Ice in My Veins by Kelli Sullivan Read Free Book Online Page A

reality for anyone in any kind of competitive sport. If I was getting cut, I needed to remember to ask the coach why he was cutting me. I needed feedback so I could improve, and to thank him for giving me a shot.
    I waited patiently outside the coach’s office. Out walked Josh Morgan. He was holding back tears. I guess he got cut. I thought he did really well during camp.
    Seeing him like that made my stomach start to turn. I told myself that I put 100 percent into camp. If I got cut then maybe, I just wasn’t good enough. Yet! Coach saw me and motioned for me to come into his office. “Christine, take a seat.”
    I sat down. “Coach.” I started before he had the chance to say anything. “Before you tell me whether I have been cut or not, I just have a few things to say to you so I don’t forget.”
    At first he grimaced at me, smiled, then nodded his head for me to continue.
    “I just wanted to say thank you very much for even giving me this chance to come to your camp and learn from you. The experience has taught me so much. I know it’s not common for a girl to even be invited to camp. I also realize that you have really gone out of your way for me. It means more to me than I can express. If you are going to cut me, please tell me why. I would like some feedback so I know which areas I need to improve on.” I took a deep breath so I could relax a little. I was so tense. Now that I had said my thank yous and stuff, I was ready to receive my bad news.
    “Chrissy, it has been a pleasure having you here at camp,” he complimented.
    Oh here it was, the sorry but better luck next time speech. I braced myself.
    He continued to speak. I shifted in my chair nervously. “The camp tryout process is all just part of the process of putting a team together. It isn’t a question of whether we like you, it’s a question of whether your skills can help the team. It is also about what we, as a development league, can do to help you with your skill development. It’s supposed to be a game. Pressure is the biggest enemy that a player has to deal with in a tryout situation. I could tell you put an immense amount of pressure on yourself.”
    He leaned his backside against his desk then he went on. “With that being said, we would like to have you as part of our team. I see how talented you are. I also see the drive you have. You work hard and don’t give up. I like your determination Christine. I don’t know how much ice time I will be able to give you this season, but you will be part of this team, and you will get some. Rookies have to be rotated and share ice time. The older returning players will obviously be the ones who are receiving the most ice time. If this is what you want, then we’d love to have you.” He waited for my response.
    I couldn’t respond right away. I was still in shock. I stood up and instead of shaking his hand; I ran towards the desk and hugged him, then quickly let go. “Thank you so much Mr. Killerman. This means the world to me.” I fought back the tears of joy. He laughed.
    “Now I would like for you and your father to come see me tomorrow morning at this address.” He handed me a piece of paper. I was still shaking from the news of making the team. “Around 10:00 a.m, so we can discuss living arrangements. You can meet the family that will be billeting you. I know you will love them. They have been family billets for our team for many years and all the players have enjoyed their stay with them.”
    He seemed positive I would like my billets. That was comforting to me. Coach was a smart guy, and a great judge of character from what I could tell. I thanked him again and walked out of his office in a daze.
    I don’t remember walking back to the hotel, but suddenly I was there. I must have been white as a ghost or something because my father grabbed me and sat me down on the bed.
    “Christine are you alright?” He demanded. “Did they cut you? I am so sorry Christine, I know you worked