Chapter 35 Heads up?

'Hi.' My old cellphone rings from a number I don't' recognize.

'Good evening Tylyn, it's Ray Shero. I hope that this isn't too late to call.' I wasn't expecting him to call. I know he said he might but I didn't believe it.

'No, it's fine.' My heart is pounding I got back from field hockey practice about a half an hour ago. I've been through the shower and now Hairy is cuddled with me on the bed watching the low lights of the Pred/Pens game. It was a rout.

'Dan is here with me. Mario is on conference call from Pittsburgh. Can you hear all of us?' Mr Bylsma says hi and Mr Lemieux, bonsoir.

'Yes. Hello Mr Bylsma and bonsoir, Jaseur.' This brings a laugh from Mr Bylsma and Mr Shero.

'Tylyn, did you see tonight's game?' I think that was Mr Shero.

'No, but I was just watching the replays. It looked brutal.' I can't find anything good to say about it.

'Brutal is a good description. We've been talking and we think that you might be able to help us. Sid' struggling. We know that, you know that, hell everyone knows that but we need to fix it.'

'But Mr Shero, I told you the other day. I think he's gone off me. I haven't actually talked to him since Saturday. I got a text yesterday but when I answered he hasn't got back to me.' I'm heartbroken but I don't know what else to do.

'Mario, here, I don't think he's gone off you I think he's confused. Have you told him what's going on in your world?'

'Yes, well kinda. He doesn't want to hear about the girl drama but I tell him other stuff.' Heck even I don't want to think about the drama over the field hockey team.

'That's what we thought. We think he needs to know. We also respect that you don't want us to tell him so you are going to have to do it.' Mr Lemieux doesn't understand 87 is not talking to me.

'I would I guess but he doesn't answer my calls or return my texts.' I try not to cry.

'He's stubborn and that has been good for his work ethic but not so hot for inter personal relationships. We would like you to come to California and talk to Sid.' I don't believe my ears. Mr Shero wants me to go to California?

'I don't think he'll want to talk to me.'

'Trust us, Tylyn we have a plan. Could you catch a plane tomorrow evening to San Jose?' It's now Mr Shero talking.

'Well, I have writing class tomorrow night and I work on Thursday. I could come after work on Thursday I guess. I'd have to talk to my coaches.' I hesitate.

'How about this? What if I'll talk to your Principal and writing prof? Would you come to San Jose tomorrow night?' Mr Shero is persistent.

'I guess but I still don't think he'll …' I'm cut off by Mr. Bylsma.

'Oh we all believe he will. Tylyn, please we need your help. Sid's the leader on this team when he is struggling the whole team struggles. I'm willing to talk to your coaches. Ray will make arrangements with your principal and prof. Mario is going to come out and join the team to make this like an intervention of sorts. You know what an intervention is Tylyn?'

'Yes, when a group of people confront someone about their behavior.' I don't see how this is going to help if 87 doesn't like me anymore.

'That's what we want a hockey intervention. We were watching you and Sid during your early morning skates at the Ice Castle. But I think you know that. Then when I talked to Karen Hooper she told me about the practice where you chicked the UBC men's' hockey team. We would like to run a practice like that. Shake up the team. Make them earn their spots again. We want Sid to see what a work ethic is all about. Are you willing to do this?' Mr Shero has done his homework.

'I don't know if I could beat any of them. My Dad usually organizes the drills so I beat at least one player with each drill. He works on the players' weaknesses. But your guys are professionals. They are way out of my league.'

'Tylyn, you come to chick the boys and we will support your efforts. Trust me, we saw you put moves on Sid. You'll be fine out there.' Mr Bylsma is laughing.

'So you'll come? Asks Mr Lemieux.

'Yes, I guess so.' I just don't see how this will change anything.

'Great if you would give me some phones numbers; your email address and I'll talk to you in the morning. What time do you start school? Thank you Tylyn. Things are going to get better.' I bet Mr Shero is the driving force behind this.

'Thank you, Tylyn I'll see you tomorrow night in San Jose. Dan, Ray we'll talk again in the morning. I am going to sign off now.' And Mr Lemieux hangs up.

'Thanks and see tomorrow, Tygyrl.' I think that was Mr Bylsma.

'Tylyn, bring your hockey gear and enough clothes to stay until Sunday. We'll have you back to Vancouver on Sunday evening. Until the morning then Good night.' And Mr Shero hangs up.

'Hairy, I think we better start packing my bag. Whether I go or not, I better get prepared. ' Hairy just looks at me from her pillow. I don't think she's going to be much help packing. Good thing I did a bunch of laundry when I got home yesterday.

….

Today was a whirlwind of activity. When I got to school Mr Kepple the principal met me in the staff room then gave me a wink and a nod. My writing prof emailed to give me next week's assignment then okayed my backstory idea. Karen Hooper called and asked if I needed a ride to the airport that evidently I do. Murray texted to say not to worry about missing practices this week. Wow talk about a putting an idea into action.

I called Mama to tell her kinda what is going on. What I actually said was that I was invited to go to California to give a stick clinic. I have gone to Moorpark College in California for Field Hockey clinics before so she doesn't question my stepping in to help out when they are "short an instructor". It's a lie I know but when I get sent packing I know I'll need time to get my head and heart together. My brothers are fed the same line.

So I am seated in a first class seat winging my way southward. I should be doing my homework but instead I am making up a game plan for this hockey intervention. I need to plan the order, the procedure and the execution of the drills if this is going to work. Caleb was able to run it because he helps Dad and knows his teammates. But if Mr Bylsma runs the practice he has to have all the information. So I get out my pencil crayons, player roster and begin. This portion of the flight is only an hour long.

I did text 87 before I took off but I got no response. This makes me so sad. I miss him. When we land in Portland I check my phone but it's gone dead again. It takes me a while to find a plug to charge it. I don't understand why the iPhone battery isn't holding a charge very long anymore but it only last 4 or 5 hours before it goes dead. My old phone will last several days on a full charge up.

Mr Shero didn't know who was going to meet me at the airport in San Jose so he told me to look for a Tygyrl sign near the oversized luggage pick up area. I am happy when I do recognize the face holding up a card with Tygyrl and bright pink daisies on it. It's Bill Guerin a former Pens player and now Development coach. He's a big guy and looks kinda sheepish holding the girly sign.

'Hello, I'm Tylyn.' I hold my hand out to shake his hand.

'Mario said you were small and he was right. I'm Bill Guerin.' We shake hands. 'But call me Billy. That your hockey bag.'

'Yes, it's kind a girly.' I head over to get it when he hoists it up over his shoulder and reaches for my carryon. 'I can manage this.'

'Great is this all you've got? Okay then let's head out cause the chiefs want to have a pow wow tonight. You had any dinner?' I'm having to work at keeping up with him.

'Yes, in Portland.' He puts my bag in the back of a dark SUV and helps me in the passenger seat. We make idle chitchat on the drive from the airport to the hotel.

We park in the underground parking lot and go up to the rooms through a service elevator.

'This will be your room for tonight, number 1603. I'm across the hall here if you need anything in 1602. Mario is up a couple of floors in a suite. We'll drop your things into your room and we're to head up to Mario's suite for the pow wow.' He's opened the door to a single room with a huge bed and lovely furnishings.

'Could I have a moment to freshen up?'

'Sure, just bang on my door when you're ready to go.' Billy is a nice guy.

I take a few moments to gather my emotions together. I know 87 is somewhere close by. I check my phone again. Dead again! So much for new technology. I plug it in and text Mama that I have arrived safe and sound. I give my face a wash, brush out my hair, grab my book bag and go to the pow wow.

Mario's suite is similar to the one at the Sylvia. It has a table and 8 chairs, a living room area, gorgeous view of the city and it is very luxurious. Mr Bylsma, Mr Shero, and Mario are with two other men at the table when Billy and I get there. I am introduced to Sports Agent Pat Brisson and Ron Burkle the other co owner of the Penguins. Mr Lemieux shows me to a chair at the table mid way down and offers me some refreshments.

'We're glad you're here Tylyn. I was just showing some of the video we took of your skates with Sid at the Ice Castle to Pat and Ron.' Mario is showing me his cell phone.

'You took video?' I am stunned.

'Oh after that first morning, Jaseur wanted to capture your antics, Tygyrl.' Mr Bylsma smiles at me. He has read my nameplate.

'Let's keep moving forward. Tylyn you said you were going to write out some a plan that we could follow for this hockey intervention.'

'Yes, I made a few copies.' I put my book bag on the table and dig out the pages I have been working on.' I only made four copies but I can make more.'

' We can share for now. Could you take us through the general plan?' Mario takes a copy and passes the other three around.

'Wow, look colour coded and everything. Detailed, organized, complete with a script and who will fall at each stage. This is awesome. Good job Tylyn. You taking lessons coach Bylsma? This is a plan!' Mr Shero is flipping through my plan.

'It's pretty scripted. The whole idea is to keep the players off balance or to keep them guessing. So Dad has an assistant coach start the practice earlier than usual with a long team run and then when they get on the ice he starts yelling at them. He runs this practice when his teams get cocky or over sure of themselves. He puts the house lights out and only lights half the ice surface. This allows me time to enter from the other end. He punishes the boys if they talk. You'll have to decide on a punishment for these guys that will cause them pain. He snaps pucks at them for any reason or offensive. Once the practice starts he makes every effort keep it going as fast as possible. So the first drill is speed, Dad barks out the order of players to the centerline. As they get there, he blows his whistle to go. I am in the dark and have the advantage of surprise. He doesn't wait for them to get set. He times the second heat so just as I turn around he starts the second half of the forwards. When that heat is run, the players see me. Any player I beat gets sent to the bench with an ear bashing. The plan needs to be run in this order, so I know what is going to happen. The blue liners are next. They run the full length of the center moving from go forwards to backwards at center ice. As soon as the last player lines up, he'll whistle go. This for me is the toughest and I usually need a minute to catch my breath. It is helpful to have a couple of helpers to organize the obstacle courses and to move in the net into place. But to make it work, it needs to be fast, it needs to keep the players off balance and it needs to be unforgiving. Mr Bylsma, you have to convince the players that they're jobs are on the line. ' I watch their faces as I am describing the plan.

'I should do it.' Mario is looking at Mr Bylsma. 'At the beginning, we should have an argument and I'll take over the practice. The core players have been here so long they won't know what to make of it. What do you think Dan?' Mario has taken off his half glasses and is waiting for an answer.

'Hell, it would have to be a convincing argument.' Mr Shero is looking between the two of them.

'With the play of late, I think having Mario step in and throw his weight around will give credence to the threat of their jobs. I think, we could have a pretty good yelling match Jaseur what do you think?' Mr Bylsma is smiling and nodding.

'Tylyn, what's the likelihood of you getting hurt here?' Mr Burkle shifts back in his chair.

'I haven't been hurt yet. Most of the tests are one on one and up to now the players figure out who I am pretty quickly. I've grown up with a Hockey Dad and four older brothers. And nobody wants to be the one to flatten the coach's daughter. Plus, the big guys are kinda of scare of how little I am. When I go into the boards with them to fight for the puck they back off. They don't want to hurt me.' I answer him as best as I can. 'Plus I'm pretty good at getting out of the way. I have been practicing against my four older brothers and numerous boy cousins for years.'

'So Mario will run the practice after a loud and serious argument, Then what?' Mr Shero keeps moving us forward.

'Well, we keep working our way through the drills until the end. The last is always stick tricks. It's an obstacle course but one on my terms. Anyone I have not taken down falls here. Dad has the whole session videoed and then replays through it at a team meeting. I don't actually do the team meeting because I'm not part of the team. I know he shows the parts that emphasize his messages of first show up to the game, be ready to play, keep your stick on the ice, adapt to the game developing, keep your head up, know your opponent, and finally take every opponent seriously. Does this make sense?' I look around at them.

'Yes it does. I think it's going to run smoothly out there. Is there anything we can do for you?' Mr Shero looks at me. I think about this for a while.

'Only one thing. Could you video what happens out there good or bad for my Dad? You see he has always wanted to have one of his boys or players make the NHL. This is as close as he has got. It would mean so much to me to share it with him.' I choke back a few tears.

'Done Tygyrl. Ray and I'll video the whole thing. Right Ray?' Mr Bylsma smiles at me.

'Absolutely, but what I meant was is there anything you will need help to get ready or during the practice?' Mr Shero qualifies his question.

'No, not really. Just keep the players off their guard. I usually get to the rink while they are out running. Then pretty much the rest of this is on paper. I still don't understand how this is going to help.' I can't say the words. Billy who has been sitting quietly beside me the whole time squeezes my hand.

'Trust us that we know Sid way better than you. He'll come around.' Mr Brisson his agent adds as support. ' Tylyn, why is he calling you Tygyrl?'

'It's my nickname from when I was little. My dad one day sent me out on the ice to chase my brothers around and called after me "go get 'em tiger" but evidently I stopped and corrected him. I'm told I said something like "I'm not a tiger Daddy, I am a Ty Girl." And I've been Tygyrl ever since.' I explain.

'What a great chirp. Hey, Tygyrl you got a dollar?' Mr Brisson is laughing at my story.

'An American dollar?' I dig in my purse. 'No, but I have a loonie. Will that do?' I hand it to him.

'Yes, it will be perfect. You have just hired yourself an agent because Tygyrl when this works your going to be in demand.' He laughs.

It's not long before we are all leaving and heading to rooms. I stop Mr Shero by the elevator.

'If this doesn't work Mr Shero I want to leave, okay? I want to go home okay?' I'm tired and I can feel the tears welling up in my eyes again.

'Yes, if that is what you want, Tylyn. I'll make it happen. But it will all be fine. Take it from an old married guy. It will all be fine.' He gives me a pat on the shoulder.

I get settled into my Pens T-shirt and check my iPhone again. No messages. I open the glass sliding door a crack for a bit of fresh air. I can hear voices in the distance, the sounds of traffic from below, and some music playing. Here I am in a strange city all alone yet surrounded by people. I pick up my iPhone.

Chkaddd: Goodnight.

I turn off the light and cuddle into the blankets. The pillows are big, fluffy and soft but the one I want has ribs and an arms to hold me. Tears start running down my face. I take a deep breath and start a new mantra. Tomorrow will be a better day.

I think I must have dozed off because I wake up to someone yelling. I go over to close the sliding door and I listen for a moment.

'FUCK, … FUCK…. FUCKITY FUCK!' it's 87. He's very angry and very close by. 'FUCK'

I close the door and climb into bed when slapshot.

Hckybt: Sweet dreams Chickadee.

…..

Billy and I are at the Zamboni entrance end of the rink. The players have all been sent out for an early morning run and should very soon be making their way on to the ice. I didn't sleep all that well and I choked back some oatmeal for breakfast that is sitting poorly. Normally, I'm not nervous. This time I'm scare spitless. We are sitting in the dark listening for our cue for Billy to open and then close the gate and me to take my spot on the ice. I hear players voices and some skates carving on the ice. It won't be long now. The arena has been closed for a private practice session and the few guys out there are talking about it. More voices and then I hear Mr Bylsma call them in for a briefing. I hope Mario makes this an Oscar winning performance.

'What the hell was that game all about? You think that shit is going to win hockey game let alone a Stanley Cup.' Mario keeps the tirade up long enough for me to scoot on to the ice and continue my stretches. He switches between French and English. If I didn't know better I'd say he really was mad. 'Ron and me pay you good money to develop a winning team not the crap that has been going on.'

'You think this is easy. You take over and see what they do for you. I'd like to see you do any better. Just because you played doesn't make you a coach.' Mr Bylsma is giving it back to him. ' I'm not taking this shit. Mario, I quit. Find another coach.'

'I will. Pack your bags. Your check may not be in the mail.' Mario is yelling. Mr Bylsma fires a puck at Mario just before he leaves the ice. 'And you Assholes. Pucks in the bucket now. I want you lined up on the sidewall. Anyone who talks will be fined 5000 dollars a word. Let's see who wants to play tonight. Because the way I see it none of you are worth what we pay you.' I'm at the back wall watching the guys put the pucks in the bucket.

'On the center line' Mario points to their postions as he calls their numbers.' 14, 27,12,16,9, and 87. Let's see you gets to the goal line first.' He has put 87 on my far left. Good, I race down the ice so as he yells go I cross the center line on the opposite side of the rink from 87.I have streaked between Bissonette who usually wears #14 but now is #12 and Sutter. I cross just a head of both of them. 2 down 18 more to go.

I skate down the bench side of the rink back in to the safety of the darken rink. I don't look at the players. Mario is yelling at Biznasty and Sutter to head to the bench.

'Yeah , just you two sit and watch how this game is played. Next up far side 46,48,18,24,10 and 71. First to the goalline. Go." As soon as Malkin hits the center line I am off bumping Kennedy as I cut in front of him. I hit the end boards and have to duck out of the way of Vitale coming in hard behind me. 2 more. I skate by the bench back down the into the darkness.

'What are you a bunch of lazyassed sloths? Vitale , Kennedy go join Biz and Sutter. No wonder we are getting beat to the puck. You can't even out skate a girl.' Mario fires a puck at the back of Kennedy. "Take that with you as a souvenier, it might be the last one you touch in this organization. Blue liners in this order on the far goal line from the bench side 7, 6, 44,5,2, and 58. First to the goaline and remember your D men so from the center line you skate backwards to that goalline.' The whole ice is lit up now. I have taken off my helmet to "adjust" my hair. I give my long curls a toss, put my helmet back on as I take my position between Martin and Lovejoy. Both are big men. Lovejoy looks down at me like. You've got to be kidding me. I turn around, plant my toe, stare at my goal and nod.

'Allez' Mario yells. I push off hard. I am a step behind Martin when we across the center line I hop to turn around and then pick up speed. It's always been a joke in our family that I can go faster backwards than forward. I don't slow down at the goal line . I skate hard into the boards. This is what beats the other blueliners. They all slow down. I hit hard but have learn to redirect the energy and get pushed back almost to the blue line. It's hard to breathe for a moment I skate over to where Billy is standing with my Gatorade. I think that I see stars. Two guys are moving in a net and setting up the obstacle course. In the background I can hear someone banging there stick and Mario yelling up a storm in French and English. He has really taken this act to heart. Martin and Lovejoy are the next two on the bench. 14 more to go.

The next drill is set up. Three obstacle courses.

'Take the puck through the obstacle course and the one with the last shot on net hits the bench. Losers. Two lines. First lane here. 87,71,18,14, 44 and 2. Second lane. 24,9,10,27,58 and 5. Line up jerks because it's time to go. Go around the first cone pick up the puck put it over the bar go backwards back to the first cone then skate hard to the second cone then through the legs of the chair on net. Let's see what you've got . Go.' I do well at this only because I have done it so often. The whole go backwards in the middle of the course is a hard adjust for the guys. They are used to just going forward. I go with each pair of guys so I don't cool down but get more and more practice. So I do get three guys this time Engllend, Adams, and Glass.

'I won't even call you girls because if you can't beat that little girl out there you're not good enough to be called girls.' Mario is yelling. '92 in net. The rest of you on the center line in this order.' While he arranges them I skate over for a drink then down to the far end of the ice. 'It's one on one time and let's see what you bring to the rink. If you a forward you going on net ; if you're defense then defend your net. Martin Lovejoy watch this you might actually learn something here. I put a puck out and the call a number be ready to jump 14.' As soon as Mario puts the puck on his stick to fire it into the far corner I'm a across the centerline. Kunitz has to cross the from the far side . We race to the boards to get the puck. His longer reach taps the puck ahead of us. I swoop under his free arm and lift his stick enough to remove the puck. Cheating I know but it works he stops. I dash on to the puck spin and take a shot on Voukon who catches it.' Jeez play to the end of the play at least Kunitz. Your done.'

Malkin is up next. I don't have a chance here. Geno's a big guy with a long reach. I make him work for his shot but he gets it off. Niskanen drops and blocks the my shot.

Each time I return to behind the where the players are standing at centre ice. 87 bangs his stick at me. I cross behind them as far away him as I can get. This Mario is yelling at them all eyes forward. I look up at Mario. This is it. It is make or break time. Mario puts a puck 2 meters in front of center ice. I skate through the line and just as I touch it he yells 87. I can hear him coming up hard behind me. Mario moves his hand to my right. I edge over then he holds his hand flat. That's my signal. I put the puck on to my knees and stop hard. I dig in, hold fast and duck down. I don't see or feel anything but a rush of wind blowing over top of me. And then a great crash. And woof of air escaping him.