Julian's POV
I come to practice with a heavy heart, dragging myself through the doors like I'm walking to my own execution. Coach suspended me from the ice, but he still expects me to show up all week for off-ice training. Something about how the main season is around the corner and they don't want me completely out of rhythm.
Each day, someone from the team gets assigned to join me, which is basically a punishment for them too. A way to make sure I don't slack off while I'm banished from real hockey. I hate it. I feel angry and resentful, and mostly I keep to myself, counting down the days until this nightmare week is over.
At least I don't have to sit on the bench watching everyone else skate circles around Bryson like he's the new team hero.
I arrive early and grab a corne
