Page 24 of The Callahan Effect

Lauren stepped forward.

"If I tell you to stretch, don't pretend you already did."

Oscar sighed dramatically.

"There goes my plan."

"It was never a good plan, Oscar."

The players laughed.

Coach pointed toward two doors leading off the side of the rink.

"Our medical staff works from the treatment rooms beside the arena. They don't operate out of the locker room because treatment, rehabilitation and medical evaluations belong in dedicated clinical spaces."

The doors remained closed, emphasizing the separation.

"Our lead physical therapist is Dr. Rebecca Sullivan. Rebecca played collegiate hockey before becoming a physical therapist specializing in elite athletes."

A woman in her late thirties stepped forward with an easy confidence.

"If you're injured, don't hide it from me. You'll only make recovery take longer and risk more serious injury."

Coach lifted his chin in approval.

"Working alongside Rebecca is our second physical therapist, Michael Anders. Michael also played competitive hockey before entering sports medicine and focuses primarily on rehabilitation following orthopedic injuries."

The tall man beside her smiled.

"I promise rehab hurts less if you actually listen."

"He's lying," Ryan whispered loud enough for only those nearest him to hear.

Michael laughed.

"I definitely heard that."

Even Coach allowed himself a brief smile before continuing.

"Our equipment department is managed by Graham Foster. Graham makes sure your gear is repaired, fitted and ready every single day. If your skates aren't sharpened, your stick needs repairing or you've destroyed equipment you shouldn't have been able to destroy..."

Several veterans turned toward Oscar.

"...see Graham."

Oscar raised both hands innocently.

"I've matured."

"No," Ryan replied.

"I've matured slightly."

"Still no."

The laughter echoing around the rink finally erased the lingering tension left behind by Caleb's mistake.

As the introductions concluded, Coach picked up his clipboard once more.