Tricks Of The Game

Chapter1

*Kelsey's POV*

I couldn't believe my eyes. In front of me was the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen: United Center ice. I was finally back in my hometown of Chicago, Illinois for the first time in four years. I stared out onto the ice as I reflected on my last memory of this place. I was in front of the locker room door, in yet another fight with my then-boyfriend Kris Versteeg. The Blackhawks had just traded him to the Florida Panthers, and he was doing his best to convince me to move with him. Little did he know I had just been offered the job of a lifetime.

"Kelsey, please," Kris begged, "I need you. Please, just come to Florida with me. Please. Look, we'll get married if that's what you want. I swear. Just move with me. Please baby?" He tried to take my hand, but I pulled away.

"I can't, Kris. Being an assistant coach in Rockford is not something you pass up. I'm 21. My life is just beginning. I need to think about my career right now. And let's be honest right now. I love you, Kris. I truly do. But we are not ready to get married. We more than likely never will be. I don't want to lose you, but-," He cut me off.

"But you are more than willing to walk away from me right now!" He shouted at me, "I have done nothing but give you everything you have ever dreamed of. Now it's your turn to do something for me."

"I can't do this," I said, beginning to cry, "I just can't." I turned around and walked away from the only person I ever truly felt something for.

After Kris and I broke up, I took the job offer in Rockford. I was the assistant coach of the IceHogs for four years, helping the struggling AHL team to win 4 consecutive Calder Cup championships. I was seconds away from signing a 10 year contract extension when Stan Bowman, general manager of the Chicago Blackhawks, called offering me an assistant coaching job with my favorite team. It was rare for the Hawks to hire someone with no experience at an NHL level, but Stan was very impressed with my work and was willing to take a gamble on me. I accepted the generous offer immediately. It wasn't until a week or so ago that I discovered that my best friend and player analyst Brianna Bauer had practically begged Stan to offer me a job. Oh, that girl.

I wiped a tear from my eye and smiled, bringing myself back to reality. I was here to meet with Joel Quenneville, lovingly known by the hockey community as Coach Q. He was an absolute legend. I grinned at the thought of standing alongside him at a game, yelling at the referees. A noise behind me pulled me out of my daydream. I turned around and was greeted by the legend himself.

"Kelsey, it's an absolute pleasure to finally meet you," Coach Q said. "I must admit, I got a little starstruck when Stan told me you would be coaching with me. Your work with the IceHogs was extemely impressive."

"Well thank you sir," I said, the compliment making me blush. "I'm very excited to be working with one of the greats."

"Please, call me Joel," he said casually. "We're family now."

After a short conversation with Joel about practice times, we headed over to Johnny's IceHouse on West Madison Street to meet the players. I could barely contain my excitement as I walked through the door. I would be coaching the greatest players in the NHL including Jonathan Toews, who is Brianna's husband, Patrick Kane, Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook, and Patrick Sharp. I watched them play for years. They were nothing short of incredible, and I was determined to help bring another Stanley cup to the amazing team.

Joel and I laced up and skated out to center ice. I looked around as the players skated. My team, I thought to myself. This is my team. Joel blew the whistle and the players immediately lined up on the blue line.

"Guys, as I'm sure you already know, this is Kelsey Campbell. She is the new assistant coach, and I expect you to give her the same respect you've given me over the years. Now let's practice."

As soon as the words were out of Joel's mouth, any nerves I had disappeared. It was as if I was back in Rockford. I observed the first few minutes while Joel gave the orders. I noticed someone casually sitting on the wall. It didn't take long to realize it was Patrick Sharp - and he was looking at me. I blew my whistle at him.

"Sharpie! This may be my first day on the job, but I know that's not part of the routine. 50 down and backs, let's go!"

"A girl with some edge! I love it, I like them feisty!!" he said to me before picking up the pace.