Page 83 of Rise Above

“We can’t speak on it yet.” Blackson looked me up

and down. “Can you get showered and dressed in a suit? The press conference is set for 2 PM.”

I nodded. “Whatever y’all need.”

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Lights flashed as I entered the room. Dozens of

reporters had been invited to discuss my injury. Despite being a professional athlete, I wasn’t in the limelight. This was not my reality, to have reporters and paparazzi’s around. I was a relatively quiet guy and kept to myself. I had enjoyed being a hockey player for that reason. Zeke would have been more at home in this environment.

After sitting, I took a deep breath and thought of

Aife. She had quickly become a calming presence in my life. I wanted to be with her constantly; it was a foreign feeling to me, one I hadn’t felt since my dad died. She was in my heart now. Taking a sip of water, I nodded to Coach Mike. I was as ready as I was going to be.

“TJ, how soon will you be back?”

At least the first question was relatively easy.

“Well, my wrist is broken. The doctor said rest for four weeks and then rehab for two to three weeks. No surgery needed. I expect to be back after Thanksgiving.”

“Anything you’d like to say about last night’s

incident?”

“Hockey can be a dangerous sport, just like any

other,” I said, “Every sport comes with risk. But once the game is done, you expect the risk to significantly drop. Hopefully to zero. I can’t tell you the number of hits I’ve had or given. Last night never should have happened.”

“How about anything to say to the player? What’s

happening to him?”

Mr. Blackson took over. “As of this morning, the

NHL has issued a hefty fine, released Mr. Gordon from his contract, and placed a ban on his return to any NHL team.”

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Shock rocked my body, but I attempted to keep my

face neutral. Banned? Maybe I should have been relieved, but all I felt was numb, cold, and ready to leave.

More questions flew our way before someone

signaled we only had time for one more. We picked one at random, as we always did.

“Who was that woman on the ice with you?” My blood ran cold. Aife and I hadn’t had this

conversation. “A friend.”

“Just a friend?”

“Yes.”