Chapter 29
The Red Wings had gathered together at Staples Centre mid morning for practice; they had arrived with a lot of media fan fare, and it was something Ashley didn't need especially now, she was in a foul mood. Since they arrived a few days ago she hadn't ventured much outside of the hotel because everyone was worried about her and refused to let her out of their sight. Today seemed like the first in a long time where she'd have the chance to get out of the confides of the hotel. Luckily for her and the rest of the team the media scrum were kept out of the rink leaving them to practice in private, all the players were out on the ice doing their warm ups and the coaching staff went about their own business deciding on what they wanted to do first.
'How is it all going down here?' someone spoke up all eyes went towards the team bench area to find Mr. Illitch and his wife stood there looking fairly relaxed probably came along as part of their holiday trip. Scotty and Dave went over to speak to them only for a brief few minutes; Scotty then moved back towards centre ice.
'Come in guys got something to tell you.' He remarked all of the players moved over some choose to stay standing while a few rested one knee on the ice.
'Now I know you would all have preferred to keep this practice quiet but as it has turned out Mike wants to let a few media people in to watch. There won't be to many just a few select few he trust to do the right thing.' Scotty explained nobody said a word just nodded their heads while a few glanced at each other and even a few glances went Ashley's way though she ignored it.
'So I don't want anyone talking to any media people at least until I or the other staff give you the go-ahead. You know very well what the media want so kept it quiet and stay focused they shouldn't bother us too much but just watch out,' he added.
'All right let's get into it they'll be coming in shortly.'
The players dispersed again the trainers got to work giving orders Scotty and his fellow assistants took a back seat to watch it all unfolded. Shuffling noises could be heard echoing throughout the rink, and through one set of entrance doors two security men made their appearance and following behind them in single file a small selected group of reporters, photographers and journalists. They were led down the steep steps to the seating directly behind the player benches and began to set up their equipment.
'Guys let's crank this up a little bit with a speed test.' Dave answered making gestures with his arms.
'However I want to make a bit of a change so instead of doing a full lap of the ice I'd like you to skate the length of it one red line to the other end and come back,' he added. A couple of the trainers un-hooked the goal nets and pushed it aside off the ice.
'Line it up let's get this going.'
All the players quickly arranged themselves into three separate teams and much to Ashley's dismay and slight annoyance she got picked to be one of the few to go first.
'Thanks a lot,' she grumbled.
'People want to see the best so don't disappoint!' Joe chirped loudly she pulled a face.
'Get ready!' Dave yelled he had gotten off the ice, as did everyone else, positioned at the bench. Ashley and the two other players, Darren and Boyd both guys from the junior team brought along for the two-game preseason trip they each could see Dave in their sights he had one arm raised in the air.
'In three…two…one!' He exclaimed in the same instant he dropped his arm by his side and immediately the three players took off racing through the zone and past centre ice, and reaching the red line they skidded to a halt turned sharply and made the sprint back. Ashley got to the centre red line in front of the other two and kept the lead right until the end. Dave and Scotty looked at each other slight smiles on their faces Mike and his wife too looked at each other with a smile.
'Certainly has been a good gamble,' he remarked quietly his wife nodded in agreement. Three more players took off next making the dash from end-to-end everyone else cheering their fellow friends on while their times got recorded and for the first time Ashley realized one of the trainers had also set up a video camcorder to capture it all in real-time.
When everyone was done on the speed test Scotty ordered for them to get into power-play formation and ran through a number of different scenarios for them. Ashley didn't need to take part in this section as she had been given the responsibility to work on her penalty-killing strengths Scotty had also told her he wanted to see how she would fair playing on the wing rather than at centre. She used to play on her old team as a winger when she first started before practicing all her skills at being a centre and as her old coach used to tell her; while having a specialist in every position was required, those players with the ability to play more than one position added just as much value.
'You know what I think?' Kris asked when he stopped next to her.
'No.'
'Well I think it's time for you to get a little mad.'
'What?'
'Get mad be angry and just throw it all out there,' he remarked.
'But I don't get like mad.' She answered he nodded his head.
'That is exactly my point. Come on kid, you've played this game a while now so you know that there are things that happen in a game. Most of it isn't expected and there are times when you got to react and be proactive. Opponents get aggressive they lose their temper and they want to make you do it too to get an advantage.' He explained.
'Yeah.'
'Anger can work well for you too so long as you channel it the right way and use it to improve yourself.'
'I know you've been grumpy with all of us watching you these past few days and you wanting to just do your own thing away from everybody. Well now it is the right time, let out that anger, shoot the puck hard and let it all rip. You never know you could be surprised at what happens.' He answered.
'Ok.' Ashley said she burrowed her eyebrows close together what he said did make sense to her and she knew the point he was making.
'Good. Just remember what I said. It has got nothing to do with what those reporters think or any of us, the owners and even the coaching staff. You focus on yourself first and foremost and let the rest take care of itself.'
Ashley agreed it made sense she had been feeling it for a while now trying to please everybody so they wouldn't talk negative about her and her abilities. There comes a time when she needed to put all of that to one side and forget about it and just do as she was taught and learned to do. Nobody else mattered.
'Penalty-killing unit it's your turn.' Scotty said.
'Don't forget.' Kris added as he moved into position, Ashley nodded her head following behind taking up a wing spot.
'All right I want the four of you to keep the power play guys on the outer don't give them any free chances to get a shot off no matter their position,' Scotty explained, one of the trainers moved up with puck in hand he didn't hesitate to drop it and even before Ashley could blink the puck was gone right behind Kris. Joe was occupying the other wing spot and jumped forwards grabbing the puck and took a big swing but it was kept I the zone.
'Perimeter!' Kris yelled the defense moved quickly shifting the puck to the slot area sprinted to that area.
'Be aggressive!' she heard him scream, she sped up and just as Jamie who had pushed up from his usual position on defense ready to shoot the puck from that area she crashed into him, sending him sprawling onto the ice the puck didn't move.
'Wow.' Aaron said he wasn't the only one looking surprised.
'Keep it going! Don't just stop there!' Scotty called out Ashley quickly grabbed the loose puck behind her shuffling it out of the zone Jamie sprung to his feet quickly she didn't hesitate though and took off for the other end of the ice with it's empty net but the chase was on Ashley in front Jamie behind her and the others scrambling to keep up. Kris also known for his quick feet on the ice gained plenty of ground within a few strides.
'Over here!' he yelled; Ashley didn't even look she faked shot the puck and skated to her left Jamie managed to get his stick on her for a brief second before he came to a complete stop; she flung the back on her backhand towards Kris though Jamie did try for a poke-check Kris got his stick in front nudging the puck between Jamie's skates and with a quick flick of his wrist he fired the puck into the net.
'So what did you think of that?' Dave asked Scotty he just kept the smile on his face.
'Nothing to say Dave it is all in front of us. We got a good one here but we all know that. It is just a matter of getting her there.' He replied.
'You are not suggesting what I think you are.' Dave said his face turning serious.
'I'm not ruling it out.' Scotty answered he skated off blowing on his whistle bringing all the players in to have a word.
'Excuse me Mr. Lewis.' Someone asked from behind Dave looked behind and up behind the bench, one of the reporters leaned on the plexi glass with one arm slung over it.
'What do you think of Mr. Bowman's assessment on the girl. Do you think he's right and she does have a place at NHL level? Are you worried about the consequences of such a decision?'
'At this point in time we aren't at liberty to say and will deal with each situation as it comes. Nothing is confirmed yet for her and we will play it by ear. She is being given every opportunity to learn and that is far as it goes,' Dave said.
'But is there a future at NHL level for her?'
'I can't discuss any further then what I've said thank you.' Dave replied he moved away from the wall so as to avoid being asked further questions and continued with his work. That particular reporter though already had a story in mind sitting back down he opened up his notebook computer and taking a short glance at the players still gathered together listening to Scotty speak to them.
'This is going to be a great story.' He said and turning his attention back to his computer and furiously began to type; Ashley frowned seeing the guy typing she had an awful feeling this was going to be another story she'll not want to read.
Practice finished off well Scotty was happy and the players too were quite satisfied at what they'd accomplished in the session. Now they were all headed back for the hotel to rest up for a bit before a team dinner where Scotty and Dave had arranged for them to do a video analysis of the Kings, based on some of their games from last season. Ashley had heard a few of the guys talk about heading out and exploring the sights and a part of her wanted to go along with them she wanted to see the sights rather then get stuck in the hotel for hours again; but then she didn't want to have make the guys feel as though they had to babysit her because she was so young. She also felt odd not having someone like Warren around even though she did find his presence to be a bit of a pain and really uncomfortable she also did appreciate it at the same time. Now without him around and no one assigned to stay near because of the short nature of this away trip she was pretty much on her own. She knew she could easily ask one of the other players and they wouldn't mind but she wanted to be able to do things on her own. Alone in her own hotel room now Ashley went to look outside the window wondering to herself if there was something for her do to alone. LA was a pretty intimidating place she had been there before years ago as a child with her family and they had visited all the usual tourist spots.
'It can't seriously hurt I'll just stay close to the hotel.' She said dumping her bag near the bed, and tidying her appearance up a little she bounded over to the door pulling it open she cautiously peered into the corridor it was quiet nobody in sight.
'Cool.' She said stepping out and closing the door behind her she walked towards the lift but then she stopped momentarily seeing the two lifts already showing they were in use. Realizing that if any of the guys spotted her and guessed she was heading out on her own they'd probably insist on tagging along; and she saw the fire exit staircase. She scampered over to it and laying her hand on the handle she looked back down the corridor her eyes darting around her ears straining to listen for any particular sounds. When she felt quite certain it was safe she pushed the heavy door open and winced when it creaked rather loudly; again she looked around still nobody insight and she slipped through to the cold stairwell letting the heavy door close behind her. Descending the few flights of stairs until she arrived at the bottom the fire exit door told her it would lead straight outside of the hotel. Ashley knew if her dad found out what she was up to he'd be absolutely livid with her; but she wasn't going to let anybody or anything hold her back. Sure she was still pretty young and there was a lot she still needed to learn but for now she felt being herself and doing what kids her age did was the best idea. She pushed open the door and stepped out discovering this was the backside of the hotel; a lot of cars were parked in this area and hearing some loud noises to the right she saw two young guys dressed in white uniforms and matching aprons emptying large metal rubbish bins into a much larger dumpster. She dug her hands into her pockets and pulled the hood over her head she walked in the opposite direction briskly, taking a left turn she came along side a side alleyway across from it another car park this one looked quite full she kept on walking and was thankful she didn't feel nervous here even though it was an alley and she had heard dozens of frightening stories about alleyways and young people disappearing in them. To avoid getting too nervous Ashley quickened her pace and got away from the alleyway she rounded another corner reaching the front of the hotel; there was a long line of taxis right outside, one would drop off people and another one took people the hotel assistants were a buzz of activity rushing from one car to the next to make themselves helpful as new customers entered the hotel and other exited it. Ashley looked towards the main road there were a lot of people walking up and down the street none of them even looked at the hotel too busy in their own lives to notice much else going on around them, she wandered onto the main street glanced up and down bright lights illuminated the sidewalk.
'Going somewhere?'
She was startled at the voice behind her and cautiously she turned around she was surprised and a little bit annoyed seeing Kris stood behind her.
'Were you following me?' she asked burrowing her eyebrows he shrugged his shoulders a crocked grin spread across his face.
'Maybe.'
'Why?'
'No reason.'
'Did my dad put you up to it or something?' she asked he laughed she knew she was right.
'Well what would you expect from a worried parent? Letting their kid off running around to different parts of the States with a whole bunch of guys?' he asked Ashley shrugged her shoulders.
'It's not a big deal.' She replied.
'For your dad it would be think about it. He's here to keep an eye on you but he doesn't want to stop you from doing something you're good at and your mother is back with your other siblings and she's probably worried about you all the time.' He answered.
'I guess.'
'You should have asked any one of us.' Kris added though she shook her head.
'No I didn't want to intrude on anybody.' She said.
'Is that what you think?'
'Kind of.'
'I can sort of look after myself my old team travelled a bit too and my parents were never worried about it.' She answered.
'Yes but they would still have been worried they just didn't want to tell you. Travelling anywhere is always dangerous even if it is to familiar place. Out here though things are very different not everyone is nice, polite or even care what you do.' He said.
'Oh.'
'Exactly, it is very dangerous and even more when alone.'
'Ok.'
'So where were you going to go?' he asked she shrugged her shoulders.
'Don't know just walk around.' She said.
'Have you been to LA?'
'Once with my parents and my sister and brother just for holiday.'
'Well there is always lots to see here come on I'll show you.'
Ashley nodded her head and followed Kris.
Game Day arrived Ashley felt pretty good this time around, the nerves she had in the previous game had gone she was just excited to get out there and have fun. Players from both sides were out on the ice for warm ups as the crowd was slowly beginning to build up Ashley noticed that a small group of Red Wings fans were sitting in the area behind the team bench and all around the arena Red Wings fans were spread around and as to be expected there was a lot of Kings fans coming in. She again didn't fail to notice fans pointing in her direction a few shared laughs with each other as they pointed while others had more curiosity about them.
'Remember don't pay any attention to them,' Steve said.
'I know, I know can't help it.' She said.
'They'll make up their minds it can be difficult to persuade them but in time I believe they will move on and find more interesting topics,' Doug added he stopped next to her she managed a smile.
'Well I hope you're right.' She answered.
'I know I am.' He teased she rolled her eyes and elbowed him in the side.
'Enough with that go put some shots on cause you got a few curious on-lookers,' he added Ashley cocked her head to one side burrowed her eyebrows together Doug nodded with his head towards where the Kings players were she glanced in the direction and saw four players looking her way.
'Lovely.'
'Go on then.' Doug added this time giving her the nudge she shrugged her shoulders skating around slowly to several pucks sitting by the blue line; she didn't look at the Kings players or the other Red Wings players Chris was in-goal pretty relaxed she glanced over and gave him a wave he nodded in return.
'All right well here goes nothing,' she said and ignoring the stares she knew she was getting she skated slowly in on Chris with the puck on her stick.
'Come on kid give it your best.' He said she smiled.
'Ok.'
She fired the puck high to his glove side but Chris was really quick with his reaction and batted it away Ashley immediately jumped on the loose puck and before he knew what had happened she slipped it past the same side.
'Hey little sneak!' he called out though he had a smile on his face she grinned and shrugged her shoulders.
'Couldn't help it.' She replied she didn't intend on looking towards the other side of the ice but she did and she saw more of the Kings players now looking in her direction but she couldn't read any of their expressions. * I wonder what they are thinking * She thought.
'Guys get back in the room now please' Dave called out everyone skated back to the bench and one by one they filed through the narrow corridor to the locker room again; everybody sat in their spots as the coaching staff also walked in after the players Scotty had already written up his outlined game plan on the portable whiteboard. Although every rink they visited had very good facilities to use for the away team he liked to have his own things to bring along, not that he wouldn't use what was already there he usually did he just liked to have his own items.
'All right listen up everyone.' Scotty remarked he walked straight to the centre of the room; even though sometimes he seemed like a quiet man when he wanted people to listen to him he just had the right presence for it.
'In this game I want to see a lot more cohesion from all four playing units some of you were a bit slack in the last game, I want to see clear communication from everybody. We're not just about all the flashy moves; more team effort is needed by all of you. Work together and talk to each other don't try and do things on your own. As always when you see an opportunity take it but don't over do it, turnovers were a problem last game so I want that fixed up.' He replied.
'Just like the last game I will be mixing up the line combinations as you know I haven't put any combinations set in stone for the season-opener yet. So you do what you need to do to impress me.' He added there was a collective nod of heads around the room. A knock at the door broke their meeting everyone turned around to look when the door opened and one of the arena's staff members popped their head through.
'Five minutes' he said Scotty nodded his head.
'On our way.' The staff member only nodded in response disappearing out the door.
'Keep it clean and keep it simple.' Scotty added again there were nods from his playing group he looked to Dave they both nodded and moved out of the room to give the players a bit of their own time. The trainers walked round to check on everybody, ensure they had all they needed and attend to any last minute needs.
'All right then, let's get out there.' Steve answered he was the first player to get to his feet others followed after him and one by one they bundled out of the dressing room. The usual guys stood near the entrance onto the ice bellowing their encouragements. Music thumped loudly from the arena speakers with the PA announcer rattling out advertisements' and other bits, though the voice was getting drowned out not only by the music but also by the loud cheering of the Kings fans. Ashley could see a little of the ice and saw the lights had dimmed down with colorful spotlights swirling all around while near the entrance back to the ice one of the attendants' awaited for the signal. When he received it he looked to the players and gave a nod and they started to head out. As they hit the ice the PA announcer made a mention of the team to a resounding chorus of boos though a few cheers could also be heard. After a brief skate around; the spotlights disappeared and normal lightning came back on; both teams' coaches called their players back to the bench and ran through some last minute instructions Scotty just reminded them of what he had said back in the dressing room. Ashley, again felt the nerves flutter around her stomach and suddenly she felt like a lost soul in the middle of a huge battle. This wasn't some massive important game it was just a pre-season game, she couldn't understand why she was feeling this way all of a sudden.
'Pearson.' Scotty said, his voice stern she immediately straightened up.
'I'm not going to take it easy on you today; your time to settle in is over. So I expect nothing less than 100% especially from you.' He answered her eyes widen somewhat shocked. * What exactly did that mean? * She thought. Almost as if reading her thoughts Kris was the one to speak up.
'You sure about that?' he asked Scotty.
'Yes.' Came the reply. * Oh boy. * She thought.
'Let's go!' The referee called out as he skated past the bench. Kris's line headed out first so for the moment she got to sit on the bench to watch, and that suited her fine, she was still trying to work out Scotty's words in her head. She had figured out, that at some point they weren't going to keep protecting her, and she would have to stand up against everyone on her own. It wasn't a matter of them no longer willing to help out they still would just to a lesser extent. * Hope I don't fall flat on my face *
Out at the centre ice the two forwards lines came together, for the Kings they had Aki Berg on defense with Rob Blake, Jason Blake on the left wing, and Neal Broten at center with Russell Courtnall manning the right wing.
'Gotta watch out for big Blakey out there.' Dave said he wasn't speaking to anyone in particular. Ashley knew a little about Rob Blake, a very talented blue liner similar set of skills as Pronger but not as erratic and out of control. She winced slightly at the memory of the game against St Louis. The crowd all around the arena whistled, sang and cheered the noise level was crazy even for a non-regular season game. The main referee moved up into position the signal was given and the puck dropped.
'Pearson you're up.' Scotty said she realized it had only been a couple of minutes since the puck had dropped and she was already getting called to her first shift.
'Ok.' She replied this was a little new being out on the ice early on especially going by the way Scotty had been moving his lines. The faceoff was to be taken outside of the Kings own zone directly opposite of the bench she and her fellow lines mates headed over to the spot the Kings news line did the same.
'What you doing playing with us?' Paul DiPietro their 3rd line center asked.
'Why?' she asked in return he shrugged his shoulders.
'Doesn't seem right is all.' He replied.
'Well you better be ready to be sat on your ass.' Doug answered Ashley had to quickly cover her mouth to keep from laughing out loud Paul burrowed his eyebrows together clearly not impressed even though his line mates shared a quiet laugh between themselves.
'Get in guys.' The referee said players on both sides got themselves organized into position Ashley noticed Paul was picking a fairly attacking pose with his body position and stick.
'Ready?'
'Ready.'
The puck was dropped both went for it but Paul was able to knock her slightly off balance to grab the puck.
'Darn.' She grumbled as the Kings started to spread out across the ice surface with their puck possession, it allowed them to gain some ground through the neutral zone as they tried to gain entry into the Red Wings zone.
'Perimeter!' several voices yelled from the bench.
'Move out!' Slava yelled he made a gesturing motion with his hand; Ashley made quick steps into the defensive zone and occupied the left-hand side and this immediately deterred Doug Zmolek from using that side. He moved the puck cross-ice to his partner Vitali Yachmenev instead and he made a chip to allow it to squeeze into the zone. Due to his size and frame he easily navigated his way around Brent though Larry had moved up to keep him in check causing the puck to squirt free from the corner. Doug got hold of it but he was facing the backboards so he took a quick glance around him. Ashley raised her stick in the air to catch his attention he banked the puck hard off the boards making it sail behind the net towards her side of the zone; she sprinted forwards to get it though immediately felt the pressure coming in from behind by Roman Vopat the left winger.
'You get back here girly.' He called out turning a deaf ear to his comment she shuffled her way in-behind the net again forcing the Kings players to back off just a little while her own teammates re-organized. After surveying what options she had in front of her Ashley headed out from the net towards the blue line then passed the puck off to Doug and he scooted ahead towards centre ice. The Kings surprisingly gave them room to move into their zone. Brent, whom had the puck made a drop pass over to Larry and he fired it from the blue line, hard enough to cause the puck to skid along the boards and pop to the opposite end to Doug. That is when the Kings begun to make their move defensively and forced the Red Wings on the outside so they couldn't get a decent look with shots. When they tried to get shots step up and had chances to shoot the Kings players made every effort to block their attempts. This was going to be a different game then the last and Ashley only now figured the meaning behind Scotty's words.
