Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 83355 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 417(@200wpm)___ 333(@250wpm)___ 278(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83355 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 417(@200wpm)___ 333(@250wpm)___ 278(@300wpm)
“I’m ready.”
“Good, because I’m pretty much going to let you do all the talking and I’ll just nod and act as if I know what you’re talking about.”
King laughs from deep in his belly, eyes twinkling. I’m entranced by the fact his sense of humor comes easily and his smile makes his face even more beautiful. “I’ve got it covered,” he says with a wink.
“Oh, thank goodness. I was starting to panic.”
King chuckles. “Don’t worry, we’ve got this. It’s all about basics.”
“First things first,” I say, jerking my head toward the bleachers where the parents have taken seats to watch the practice. “Let’s do a little introduction.”
“Let’s,” King says and then motions for me to precede him, his hand briefly touching my lower back as I move past. It shoots a shiver up my spine, but I try to ignore it.
“Hello,” I say when I’m before the parents. “As you know, I’m Willa Montreaux, and I’ll be coaching the Ice Pups this season. As you also know, I don’t understand hockey at all, but I’ve been doing research and studying, not sure if that will give me much of a leg up. My background is as a figure skater, so I know how to teach the basics of movement on the ice. Luckily, an angel dropped into our laps at our first game—” I motion to King beside me. “I’m sure most of you recognize Jack Kingston from the Pittsburgh Titans. He saw my struggles last weekend and has graciously volunteered to help us out.”
A rousing cheer goes up from the parents, an indication that no one had any confidence in my skills, and that’s fair. I didn’t have any confidence either.
A hand comes down on my shoulder… King’s. Large, warm and reassuring. “Coach Willa isn’t giving herself enough credit. It doesn’t take much hockey knowledge at this age.” His gaze cuts over to Theo’s mom but she seems oblivious as to what her husband did at the game. “What you all need to remember is that they are out here to learn basic skills and it is not our goal to win games. If any of you are looking for that, this isn’t the league for you.” King pauses, looks around at the parents, but they all smile and nod their understanding. “Okay, with that said… let’s get this practice underway.”
More clapping and I turn for the boards, speaking from the side of my mouth at King as we approach. “I think I’m going to stay off the ice so you’re not distracted peeling me off it.”
King laughs, looking down at me. “Fair enough, although it was by no means a chore to help you up.”
He turns away and I’m left wondering if he was just flirting with me. Because I think I was flirting with him. I’m a proficient skater and chances of him peeling me off the ice are nil. Or maybe he’s the world’s most easygoing guy, finding amusement in the smallest things and making those around him feel good by his teasing.
Regardless, I take up my position near the rail and open my eyes and ears to watch King work his magic, hoping I will glean something useful for those practices and games he won’t be able to attend.
Putting his fingers in his mouth, King lets out a shrill whistle and calls, “Okay, Ice Pups… assemble.”
They all stop their skating and tussling, turning to face him with curious eyes.
“Any time I say assemble it means get those little legs moving and come to me,” he says, waving them over. They all start a mad dash, eager to be the first one there. Two of the kids go sprawling but scramble back up pretty quick.
When they’re all around him in a semicircle, the first thing he does is lay down the ground rules. “All right, team, let’s talk about a few things you need to remember. First, we are out here to have fun. Does everyone understand that?”
They all nod.
“Repeat after me… We’re out here to have fun.”
Their tiny voices echo the words.
King cups his hand around his ear. “I didn’t quite hear that. Yell it out to me.”
“WE’RE OUT HERE TO HAVE FUN!” they scream at him, and all heads in the arena turn our way.
“Exactly,” King says and then praises, “Excellent job. Now, although we’re here to have fun, we’re also here to learn. And what do you think is the most important thing you can do in order to learn?”
A few hands shoot up and he points to a little boy in the front. “You… what’s your name?”
“Christian.”
“And what do you think is the most important thing?”
“Well, our teacher at school says if we’re not listening, we can’t learn.”
King grins and points at the boy. “Excellent. Exactly right. So that means if I’m talking, you’re listening. If Coach Willa is talking, you’re listening. Think you can all do that?”