Wild and Wicked

Chapter Eight: Jackson’s First Practice

I had woken up at 430AM and decided to go to the gym before conditioning and skate practice. I had always done 2 workouts a day since I started hockey. Keeps me bulky and in shape.

By 630AM I was in the dressing room when Coach Steve comes in to chat with me.

Coach: So Jackson, it’s good to see that you tried to clear your name. But we have to make sure you dont get into any trouble. You are best defensemen in the league. We got super lucky when Washington traded you.

Me: Thanks coach, I don’t plan on screwing up, I want to be a team player and want to help you guys win the cup.

Coach: Good man Jackson, here is your New Jersey, same number just different colors and name. Get ready the other boys should be here soon.

Once the coach left, I was feeling good about myself. Within 5 minutes all the others guys show up. They were all super friendly and for that I was thankful. Jeff Smith was our captain but he was the most friendliest dude here, he welcomed me and chatted with me. He didn’t give two shits about my past, he just wanted to make it clear that I kept myself on the straight and narrow. They were all excited to have me here, and that made me feel welcomed, way better then I felt playing for Washington.

All of us got into the gym and start condition training, I was already lumber from the gym earlier so I just dived in and worked out for the next 2 hours. The boys were impressed and so was the coach. Doing the gym twice a day saved my ass I think.

We got another hour break to eat and hydrate before skate practice. I was just chilling when I heard yelling and I looked up and saw Jeff on the phone, he looked pissed but also worried. When he got off the phone I asked if he was alright, he nodded his head, yea I am okay, my sister not so much. I didn’t bother to ask cause it wasn’t my business.

A few minutes later we were in the ice and the coach rode our asses and by 2PM I was exhausted, this team practiced way harder then Washington. Maybe, just maybe we could win the cup!

I decided to have an ice bath at the arena, before leaving I had ordered take out. Heading home I picked up my dinner and went straight to the condo. I wanted to keep out of trouble and this was exactly how I was going to do that!