Skating On Thin Ice

Pilot

Just because Doncaster was a small college town didn't mean the lives in Doncaster were small too.

Coach Nathan Peterson, the newest arrival to Doncaster University, was sitting in the passenger seat of the president of the university, Stephanie's, nice and clean black Range Rover as she drove around the town. She was showing him her pride and joy.

Nathan looked down at the radio when he heard the radio host start talking after the commercial break went off.

"Radio 350 AM, good afternoon Doncaster. I'm back. Daniel here, along with Robert and Layla. You hear this new Nathan Peterson is starting today? The new hockey coach?"

Layla giggled as she spoke. "I heard he's charming, too. It'll be a nice change-up from old coach Carl we had last season."

"He's gay." Robert interrupted. "So for all of those single ladies here in Doncaster, you'll have to wait for another one. He's got a husband and a daughter. Hopefully, he keeps them away from those players cause they'll tear the poor little girl up. Especially Dallas."

"Dallas single again?" Layla wondered.

"When is that boy not single?" Daniel interjected. "Now, let's get down to the important stuff. This man has been an assistant coach for his entire career. He's coming in, working with assistant coach Jamie who has worked with these kids for years and expects to become some big-town hero. He doesn't win this Saturday; he's done for."

"It's Monday," Robert announced.

"And I give him to Wednesday before he quits."

Stephanie turned off the radio as she stopped at a stop sign. She looked over at Nathan, who was staring at the radio.

"Don't listen to them." She smiled softly. "They're just talking. Now, we're coming up on the town."

Nathan looked out the window and saw on the bright sunny morning the shops and restaurants were all open. The colorful signs and smiling faces in the windows made him notice this was where all the attractions were. Stephanie turned to another street where most of the local shops and businesses were standing, surrounded by a bowling alley and car wash.

"Most people at work?" Nathan wondered, glancing over at Stephanie as she turned to another street.

Stephanie nodded. "Most residents work out of town, but some were lucky to have opened shops. The students spend all their time here." She smiled, motioning out the window to the three blocks that were most populated. There was the town hall, the hospital, the casino, the bank, and even a hotel. All of them looked nice, clean, and professional. When they were leaving, they passed the police station, where some of the officers waved to the car as they stood outside.

Nathan watched her drive through a residential area where she seemed to live. He could appreciate how beautiful, clean, and ideal this area of Doncaster was. When she drove away, they went through many streets of houses. Some were nicer than others, but all were average neighborhoods.

"Everyone's excited we got a new coach." Stephanie gleamed.

Nathan nodded, tuning out her speech as he looked at the elderly sitting in their windows talking and enjoying the sunshine, but knowing it was getting cold outside. It was going to snow tonight, marking the official start of the hockey season.

Nathan couldn't help but look back when he saw an older Hispanic man getting his mail and making eye contact with him as they drove by. Once they left the neighborhood it seemed like they fell off the map. It was all plains with the occasional ranch houses or farms.