* * *
It takes me another hour and a half before I make it to the Woodpeckers practice arena to collect my personal belongings. Teddy can take any item that I forgot to turn back once I move out.
Pulling into the practice rink, I take a moment to compose myself. Like Em said, I can’t let anyone see me upset, especially not my old teammates. Walking in, I see familiar faces of different staff members, some of them looking at me with judgment in their eyes. After greetings and Happy New Year wishes, I try to ignore them and focus on getting my things.
The familiar smell of sweat, hockey gear, and body spray hits me as I open the door to the locker room. I’ve grown to find it comforting over the years, but today, it only overwhelms me. I find my stall still intact, my gear neatly arranged, just like before every practice. Knowing that I won’t be wearing that red jersey again is a bittersweet moment. But I’m also grateful for the memories and friendships I’ve made here.
I start packing up the things I can take, folding my personalized items they don’t need, like a couple of practice outfits. Stuffing everything into my hockey bag, I think about how it’s a routine I’ve done countless times before, but this time it feels different.
I’m saying goodbye to a big part of my life, a part that has defined me for years.
As I zip up my bag, I hear the locker room door open and prepare to meet whoever walks in. The familiar voices of Teddy and two other former teammates of mine fill the space. I freeze, not wanting to turn around and see their pity.
But as I stand there without moving, I hear Teddy’s voice go softer, more concerned.
“Hey man,” he says carefully. “How are you holding up?”
“Not good, but I’ll be okay,” I admit before looking at them.
Teddy comes over, puts his arms around me, and hugs me. I have to blink back my tears, as this guy right here has been one of my closest friends for years. “Fuck, Viking, once I heard the news, I couldn’t believe it. Why would they trade their best player?”
“I don’t know, but it sucks.”
Lance, one of the D-men, walks over next. “We’re sorry that you have to go. But let’s not be strangers, even if you’ll be playing for the Showponies.”
I chuckle at the nickname our team has given the Peacocks. “I don’t know what to say, so, um, thanks—” I search for the right words “—thanks for everything.”
“We’re gonna miss you, Viking,” Volodymyr says and hugs me after Lance.
“I’ll miss you all, too.”
I pull away from the embrace and give them a small watery smile. The mood in the room is somber, and I can tell they're trying to keep it together, just like I am. It's not like we'll never see each other again, but it's the end of an era, and that is what's hitting us the hardest.
Clearing my throat, I wipe the tears in the corners of my eyes and take a deep breath. "All right, boys. I should get going before I get too emotional and start crying like a little bitch."
Teddy chuckles and punches my arm playfully. "Too late for that, Viking. But you better keep in touch. You hear?”
We all share a laugh, and a sense of relief washes over me. It's good to know that even though I'm leaving, I'll still have these guys in my life.
As I make my way out of the locker room, I can't help but feel a sense of nostalgia as well. I remember the countless hours I’ve spent in that room, both in celebration and defeat, with these guys by my side. But now, it’s time to move on to the next chapter.
Walking down the hallway toward the exit, a voice calls out to me from the door leading to the janitor’s office. “Kid, wait up."
I turn around to see Paul, the guy I’ll probably miss the most when I leave this place. "Hey, old man,” I say, returning his smile. "What’s up?"
"I just wanted to say good luck out there.”
"I don’t need luck. I’ve got skill,” I joke, trying to lighten the mood.
He rolls his eyes. "Of course you do. But seriously, I hope you kick our asses, but not too much.”
“Thanks, Paul. I’ll miss you.”
“Me too, kid.”
“You have my number, so call me anytime, about those skating lessons for Jonah or anything else you need,” I tell him.
Paul hugs me tightly. “Thank you, Jasper. Remember that you’re way brighter and better than your past mistakes. Playing for the Peacocks is another opportunity to show your greatness. Don’t screw it up.”
