I'm really nervous as I wait outside the meeting room. For the hundredth time I smooth down my skirt and wonder if I should have worn something else. They are really casual here and I should have guessed but in LA you always need to be dressed up. My wardrobe consists of only designer labels and the newest styles. It's not because it's how I would dress, although I'm not complaining, it's primarily because of my clients. When you do public relations and marketing for the biggest stars in Hollywood, you need to look the part. I should have remembered that I'm in Pittsburgh and this is a hockey team. For maybe the thousandth time I wonder why I let my dad talk me into coming out here to help with his team. Sure, it's only for a season but it's the dead of winter in Pittsburgh and I was born and raised in LA. I know what the winters out east are like because I went to Harvard and Wharton but that doesn't mean that I like it.
I got in late last night and this is my first introduction to the players. I've barely met my own team. I had an awkward meeting with Tom McMillan the VP of Communications. He is definitely not happy to have a new boss although he was trying to hide it. When your last name is Burkle and you're one of the owners' daughters it can definitely make people suck up. He tried damn hard too. As we walked through the offices to the player's meeting room, I was introduced to the communications staff. We're having a meeting later. Since training camp has been compressed into one week, the players are going to be very busy, so they wanted me to meet the guys during their 'welcome to camp' meeting. We'll be diving into press and events right away so the guys need to know who I am and what I'm doing here. Of course I'm still trying to figure that last part out myself. I don't think I can exactly tell everyone that I'm here because of paternal guilt.
Tom leads me into the room and Ray Shero is addressing the group so we stay at the back. "We've made some changes this year to some key staff members most of whom you've already met." Ray is telling the team. I can tell he's getting ready to introduce me. Ray and I discussed that I would be brief and simply let the guys know what my role is and then we'll figure the rest out over time. "Right now I want to introduce our new Chief Communications Officer Sloan Burkle. She is coming in to help us with a new marketing and communications strategy. She has a vast experience in marketing and public relations and will be a great asset to the Penguins organization. Sloan, would you like to say a few words?" I can't help but rub my hands over my skirt as I walk to the front of the room. I'm suddenly very aware of each click of my heels on the floor and the eyes of over thirty men on me. Oh well, here goes. "Hi everyone and thank you for the warm welcome Ray. I'll be very brief since I know you have a full day ahead of you. With concern about residual resentment from the lockout, we want to be sure that we are focused more than ever on our fans and providing them the best experience possible. We also want to ensure that you are able to focus on your jobs while still feeding the beast that is the media." That earns me a few chuckles. "My team's goal is to do both of those things seamlessly so that everyone's needs are met. It's not an easy job but it's one in which we'll be successful. The last thing I want you to know is that we are again filming our In the Room series so you will see a lot of cameras around filming practices and games. You will also be scheduled for interviews to accompany the video. This will be as unobtrusive as two cameras in your face all the time can be." That earned me more chuckles. "Seriously, we have whetted the appetites of our fans, and they love seeing 'behind the scenes,' so be prepared. It was great to meet you all and we'll be seeing much more of each other." Ray thanks me and I move to the back of the room again but not before hearing "I'd definitely like to see more of her." I keep walking as if I didn't hear it. I suppose I'm going to have to get used to that kind of thing.
Tom and I leave the room and head back upstairs to the offices. Tom shows me to an office and says "they have set you up in here." He says it with a hint of bitterness so I'm guessing that it's a bigger office than his or maybe he wanted it for himself. Either way, it's been an interesting start with Tom. He's not going to like our staff meeting either. I thank Tom and he quickly leaves. Settling behind my desk, I review the agenda for my staff meeting again. Everyone I've spoken with, coaches, administration, owners, all say that the Communications team is complacent. They are having fun and doing the normal things that every other team is doing but there's no innovation and they are not pushing themselves to do or be better. This does not go over well with the members of a pro sports organization who believe in out-working the opponent. I again reconsider the approach I'm going to take with my new team and decide, again, that I'm doing the right thing. They need a huge shake up. I've just shaken up my life – leaving a multi-million dollar PR firm in my partners hands and moving across the country – so why shouldn't there's be shook up too?
I look over the employee files again. There is some real talent here. They're young but they have some good experience and education. Seems like what I heard from my dad is true and these kids just need some leadership and vision. I chuckle at myself calling them kids. At thirty, I'm not that much older than they are but I've packed in a lot of living in my years; maybe too much living. With an overachiever as a dad, you strive to be the best at everything and I was. I graduated with my MBA before I was twenty-two years old and I was already working for dad's company. I was the only one of the three kids who took any interest in the business. When I found that I had a flare for marketing and PR then I went for it. I really wish my brother or sister was here right now instead of me but I promised that I'd help and I'm only here for the season. Hopefully they won't make the playoffs and I can be gone by the end of April. Oh, I need to remember not to say that thought out loud where anyone here could hear me.
"Sloan?" I look up and try to remember the man's name. Ah yes "Hi Sam, what can I do for you?" He smiles and says "today there is a planned presser for the team after practice. Should we still go ahead with that or did you want to do something different?" Oh boy, while I appreciate that he's come to ask my opinion, does he really think it's a good idea to piss off the press on the first day of training camp? Ok, I have to remember that I lead a team now and it's my job to be their coach. "What are your thoughts Sam?" I ask him and the look on his face is priceless. His mouth is actually hanging open like he is so shocked. I wait him out. "Um, well, it's the first day so I think we need to go ahead with it." Hmm, maybe he has some promise. "Sounds good Sam, let's go ahead. What time is that planned for?" He looks at his watch and replies "in an hour." I thank him and he leaves. Dad seems to be right again; Sam seems like a smart guy. I wonder why no one is listening to him.
For the past few weeks, I've been watching the sports news to see what I could learn about sports pressers. It seems like the guys are in a variety of states of undress and they're always sweaty so it must be directly after they get off the ice. I've also been devouring as much video as I can find. The Pens have video going back years and I think I've viewed almost all of it. I've seen a variety of interviews, community events and team fun-clips. It was quite an education for me; however, the basic premise of PR still holds true regardless of whether it's an athlete or a starlit. We need to feed the beast and give press the accessibility they want while ensuring the image projected is what we want. It's a dance and I know enough about it to have brought my very best dancing shoes.
It felt good being back here. After the concussion and neck injury, then we got bounced in the first round by Philly and finally the lockout, it is fucking great to be back. I hate this first part though. We hear from each of the departments and what they have planned or how they're going to help us. We only have one week for camp; they can help us by leaving and letting us get on the ice. Of course I sit patiently through all the speeches and put my best 'captain' expression on my face. Ray is now introducing some new communications guy named Sloan. I wonder what happened to Tom. I turn to look for Tom in the room and see that Sloan isn't a guy at all. Sloan is a very hot, very blond woman in a short, tight skirt and very high heels. As she walks by me, I can't take my eyes off of her ass. This is Sloan? Fuck me she is hot! Beside me, Tanger makes a lewd comment in French which I don't acknowledge. It wouldn't be appropriate but fuck he's right.
She's talking and I can hear what she's saying but all I can focus on is how her suit clings to every inch of her. Her shirt, which is tailored like a man's, is opened just far enough to show a hint of her breasts. I finally move my gaze up to her face and it doesn't disappoint either. She has full lips and the brightest blue eyes I've ever seen. That's when she smiles and I see that she has a dimple in her left cheek. Damn, I've always been a sucker for dimples. I hear Flower whisper behind us "did Shero say that she's a Burkle, as in Ron?" That catches my attention. Yeah, Ray did say Burkle so she must be Ron's daughter. I hear everyone laughing and see her laughing with them. I didn't catch what was said but I laugh too just in case anyone notices that I'm not paying attention; well, at least not to what she's saying.
As she walks out, I hear Nealer say "I'd definitely like to see more of her." I have to give her credit because she had to have heard him and yet she didn't even break stride. It's the medical staff's turn now. They're new and have some new procedures that we're going to follow. None of this is new to me since I was instrumental in getting the new medical staff. After last year's debacle of misdiagnosis for my concussion, there was no way the existing staff was going to stay. Mario made a deal so that we're affiliated with UPMC now and these guys are the best at what they do. My mind drifts back to Sloan as I pretend to listen. I wonder why I've never met her. I've met his other two kids but she's never come to game or any team event. Even when we won the Cup, Ron's other two kids and their families came for the parade but not Sloan. Maybe Ron's been trying to hide the hot daughter from his players.
The medical staff is done and, thankfully, so is the admin crap. Everyone leaves except the players and the coaches. Dan starts "this camp is going to be very unusual for all of us. It's one week, that's all we've got but that's all everyone's got. This year our focus is defense. We will not let last year happen again nor will be dwell on it. We need to move forward. Those of you fighting for a spot on the roster, you need to fight hard and show us fast that you've got it. For those of you returning, you still need to show us what you've got. There's no room for anyone who isn't following the systems. We play our way, gritty, hard hockey. Ok, we're going to break into groups. Defenders, go with Reirden. Forwards you're with Granato. Goalies, you know where you're going too. We'll come back together on the ice in two hours. Let's put in the work gentleman."
The next two hours fly by. Tony Granato goes through familiar plays and some new ones. He also focuses on defense. As forwards, we can think about scoring as much as we want as long as we don't forget to play defense too. Last year's playoffs taught us that more than any lecture Granato could give us. We scored a shitload of goals but couldn't keep the puck out of our own net. Flower took the brunt of the shit but we hung him out to dry over and over again. Since his wedding, Flower has been working his ass off in Quebec to enter camp in his best form. It's going to be a great season. I have a feeling about this one. Personally, it's been a long time since I was in game shape and could put everything I have into playing. The press keeps asking about symptoms and how I feel but that's just annoying to me. I have no fear of more symptoms. I'm past that now and in the best shape of my life. I've put on more muscle up top than ever before. I'm faster than I think I've ever been too. I've done everything I can to be ready to play and lead this team to the Cup this year.
After the meeting, we all warm up and get ready for practice. The locker room is over flowing with the guys from Wilkes-Barre. They're all hoping to get a spot on this year's roster and some of them may have a chance. A couple really showed what they can do last year when they got called up to cover for injuries. After dressing quickly, I'm the first on the ice. I love it when it's a clean sheet of ice and all you can hear is my skates cutting in, the slap of the puck against my stick and puck soundlessly entering the net. Yeah, we're back and it's going to be a great year.
As I warm continue to warm up, my mind wanders back to Sloan. Usually I go for a more athletic build on a woman but there is no doubting that this one is hot. She has the kind of curves that makes you want to see them for yourself. It was probably the combination of the impossibly long legs, showed off by that short skirt, and the breasts straining to be free of the jacket and tailored shirt. "Sid, you gonna play or stretch all day?" I look up at Duper and see that most of the guys are on the ice and shooting around. Shit, I need to focus. I can't be daydreaming about the new hot chick in Communications all day so I get up and take my place in line. We run drills to warm up and then Dan begins to run through plays. We test our power play against our penalty kill; first unit against first unit and second unit against second unit. We stop, draw up the play and talk about changes then we run it again. Most guys look sharp. Whether they went to play in Europe or not, looks like everyone brought their A game this camp.
After practice, we all head back to the locker room. I down a protein shake and then take my place to wait for the press. As predicted, most flock over to me. The questions are predictable too. They want to know how I feel, what do I think of the shortened season, what do I think of the team, the league blah blah blah. Of course I give them all the right answers. I haven't just trained to play hockey; I trained hard to answer press questions too. I look to my right as another question is fired at me and that's when I see her. Sloan has come into the room. She's still wearing that hot suit and she's leaning against the door jamb watching the room. It's like she's dissecting each of us and filing away all of the details for later. "Sid?" I look back at the reporter and realize that I've missed the whole question. I refocus and hope that this will end soon so I can drown myself in the shower. After seeing Sloan again, it might have to be a cold one.
I enter the room directly after the media. I lost track of time reading the budget for the season and trying to figure out how creative I'll have to be. The first thing that hits me is the horrible, offense stench. It takes all of my experience at remaining calm and neutral not to make a face, cover my nose or even vomit. Do all athletes smell this bad after playing? Wow, I think my eyes may even start watering. I look around the room trying to take my mind off of the smell. Most of the press has centered themselves around Crosby. That's to be expected and he handles the media well. I wouldn't mind if he showed a little more personality when being interviewed but he handles them well. I watch Sam and, oh crap what's her name, ah Michelle taking video and audio of Sidney's interview. I look around the room and don't see Tom anywhere. Hmm, I thought he would have shown up for the first presser of the season.
The interviews go on much longer than I would have anticipated and I notice that no one is herding the press. They seem to have a free pass to talk to anyone they want for as long as they want. I notice Jennifer off to the side of Crosby's gaggle simply watching everything unfold in front of her. We'll definitely need to talk about how we handle the press in this room. I wonder if this is the way they want to do things or if it's the way they're told to do things. I'm pulled away from my thoughts when I feel a pair of eyes on me. I look straight ahead and see Sidney Crosby staring directly at me. Oh wow, this guy can certainly pack a punch. His hair is wet from sweating and curling over his brow. Although I can't hear him, I can see his full lips talking to the reporters. Periodically he licks those gorgeous lips or purses them together. All objectivity that I'm supposed to have about the 'clients' goes completely out of my head as his stare goes straight to my panties. Ok, I need to maintain and not get so hot over a simple stare.
"Learning anything kid?" I turn with a smile on my face because I know that voice. "Mario, it's so good to see you." I give him a big hug and completely forget that I should have a professional demeanor. I've always adored Mario and his wife Nathalie. Actually, the whole family is pretty special. I'd see Mario every time he'd come to LA to see my dad and it always made my day. He's become like an uncle I guess although now he's my boss too. "How are you doing Sloan? Jumped right in with both feet?" I laugh because he knows me so well. "Yeah, I arrived late last night. I had a prior commitment to a client so I couldn't come earlier but I had to be here for the first day of camp." He chuckles and replies "you're already getting the lingo, huh? What do you think so far?" From anyone else, I would have answered the question with a smile and said that everything was great but I know Mario is asking for more. "I think how you briefed me was spot on. There's a lot of talent and it just needs to be nurtured." He pats my shoulder and says "well, you're the right person for the job then" and walks off. I'm bolstered by the confidence that he's showing in me and hope that I can live up to it.
I turn back to the room and see that the press is still at it only now I see Jennifer trying to break up the gaggle around Crosby. When she finally gets their attention, things break up pretty quickly and the press disperses. The equipment guys are grabbing shirts and towels and that's when I notice that these guys are undressing right here in the middle of everything and everyone. Without conscious thought, my eyes seek out Sidney Crosby and I'm treated to a view of him bending over to pick up his skates. He's wearing these spandex pants and top with weird things on his shoulders but I don't linger long enough to figure out what the shoulder things are; I'm entirely too riveted to his ass. He gets up and turns quickly when someone calls his name. His eyes catch mine and for a split second I think that I see heat in them but then someone calls his name again and he turns away from. Before I can be caught again, I duck out of the locker room and head to my office. This is not how I expected my first day to go.