calgary Storm, he’s surrounded by it as well. He knows what many of you experience when your dad goes on a long road trip.” Ed heard the groans from the audience.
“What I want you to take from his speech is that he didn’t go straight into the NHL from high school. He attended the University of Wisconsin where he played for the Badgers. As a Badger, he won several awards graduating with honors. He’s a born leader, was captain of the Eagles and is a mentor to all. So please listen to what he has to say. I think each of you can learn a lot from him. So without further boring you, I’d like to introduce our newest General, Ryne Ferguson.”
Ryne walked from the back of the stage to roaring applause. As he approached the podium, he reached for the microphone and his eyes searched the audience. There, sitting in the third row, was Jennifer. By the expression on her face and the way she threw her hand across her mouth, he could tell she was shocked by his presence. He smiled broadly in her direction and began to thank the audience. “Thank you for the warm welcome. I am so happy to be here. I’m sure most of you were expecting Derek. Let’s keep him in our thoughts as he works to return to the ice.” He received another round of applause.
“Many of you probably have never heard of me before. I’ll give you a short history of my background. As Ed said, I’m one of seven children. My dad played for the Calgary Storm while my mom was a teacher who raised seven kids practically alone a good part of the year since my dad traveled so much. She dealt with all of our crazy schedules and did it every day with a smile on her face. I never can remember my mom without her effervescent smile.
“Now that my dad’s retired and running our ranch, she has a little help getting my two sisters to school and hockey practice. I have an older brother, Philippe, a younger brother, Rafael, and my twin brother, Etienne, who all play in the NHL. My youngest brother followed me and is attending the University of Wisconsin and plays for the Badgers. My sisters are still in school and as I said, both play hockey.”
Ryne hated to stand behind a podium, so he walked about the stage. He could feel Jennifer’s eyes following him. He paused, looked down and then spoke. “Who here likes school?” Ryne chuckled as he heard the loud groans. “I guess I know the answer to that question.” He moved across the stage and paused again. “Raise your hand if you play a sport.” Nearly everyone’s hands were raised. “Who hopes to become a pro in their sport?” Cheers rang out as hands flailed in the audience. “Who thinks they’ll be a professional their entire life?” A few hands fell but many stayed raised.
Ryne walked from the stage and went down to the audience. “Keep your hands raised now.” He approached a boy that had a Generals shirt on. “I guess you play hockey?”
“I do,” the boy quickly answ
ered.
“And I guess you want to play for the Generals too?”
“You got that.”
“That’s a good goal. Let me ask you this…what do you want to do with your life?”
“I told you, play hockey.”
“Let me rephrase my question…What are your plans if you can’t play hockey?”
“I’ll play. I’m the best.” Everyone laughed at his comment.
“I’m sure you are good, but what if you become injured liked Derek did. What if you can’t come back from your injury, or worse yet, what if you’ve set your goals on making the NHL and aren’t drafted or signed to a team? Have you thought about that?”
“Ah, no.”
Ryne returned to the stage. “I’d like all of you to think about what you want to do when you grow up and take your sport out of the equation. I was drafted by the Eagles at the age of seventeen, but I chose instead to go to the UW and get an education. And why do you think I did that?”
“In case you got injured.”
“Bingo,” he said pointing to the girl in the back of the audience who answered his question. “I worked hard, got my degree. I graduated in the top of my class. I even attended graduate school online too. I had a plan and I followed through with my plan. I’m prepared for life after hockey. I have a career when I retire from the game, and God forbid I get injured, I have that same career. Do you see how important it is to study hard now and why it’s important to go to school?
“I have a plan to fall back on if something happens that I didn’t foresee. My dad, when he played hockey, had a fallback plan. He runs our family ranch. My brothers were drafted into the NHL and didn’t attend college. Instead, they chose to play hockey. I think they’ve each learned a little something from me. Now, all three of them are taking classes online. They’re not going about it the same way I did, but at least they’ve decided to create a fallback plan too.”
Ryne had no worries when he retired from the game he loved having carefully mapped out his life. All was going according to plan. That had worked well for him just like his brothers’ decision to play right out of school had worked for them.
