Courageous
Meet the Team
*General POV*
The Madison Square Garden Training Center was a bustling hub of activity as Rangers Organization prepared for their 2011-12 training camp. The recent signing of Mickayla Hammer and the media shit storm of that had followed in her wake had left head coach, John Tortorella mentally exhausted. Her signing had left the entire hockey community in an uproar; many former coaches, former players, analysts, an fans all threw out their varying opinions. Not one person had ever caused such a commotion and the preseason hadn't even begun. She was the individual have ever signed an entry level contract after only having been observed in a single workout. John thought that management was making a rash decision signing her before they had seen how she interacted and meshed with the rest of the team. She was certainly talented, but during his tenure with the Rangers, he had yet to deal with a player so polarizing that she even made Sean Avery's ludicrous exploits look tame. He had heard of her reputation as a physical player and had seen it's true extents as he studied film of the young woman that had been sent to him by both the Vancouver Giants and Boston College Eagles in order to gauge the best coaching style to approach her with.
To his surprise, he found that she was a very coachable player, who only did what she deemed needed to be done in order to change the momentum in favor of her team. She was also a very well spoke young lady, who appeared to have a level head on her shoulders. Her down fall would be her pretty face and blonde locks that cascaded down to the middle of her back, and if he knew his locker room and he most certainly did, it would be like throwing a hen in a rooster house, the bachelors would be calmoring for her attention. He feared she wouldn't be able to handle herself with them.
The clicking of heels on the linoleum-tiled floor brought the middle aged man out of his thoughts and he looked up to a young woman in a navy fitted blazer and cream colored dress pants headed in his direction. As she moved closer towards his position, he was surprised to find that her stature wasn't model tin and sleek as the media had made her out to be. No, this woman was wide-based and curvy, certainly a body that was made for taking big hits and dealing them back with just as much force.
"So you must be our lady?" He couldn't help but chuckle at how awkward his question sounded upon his ears.
The young woman nodded with a professional smile as she extended her hand out to his, "It certainly appears to be that way, doesn't it? It's a pleasure to receive such a great opportunity to be able to play hockey for the Rangers, sir."
Tortorella smiled at her statement as her enthusiasm was unable to be hidden behind her gracious tone before he dared her,
"Are you up for the challenge?"
Mickayla's blue eyes met his squarely as before straightened her posture and answered, soundly,
"More than you know, sir."
Tortorella smiled and clasped his hands together,
"That's what I was hoping you'd say. Ready to meet the team?"
Mickayla extended her arm motioning him to lead the way, which he did so with mental fortitude as he prayed, silently, that she would stick to her guns when she entered the dressing room.
The chaos of the first day of training camp was something that a veteran such as Henrik Lundqvist had grown used to as he watched familiar faces enter the locker room and take their usual places, playful bantering had already begun amongst close friends within the team. The notable new faces that had been added to the team were forwards Brad Richards and Mike Rupp, both of who would make the team much more sound from a scoring position. He was familiar with them having experience playing against them while playing against their respective former teams.
However, the greater unknown to be added to the team's defense was a woman and one who seemed to have a reputation similar to some of the league's top defenseman. He feared she would cause locker room drama and thus bring the team down because of her femininity. Most of guys were young and unattached, so her presence would certainly have them vying for her affections. Part of him hoped, much to his own mental chagrin, that she wouldn't be as stunning as the media portrayed her to be. That she was a some sort butch or lesbian. Unfortunately, those possibilities dissolved once he had googled her and being the gentleman that he was, he was going protect her from the hormonal scum that his teammates could be.
The door to the dressing room opened andtyne entire room turned their attention towards it as Coach Tortorella walked a serious expression etched on his facial features. He studied his team for a moment or two before he opened his mouth to speak,
"Boys, as you all know by know, the Rangers front office has decided to take on a challenge that will either revolutionize the sport or bring mockery upon the team by signing a young woman by the name of Mickayla Hammer."
*Mickayla's POV*
Taking a deep breath, I walked into the New York Rangers locker room observing the reactions of the men, who were now seated at the cubbies preparing for the first day of training camp. The entire room was tense, all of them waiting to see what i would do first. Glancing Brian Boyle, I was comforted to know that I wasn't going to be the only former Eagle amongst their ranks.
"Is this some sort of joke?"
The arrogant, Sean Avery was the first to speak, but it seemed as though he thought he was speaking for the entire team. Man, I REALLY hate that prick. The guy was an elitist and had no right to think that he was so. At some point, I hoped that someone would put that bastard in his place for good and I hoped that I would be there to watch it happen.
Sighing, I understood how most of them doubt me and that all the media coverage that had followed my signing would lead some of them to believe that this was indeed some sort of joke. I hoped deep down that most of them would wait to judge who I really was by my efforts on the ice.
"No, I assure you. She is the real deal. In fact, Marc Staal, you better watch out or you might lose your starting position." Tortorella warned the young ginger, who was still recovering from a concussion that his older brother Eric had so kindly bestowed upon him last season.
A smirk found it's upon my lips as I remembered my deal. I also had to admit I relished the prospect of taking Marc Staal starting position away from him. It would be a challenge that I would work towards the hardest.I noticed Marc gulped when the severity of coach's words finally registered in his mind. Boy, that concussion his brother gave him must've rattled his brain more than I thought...
Coach Tortorella looked to as if silently saying that if I had anything to say to the team that I better say it now while I had their unwavering attention. Breathing deeply, I scratched my forearm, nervously as I made a vow to the team that had been forced to take upon my burden,
"Look, I know, this is going to be a huge adjustment for all of you and that you are unsure of my motives, but I assure you that I am willing to give 100% of myself to this team if you are willing to trust me. I promise I will not hinder your team, like some of you seem to think."
A silence came over the room as the team digested my declaration. Starting goalie, Henrik Lundqvist quickly caught my eye and gave me an approving nod. Part of me was extremely relived that such a key player for the team was so willing to accept me as a part of the team.
"Mickayla-" He began with a smile, his thick accent heavy in his voice as he addressed myself and the rest of the team.
"I believe that I speak for the entire team when I say that I am looking forward to seeing what you bring to the table on the ice."
I nodded and took his hand in mine with a firm grip, unable to stop a full toothy grin now decorated my face. However, I didn't have a chance to speak because coach declared it was time to move to the ice. I tensed up as all the players began to shuffle out of the dressing room past me. Henrik noticed this as he after he had retrieved his helmet. As he walked past her, he laid a gloved hand upon my shoulder and gave it a squeeze,
"Don't worry, you'll be fine. Now get dressed or coach won't be very happy."
His words jerked me out of my daze, seeing as I had forgotten that he was still standing next to me when Coach made his announcement. I felt my face warm up as I thanked him for his kind words,
"Thanks, Henrik."
He waved me off,
"Mickayla, please, call me Hank, everyone else does."
I nodded and walked over to my new stall to put on my practice gear, informing the Swede from over my shoulder that he had the same curtsey with me,
"The name's Mickie."
Hank chuckled and made his was out to the practice rink with a smug smile because he knew thing were about to get interesting.
Butterflies erupted in my stomach as I stalked down the runaway toward the practice rink to join my new team on the ice. Only seconds, after stepping onto the ice, I was greeted with a forecheck, curtsey of Brandon Dubinsky as the rest of the players skated a few warm up laps around me. Absorbing the hit was easier said than done as he sent me into the boards with bruising force. A snide remark from Sean Avery only added insult to injury as he passed by, any other day I would've have given him a douse of his own medicine but I decided against starting a fight with the mouthy forward.
It became clear that I was on my own out here and that I was going to have to prove myself to them and show them that I wasn't some little girl that they could pick on. So I took my lumps and stayed on the outside of the circle as newly appointed team captain, Ryan Callahan, led the team with some stretches.
After that Tortorella called for some break-in drills on a penalty kill just sort the line. He paired myself up with Micheal Del Zotto, his dark hair and goofy expression reminded me scarcely of my Boston College partner Tommy Cross.
We would be defending back-up goal tender, Martin Biron. The forwards on my side were Brad Richards, Mike Rupp, and John Mitchell. After the puck dropped as Callahan, Avery, and Boyle charged toward Michael and I in an attempt to break through their defenses.
"Take Boyle!" I shouted at my partner as skated out to meet Avery. I'd show him who's boss, right now. Everyone else helped to double teamed Callahan and Boyle, and I made
it a point to stick on Avert's ass and shut down every opportunity that came his way.
In fact, i was able to jump a pass headed his way and send the puck back down toward Hank's net. I capitalized on another opportunity when Callahan was handling the puck along the boards as sent him a a hip check with a warning,
"Heads up, Captian."
With that I skated down the ice, to help keep her line on offense and made sure to that I worked my ass off to make more scoring chances for my team. I only let myself rest
when I rotated out. Glancing around my teammates, I held a glimmer of hope that my efforts were making an impact on their opinions of me.
"Hey, Hammer, how'd you jump that pass on Avery?" Del Zotto asked as parked himself at my side along the boards.
Was this guy serious? How long had he been a defenseman? Turning over pucks was apart of our criteria. But seeing as I was the new guy I decided it wasn't the best idea to lecture him about knowing one's position. Instead, I just shrugged him off
"I just cut him off, you know? It set me up to intercept the pass."
"Yeah, I know that, but how'd you know Callahan was gonna send the puck his way?" The twenty-one year old inquired.
"Boyle was being doubled teamed and it would've been pointless to send it back to Sauer or Scott. He needed to penetrate the our D and Avery was in the best position to do that. I saw that and jumped." I explained, turning my attention back toward the drill at hand.
Practice wound down with a couple shooting drills as players took turns pelting the net-minders on either end and I was proud to say that I had been able to slip two pucks past Hank, one was a high stick-side wrister and the other was a low glove-side snap shot. His nod of approval told me that I was doing something right.
Tortorella gathered everyone around at the end of practice,
"First off, I'd like to thank everyone for their effort today. Tomorrow, we will be in the meeting room to go over our upcoming matchup against the Devils on the 21st. Be there at 10:30 a.m. sharp. After that be prepared to skate your hearts."
I, barely, managed to suppressed a shiver at the idea of a conditioning practice, there nothing I hated or enjoyed more than skating her heart up and down the nice. To hear the blood pumping in my ears and feeling the pain burning in my legs as I exerted my beyond my limits.
Tomorrow I would show them just how much endurance I possessed and how I was going to out work them all in order to gain some respect!
Once i was seated in cubbie which was in between Boyle and Del Zotto, I began tearing off my gear. I didn't notice the stares I had earned until I had stripped down to my under armor. Looking up, I was met with wide eyes from most of the guys and I frowned,
"Please, tell me, this isn't the first time that you've all seen a girl change before? I know that none of you are virgins, so stop acting like one"
Laughter erupted in the room at my words, glancing over at Hank, I, too, couldn't but laugh because of his surprised expression. Smiling to myself, I could t help but think that there was a good possibility that I was going to fit in just fine with the Rangers.
The Madison Square Garden Training Center was a bustling hub of activity as Rangers Organization prepared for their 2011-12 training camp. The recent signing of Mickayla Hammer and the media shit storm of that had followed in her wake had left head coach, John Tortorella mentally exhausted. Her signing had left the entire hockey community in an uproar; many former coaches, former players, analysts, an fans all threw out their varying opinions. Not one person had ever caused such a commotion and the preseason hadn't even begun. She was the individual have ever signed an entry level contract after only having been observed in a single workout. John thought that management was making a rash decision signing her before they had seen how she interacted and meshed with the rest of the team. She was certainly talented, but during his tenure with the Rangers, he had yet to deal with a player so polarizing that she even made Sean Avery's ludicrous exploits look tame. He had heard of her reputation as a physical player and had seen it's true extents as he studied film of the young woman that had been sent to him by both the Vancouver Giants and Boston College Eagles in order to gauge the best coaching style to approach her with.
To his surprise, he found that she was a very coachable player, who only did what she deemed needed to be done in order to change the momentum in favor of her team. She was also a very well spoke young lady, who appeared to have a level head on her shoulders. Her down fall would be her pretty face and blonde locks that cascaded down to the middle of her back, and if he knew his locker room and he most certainly did, it would be like throwing a hen in a rooster house, the bachelors would be calmoring for her attention. He feared she wouldn't be able to handle herself with them.
The clicking of heels on the linoleum-tiled floor brought the middle aged man out of his thoughts and he looked up to a young woman in a navy fitted blazer and cream colored dress pants headed in his direction. As she moved closer towards his position, he was surprised to find that her stature wasn't model tin and sleek as the media had made her out to be. No, this woman was wide-based and curvy, certainly a body that was made for taking big hits and dealing them back with just as much force.
"So you must be our lady?" He couldn't help but chuckle at how awkward his question sounded upon his ears.
The young woman nodded with a professional smile as she extended her hand out to his, "It certainly appears to be that way, doesn't it? It's a pleasure to receive such a great opportunity to be able to play hockey for the Rangers, sir."
Tortorella smiled at her statement as her enthusiasm was unable to be hidden behind her gracious tone before he dared her,
"Are you up for the challenge?"
Mickayla's blue eyes met his squarely as before straightened her posture and answered, soundly,
"More than you know, sir."
Tortorella smiled and clasped his hands together,
"That's what I was hoping you'd say. Ready to meet the team?"
Mickayla extended her arm motioning him to lead the way, which he did so with mental fortitude as he prayed, silently, that she would stick to her guns when she entered the dressing room.
The chaos of the first day of training camp was something that a veteran such as Henrik Lundqvist had grown used to as he watched familiar faces enter the locker room and take their usual places, playful bantering had already begun amongst close friends within the team. The notable new faces that had been added to the team were forwards Brad Richards and Mike Rupp, both of who would make the team much more sound from a scoring position. He was familiar with them having experience playing against them while playing against their respective former teams.
However, the greater unknown to be added to the team's defense was a woman and one who seemed to have a reputation similar to some of the league's top defenseman. He feared she would cause locker room drama and thus bring the team down because of her femininity. Most of guys were young and unattached, so her presence would certainly have them vying for her affections. Part of him hoped, much to his own mental chagrin, that she wouldn't be as stunning as the media portrayed her to be. That she was a some sort butch or lesbian. Unfortunately, those possibilities dissolved once he had googled her and being the gentleman that he was, he was going protect her from the hormonal scum that his teammates could be.
The door to the dressing room opened andtyne entire room turned their attention towards it as Coach Tortorella walked a serious expression etched on his facial features. He studied his team for a moment or two before he opened his mouth to speak,
"Boys, as you all know by know, the Rangers front office has decided to take on a challenge that will either revolutionize the sport or bring mockery upon the team by signing a young woman by the name of Mickayla Hammer."
*Mickayla's POV*
Taking a deep breath, I walked into the New York Rangers locker room observing the reactions of the men, who were now seated at the cubbies preparing for the first day of training camp. The entire room was tense, all of them waiting to see what i would do first. Glancing Brian Boyle, I was comforted to know that I wasn't going to be the only former Eagle amongst their ranks.
"Is this some sort of joke?"
The arrogant, Sean Avery was the first to speak, but it seemed as though he thought he was speaking for the entire team. Man, I REALLY hate that prick. The guy was an elitist and had no right to think that he was so. At some point, I hoped that someone would put that bastard in his place for good and I hoped that I would be there to watch it happen.
Sighing, I understood how most of them doubt me and that all the media coverage that had followed my signing would lead some of them to believe that this was indeed some sort of joke. I hoped deep down that most of them would wait to judge who I really was by my efforts on the ice.
"No, I assure you. She is the real deal. In fact, Marc Staal, you better watch out or you might lose your starting position." Tortorella warned the young ginger, who was still recovering from a concussion that his older brother Eric had so kindly bestowed upon him last season.
A smirk found it's upon my lips as I remembered my deal. I also had to admit I relished the prospect of taking Marc Staal starting position away from him. It would be a challenge that I would work towards the hardest.I noticed Marc gulped when the severity of coach's words finally registered in his mind. Boy, that concussion his brother gave him must've rattled his brain more than I thought...
Coach Tortorella looked to as if silently saying that if I had anything to say to the team that I better say it now while I had their unwavering attention. Breathing deeply, I scratched my forearm, nervously as I made a vow to the team that had been forced to take upon my burden,
"Look, I know, this is going to be a huge adjustment for all of you and that you are unsure of my motives, but I assure you that I am willing to give 100% of myself to this team if you are willing to trust me. I promise I will not hinder your team, like some of you seem to think."
A silence came over the room as the team digested my declaration. Starting goalie, Henrik Lundqvist quickly caught my eye and gave me an approving nod. Part of me was extremely relived that such a key player for the team was so willing to accept me as a part of the team.
"Mickayla-" He began with a smile, his thick accent heavy in his voice as he addressed myself and the rest of the team.
"I believe that I speak for the entire team when I say that I am looking forward to seeing what you bring to the table on the ice."
I nodded and took his hand in mine with a firm grip, unable to stop a full toothy grin now decorated my face. However, I didn't have a chance to speak because coach declared it was time to move to the ice. I tensed up as all the players began to shuffle out of the dressing room past me. Henrik noticed this as he after he had retrieved his helmet. As he walked past her, he laid a gloved hand upon my shoulder and gave it a squeeze,
"Don't worry, you'll be fine. Now get dressed or coach won't be very happy."
His words jerked me out of my daze, seeing as I had forgotten that he was still standing next to me when Coach made his announcement. I felt my face warm up as I thanked him for his kind words,
"Thanks, Henrik."
He waved me off,
"Mickayla, please, call me Hank, everyone else does."
I nodded and walked over to my new stall to put on my practice gear, informing the Swede from over my shoulder that he had the same curtsey with me,
"The name's Mickie."
Hank chuckled and made his was out to the practice rink with a smug smile because he knew thing were about to get interesting.
Butterflies erupted in my stomach as I stalked down the runaway toward the practice rink to join my new team on the ice. Only seconds, after stepping onto the ice, I was greeted with a forecheck, curtsey of Brandon Dubinsky as the rest of the players skated a few warm up laps around me. Absorbing the hit was easier said than done as he sent me into the boards with bruising force. A snide remark from Sean Avery only added insult to injury as he passed by, any other day I would've have given him a douse of his own medicine but I decided against starting a fight with the mouthy forward.
It became clear that I was on my own out here and that I was going to have to prove myself to them and show them that I wasn't some little girl that they could pick on. So I took my lumps and stayed on the outside of the circle as newly appointed team captain, Ryan Callahan, led the team with some stretches.
After that Tortorella called for some break-in drills on a penalty kill just sort the line. He paired myself up with Micheal Del Zotto, his dark hair and goofy expression reminded me scarcely of my Boston College partner Tommy Cross.
We would be defending back-up goal tender, Martin Biron. The forwards on my side were Brad Richards, Mike Rupp, and John Mitchell. After the puck dropped as Callahan, Avery, and Boyle charged toward Michael and I in an attempt to break through their defenses.
"Take Boyle!" I shouted at my partner as skated out to meet Avery. I'd show him who's boss, right now. Everyone else helped to double teamed Callahan and Boyle, and I made
it a point to stick on Avert's ass and shut down every opportunity that came his way.
In fact, i was able to jump a pass headed his way and send the puck back down toward Hank's net. I capitalized on another opportunity when Callahan was handling the puck along the boards as sent him a a hip check with a warning,
"Heads up, Captian."
With that I skated down the ice, to help keep her line on offense and made sure to that I worked my ass off to make more scoring chances for my team. I only let myself rest
when I rotated out. Glancing around my teammates, I held a glimmer of hope that my efforts were making an impact on their opinions of me.
"Hey, Hammer, how'd you jump that pass on Avery?" Del Zotto asked as parked himself at my side along the boards.
Was this guy serious? How long had he been a defenseman? Turning over pucks was apart of our criteria. But seeing as I was the new guy I decided it wasn't the best idea to lecture him about knowing one's position. Instead, I just shrugged him off
"I just cut him off, you know? It set me up to intercept the pass."
"Yeah, I know that, but how'd you know Callahan was gonna send the puck his way?" The twenty-one year old inquired.
"Boyle was being doubled teamed and it would've been pointless to send it back to Sauer or Scott. He needed to penetrate the our D and Avery was in the best position to do that. I saw that and jumped." I explained, turning my attention back toward the drill at hand.
Practice wound down with a couple shooting drills as players took turns pelting the net-minders on either end and I was proud to say that I had been able to slip two pucks past Hank, one was a high stick-side wrister and the other was a low glove-side snap shot. His nod of approval told me that I was doing something right.
Tortorella gathered everyone around at the end of practice,
"First off, I'd like to thank everyone for their effort today. Tomorrow, we will be in the meeting room to go over our upcoming matchup against the Devils on the 21st. Be there at 10:30 a.m. sharp. After that be prepared to skate your hearts."
I, barely, managed to suppressed a shiver at the idea of a conditioning practice, there nothing I hated or enjoyed more than skating her heart up and down the nice. To hear the blood pumping in my ears and feeling the pain burning in my legs as I exerted my beyond my limits.
Tomorrow I would show them just how much endurance I possessed and how I was going to out work them all in order to gain some respect!
Once i was seated in cubbie which was in between Boyle and Del Zotto, I began tearing off my gear. I didn't notice the stares I had earned until I had stripped down to my under armor. Looking up, I was met with wide eyes from most of the guys and I frowned,
"Please, tell me, this isn't the first time that you've all seen a girl change before? I know that none of you are virgins, so stop acting like one"
Laughter erupted in the room at my words, glancing over at Hank, I, too, couldn't but laugh because of his surprised expression. Smiling to myself, I could t help but think that there was a good possibility that I was going to fit in just fine with the Rangers.
thank you for the comment! I will!
10/30/12