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“The loss of Luca mid-season to the NHL was the real killer. The team hit a hard losing streak, and it was a miracle you clawed out of it.” I note and he nods along. “Looking back, what do you think brought the team together?”
“It was really hard to lose him, but that’s the game. We’re all here to get to the pros, and we’re all proud of Luca and his accomplishments.” Carter recites every mantra that’s been given to him for any interviews. “We had a rough start after the winter break, but we persevered. We came together as a team and pushed through, doing what we do best. Play hockey.”
“That was really special.” I fake some tears. “A really well thought out speech given to you by Coach.”
He glares at me with his lip curled up on one side, trying not to show any amusement.
“But let’s get real. You guys sucked.”
“As I said, it was a rough start.” He keeps holding on to his trained speech.
“Even before the break, with Luca, there was no way you guys were making it.” I give it to him straight, because the team lost several good players. It’s the truth. Not this bullshit Carter is trying to spin.
“Touch and go.” He grits between his teeth.
“Something had to change. For starters, Coach moved you to defense.”
“That’s right.” He grunts.
“How do you like the change?”
He thinks for a moment before telling me the truth.
“I love it.”
I know he does by the way he plays. There’s a spark in him that wasn’t there before.
“I never thought I’d like defense.” He elaborates when I wave him on to keep going. “I wanted to be the best and top scorer. But I love knocking guys out and blocking their shots even more.”
“It suits you,” I agree with him.
He shifts uncomfortably and I’m reminded I have to watch what I say before he blows.
I have trouble interviewing a lot of guys. A lot don’t understand what I’m even asking due to a language barrier and some are just clueless, but they have nothing on Carter.
After answering my question, he shuts down. Any hopes I had for a nice conversation flow are gone.
The guys were in extensive training for the games, and I had begged Coach Renan to allow a player to sit with me.
I asked for my brother. I got Carter.
Alex told me Carter has been on thin ice and flipped out during practice earlier. After the scene he made, Coach Renan threatened him and told him to take a minute to cool off, do my interview, or not play.
“Another change that has shown some significant improvement in the team’s performance is the addition of the new assistant defensive coach.”
Carter grunts in response.
“I heard her addition was a big shock to the team.”
“You heard? Through your research or through your brother?”
“Same thing,” I brush off the dig he’s trying to make. “She was a fantastic defensive player for the women’s team. Is her coaching what got you through the switch?”
“No.”
Ok, not going to elaborate there.
“How has her coaching style helped you?”
