Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 86515 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 433(@200wpm)___ 346(@250wpm)___ 288(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 86515 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 433(@200wpm)___ 346(@250wpm)___ 288(@300wpm)
And with that, he pivots and exits the room. It’s only after he’s out of sight that the stranglehold breaks and a rousing cheer shatters the silence. Rowe isn’t here to acknowledge it, but I’m sure he can hear us down the hall and is smiling at the knowledge that he’s lit a fire under everyone’s ass here today.
Colter Monahan, our head coach, takes the stage, and the energy changes again. He doesn’t carry billionaire confidence but rather an earned authority. He was an assistant coach on the Florida Spartans, who won the championship season before last. He’s young for a coach at thirty-three but battle-tested. I think he’s a great choice for this team.
Monahan isn’t known for speeches or emotional rallying. He’s known as a brilliant strategist, meticulous with systems and structure, and deliberately standoffish with players. He doesn’t try to be liked, doesn’t blur lines, and doesn’t concern himself with morale beyond whether the work is getting done.
Moreover, he’s got a great support team—assistants covering forwards, special teams and goaltending. I personally think the best score came with Van Turner. Fresh off a playing career with the Pittsburgh Titans, he’ll be handling defense and systems. His reputation in the league has been built on his ability to read plays before they develop. But the depth he’s really going to bring to the team is his reputation for earning trust. A veteran, he’s a Cup champion from his time with the Carolina Cold Fury and again with the Titans, and now a mentor for the young defensemen coming up.
Monahan doesn’t waste time. “You’re here. That part’s done.” A pause. Not for effect, but because he’s finished that thought. “I don’t give speeches. I give systems. I will work you hard and make no apologies for it. I expect you to give me everything, but if you need motivation, you won’t last long here anyway.
A few guys straighten instinctively. The rookies look downright scared and Arch and I exchange a smirk.
“We’re going to win games because we’re prepared, not because we want it more.” He rests one hand on the podium, the other loose at his side. “I’m a simple guy and I care about three things: structure, accountability and execution. Everything else is noise to me.” His gaze moves, assessing, like he’s already sorting pieces. “I don’t care what you were on your last team. I don’t care what fans think you are. In this building, you earn your ice every day.”
Arch grumbles under his breath. “That’s some hardcore shit.”
“Yup,” I mutter back, but internally, I’m excited about his coaching style. It’s exactly what an expansion team needs.
Coach scans the room. “You follow the system, you’ll play. You don’t, you won’t. It’s that simple.” He glances briefly toward his assistants, then back to the room. “If you’ve got questions, bring them to the staff. If you’ve got excuses, keep them to yourself.”
“Oh damn,” Arch whispers. “Guess we’re not going to be best mates.”
“You already got a best mate,” I point out, and he snorts.
And with that, Monahan picks up a piece of paper from the podium. “As you know, you were all asked to cast votes to elect a captain and two assistant captains for the team. These players will represent our interests both on and off the ice. They will be your leadership.”
A ripple moves through the room and guys shift in their seats.
Monahan doesn’t draw it out. “Captain,” he says. “Crosby Hale.”
No applause explodes because this isn’t a pep rally. But hands come together in a respectful clap with nods passing between teammates. Boss leans forward and claps me on the shoulder.
I don’t move. I don’t smile. I don’t lift my chin like I’m accepting a crown.
Inside, the weight settles into acceptance.
Monahan continues, “Alternates—Carter Nichols and Halo Barnes.”
More applause. Those are excellent choices. While I’ve been named captain, part of that title is honorary. While I’m on the ice during a game, I’m not allowed to leave my net to deal with the refs. But both Carter and Halo can handle that. They’ll have no problem taking the heat and managing the little in-game storms that I can’t deal with.
Monahan sets the paper down and looks first to me, then over to Carter and Halo. “Those letters don’t mean you’re above anyone else. They mean you’re responsible for everyone else. Act like it.”
I nod and know I’m more than up to the task.
Monahan shoves both hands into his pockets. “One more thing… the league is partnering with the Wildfire on a behind-the-scenes documentary this season.”
A buzz of hushed chatter fills the room. A few guys laugh, already imagining camera time. Some guys straighten like they’re picturing endorsement deals.
“The film crew will be given full access,” Monahan continues. “It goes without saying Mr. Rowe expects everyone to be on their best behavior. He demands professionalism at all times. I imagine it might be a little jarring with the cameras constantly on us, but you’ll get used to it. This is a tremendous opportunity for the Wildfire, so don’t fuck it up.”