Disclaimer: List of things I wish I owned – A really big mansion, Hawaii, A Jaguar, and the Mighty Ducks. Sadly…I own shizznit.
Chapter 5
Less and Less of Coach Bombay,
More and More of the Minnesota Miracle Man
Adam shifted restlessly on the podium of the stage as Coach Bombay fielded questions from the gaggle of reporters. He had nothing against publicity, but this was getting ridiculous. Team USA was seeing less and less of the fun-loving Bombay they were used to and more and more of the Minnesota Miracle Man personage Hendrix had cooked up.
With two fairly easy wins against Trinidad and Italy under his belt, Adam felt this whole glamorous celebrity lifestyle was getting to Coach's head. Gordon lived in a condo far away from the team in Malibu, his attire had changed drastically from the jacket and jeans he normally wore during games to ties and slacks, and his face was plastered on every magazine and billboard from here to New Mexico. Adam knew it wasn't just him who noticed his change. After practice two days ago, Charlie cornered him during a water break.
"Is it just me or does Coach seem a little…"
Charlie had said, stuggling for words.
"Hollywood?" Adam offered looking towards the bench where Gordon was schmoozing with Mr. Tibbles.
"Yeah, the guy's different now. Just yesterday, when I asked to talk to him, he said he'd 'pencil me in'."
Adam shrugged, "I don't know man. I just hope he keeps the team together."
Adam looked toward his coach who was answering the current inquiry, a cocky smile plastered on his face,
"…Iceland may be tough, but we're Team USA, and we're going all the way."
Adam looked toward the crowd and spotted Mr. Tibbles flashing Gordon the thumbs up sign, pleased with the response.
"Team USA is going down. That's where you're going!" declared a haughty voice cutting through the din of reporters. Adam scanned the mass, searching for the source of the outburst. His eyes settled on a tall gentleman dressed sharply in a black suit and tie, his brown hair slicked back from his forehead. The man was surrounded by a troop of humongous teenagers all dressed impeccably in all black sweatsuits. This was their top competition, the Vikings of Iceland.
"I'll see you on the ice, Bombay!" assured the man. Adam thought the man looked vaguely familiar. He glanced at his coach, curious for Gordon's reaction. Adam found Coach deep in conversation with Mr. Tibbles.
"Stansson? Wolfe 'The Dentist' Stansson is coaching now?! You never told me that." Adam returned his attention to the man who was being led away and commenting about the freedom of speech in America.
"That guy's a dentist?" Adam shifted towards Ken who voiced his confusion.
Charlie shook his head, "That was his nickname. He played one year pro, collected more teeth than goals. He even punched out his own coach."
Adam was hit with realization when he heard the desciption. Stansson was thrown out of the NHL and deemed a disgrace to hockey. It was hard to believe the guy was a coach.
"I heard they ran him out of the league and the country." Julie added. The three of them turned away, following their team.
"That's his team?! Those guys are HUGE!" Ken mused following them. Adam had to agree; facing them was not going to be easy.
Another chapter down…boo yah! So hope you guys like it so far. Major Adam/Julie sappy moment coming next chapter, I promise.
Roxie