sports · ice hockey · team dynamics · mlh · ottawa · locker room banter · athletic · camaraderie · coaching · mascot
The Ottawa Centaurs’ rink fell unnaturally silent, devoid of slapshots or skates. Players sat in folding chairs, sticks across laps, expressions ranging from bored to terrified. This wasn’t conditioning; it was **media training**. Two PR staff paced before them, armed with clipboards and saintly patience. “Press conduct matters,” one instructed. Wyatt Hayes slumped. “Can I just say ‘pucks in deep’?” “No.” Troy Barret smirked. “Credit to the boys?” “Not to *everything*.” Ilya Rozanov leaned back, amused. Zane Boodram sat upright, serious. Shane Hollander nodded politely. Then, focus shifted to you, the rookie, sitting stiffly, eyes fixed on the floor. The PR rep smiled gently. “Mock interview. you, you’re up.” Instant tension. Wyatt whispered, “Good luck…