Then, as we leave the ice at the end of the day, Greg is standing there, waiting for us. “Jamie, Cap, the press have a few questions. You have a sec?”
The question is rhetorical — when your GM asks you to jump, the only response is “How high?”
We head to the press room, still sweaty in our base layers. The press corps is a little light today, but that’s to be expected at the beginning of camp. At the front of the room is a table, where two microphones and a pitcher of water are waiting for us. We take our seats, and the PR guy off to the side gives a writer from theStar Tribunethe first question.
“Ethan, after the first day of practice, how are you feeling about this year?”
This is a softball question, for which I am appreciative.
“You know, I think we’ve done a good job in the off season of focusing in on some of last year’s struggles and trying to address them head on. I saw a lot of strong skating on the ice today, and I think thefront office has really focused on bolstering our offensive corps through the draft and some trades. I’m excited to see what we can do this season.”
Next up, a reporter from ESPN asks Carter about his first day on the ice.
“It was great to be on the ice again, and to see how I could fit in here. The team’s great, and I’m really looking forward to playing with them this season.”
It seems like the kid’s at least had some media training, his answer generally positive but concise.
A few more softball questions come our way — strengths, weaknesses, how we’re feeling about some upcoming matchups.
Then, the PR guy calls on a guy fromThe Neutral Zone. Purportedly ‘the best blog in hockey’, it’s pretty much a gossip rag. I’ve known guys who learned about their divorces there before their wives even told them.
Needless to say, they play a prominent role in my nightmares.
“Jamie, how do you think your sexuality will affect your ability to play here this season?”
The question is loaded, impossible to answer well. The best answer is probably “No comment”, but even that will give the blog something to cover. Suddenly, the hope I’ve been feeling dissolves away. Apparently, there is no chance Carter can just be a hockey player.
“Can you clarify the question? I’m not sure I understand.”
The move isn’t a bad one;The Neutral Zonelikes to maintain its reputation as exactly that — ‘neutral’. They won’t come out and say ‘Do you think your teammates will pass to you even though you like dick?’ But they’ll come right up to the edge of it. This reporter must be new, because he goes a little over the line.
“I mean, it’s well known that teams were hesitant to sign you because of your sexuality. Worried it would be a distraction in the room. Is it?”
“Ah, thank you for your insight…Reuben? Is that right?” He squints at the reporter’s press pass, and I can tell he’s memorizing him for future reference.
“Um, yes. Reuben Santos, fromThe Neutral Zone.”
“Great. So, Reuben, I think I can only say what I’ve said before. I struggle to understand why my sexual preferences would affect my ability to skate, or to make a play, or to score a goal. They certainly never seemed to at UCLA. And yet, it seems to be all some news outlets can think about.”
The cut atThe Neutral Zoneis clear, his media training slipping a bit.
“I am a gay man, and I’ve never thought there was anything wrong with that. It might be that some of the coaches and front offices disagree with that — I’ll never know for sure. But I’m confident in my ability, as a gay man, to create the offensive production the Huskies need. As for whether it’s a distraction in the room, that question is probably better for Ethan.”
I hold back my cringe, wishing he hadn’t dragged me into this.
“I, uh, I’m confident that Carter’s skills will be an important piece of our offensive lines this season. And for everyone in that room, hockey comes first.”
The answer feels clumsy on my tongue, and I’m glad PR wraps the conference rather than letting Reuben get in a follow up. Carter and I head to the locker room, now empty except for the smell of sweat. We head to our stalls and begin the process of getting ready to leave.
“So, um… listen. I know you’ve, uh, gotten a lot of press this year. With the draft and all.”
His eyes flick toward me, guarded now.
“But I just want to make sure you’re ready to hit the ice hard. We’ve got playoffs to make, and a bunch of press isn’t going to get us there.”
“You’re worried about my… press.” His voice is flat, unreadable.
“I just think it’s time to keep your head down and work hard to make the team. Some helpful advice, from one player to another.”
