Page 7 of The Tryout

“Are you saying you’re…together?”

His eyes light up and he nods.

“So you live together? Here?”

“Not…officially. My lease isn’t up until Thanksgiving. But I’m here…a lot.”

I’d noticed.

“Does the team know?”

He presses his lips together.

“No. Or, at least, not all of them. A lot of the core does. But Ethan and I did an interview over the summer and when training camp is over, we’ll tell whoever makes the team. And then the article will launch.”

He doesn’t necessarily look happy about this.

“And you’re okay with that?”

“I’m…worried about it. Worried that it will make things harder for both of us.”

“But it will make things nicer too, right? Being able to be seen together? To go out together, not just as teammates, but as more?”

His eyes go a little dreamy.

“Yeah, that’ll be nice.”

I smile.

“Well, I’ve got your back. And no one will hear anything from me until you guys are ready.”

He pats my shoulder.

“Thanks, man.”

With that, he bolts down the cold eggs and rinses the dish, putting it in the dishwasher. He does the same with my empty dish and the pan from the sink, hitting a few buttons on the modern-looking device before shutting the door. He grabs his coffee and turns to me.

“Let’s go. It’s time for you to show off to Coach.”

We all walk to the parking garage, Jamie heading to his own car as I get into Tremblay’s SUV, the back stuffed full of our gear bags. At the arena, we grab a spot in player parking and start unloading. At least for the next two weeks, we won’t have to cart too much back and forth, with the equipment guys at the stadium taking care of our laundry and skates.

Most of these guys take it for granted, having come through high end college and juniors teams where that was the norm. But as much as I’ve enjoyed my time in Des Moines, this feels luxurious. I can’t even imagine what it’s like during the season – traveling in private planes, getting catered meals.

I take a deep breath, trying not to let myself get distracted by the thought. If I can just stay focused, keep my mind in the game, then maybe I won’t have to imagine. Maybe I’ll be on that plane this season.

I unload my stuff into the locker that’s been set aside for me, right next to Jamie’s. I wonder if he had something to do with that. Nearby, several guys are hearing Kovy’s stories about a summer trip to Aruba.

He’s the friendliest goalie I’ve ever played with, a big personality to go with his massive wingspan. The boys are hanging on his words, Tremblay quietly standing behind him. Those two are anything but typical, but their joint leadership seems to work for the team.

I can’t help but notice Tremblay is taping a rainbow-colored You Can Play decal in the back of his locker. That’s certainly new since I was here last. During last season’s training camp, he was…well, kind of a dick, if I’m being honest. I mean, he was nice enough to me. But his discomfort with Carter was obvious to everyone in the room.

Looking around, I wonder how the guys have dealt with the change, with having not just one but now two out players on the team. Obviously, it’s to their benefit that Carter and Tremblay are able to play well together – the team’s stats from last season made that clear. But I’ve played hockey long enough to know that there must be someone on this team who’s not thrilled by the budding…friendship.

Still, as the boys file into the room, the two are largely met with hugs and backslaps. I’m secretly a little delighted to receive a few myself, from players who actually remember my name. Nate Sutter gives me a nod, with a quick “Murphy, good to see you!” before he heads to his own locker.

On his heels, Evan Matthews actually comes over and gives me a hug.

“Great season last year. How are Markie and Robby doing?”