Page 25 of Off Side
SAM
The meeting was a half success. Nixon embraced my decision to be behind the bench. He thought it would be a powerful image for the hockey playing females just starting out and he felt it would reflect positively on the team as whole. He also said my officiating background and playing experience would bring a lot to the table for the boys. He was legit excited to have me on the bench.
Michael on the other hand, not so much. He felt I would distract the players from the game since I was and I quote, “All dolled up and flaunting it when I’m on the bench.” He seemed to think the fact that I had boobs and a vagina was the very thing to cause the players to be distracted.
Meaning all they would do is stare at me and not play or some sort of bullshit. I was kind of shocked he was so archaic with his thinking. To say he ruffled my feathers would be an understatement at this point, but I was not about to let him bring me down. I was excited about something in my life for the first time in a long time and I was not going to let his bad attitude get to me. Sadly, for him, it was not his call to make either.
“Listen, Michael, I know this is not what you wanted to hear, but quite frankly you have no say in the matter. For this season at least, I have to commit to coaching this team. I need you and Nixon onboard with that and I need your help. I won’t be letting you walk all over me or undermine any of the decisions I make. I own this team in the interim and I am the coach. I am not some dumb puck bunny that you seem to think I am. I know the game and the rules just as much as you do. For the record, nobody will be staring at me and my boobs and getting distracted from the game. That’s a stupid thing to say. These boys know they need to perform well every game to catch a scout’s eye, so they won’t risk that. Give your head a shake!”
Michael at least had the grace to look a bit sheepish, but he was still not happy to know I would be an active coach behind the bench.
“I was out of line saying that, I’m sorry, Sam. Just don’t be offended when I want to change a line that you put together.”
“Michael, you aren’t understanding the dynamic here. You will not be changing anything I do. I am your boss going forward.”
I look at Nixon for some kind of back up here and thankfully he adds his two bits. “Look, Mikey, it’s a big change for all of us but we need to respect Tom’s wishes. He’s been more than good to us. Trust him. Sam isn’t going to destroy everything we built. Listen to her, she knows what she’s talking about.”
Michael just nods his agreement and moves to leave the table. “Let’s get this intro to the players done and get our practice started then.”
He stalks off quickly not waiting for Nixon and me. I feel a tight knot forming in my neck knowing that Michael is going to be the cause of many migraines this season.
Nixon bumps my shoulder and gives me a sneaky smile. “High and bucked off of a donkey? And a kiss from Drew? I feel like we need to meet up and get the full story here.”
I throw my head back laughing. Nixon is going to be all right. “Sure, perhaps after practice Drew can join us next door at The Trash Can, and we can bring you up to par.” The Trash Can is the sports pub next door to the arena. Since our team mascot is a raccoon, they played on that, and The Trash Can has been popular ever since.
“Yes! I could use some good company, and I want to get to know you better. You’re on.”
We continued chatting amicably down to the locker rooms, and I found myself feeling like I may have made a friend, and I might have finally found a place to belong.
