Who Wants a Preview?

I thought that while I was in the process of getting my Facebook Launch party set up and all the not so exciting author stuff done I could give you guys a sneak peak into Playing the Point. Just some basic information about the launch party. It'll be September 5th at 7:00 until 9:00. There will be give aways, signed books and other goodies. There will also be a sneak peek into book two, Picking the Corners featuring Nate and Roman.

Without further ado, here is your preview!

Playing the Point

Ashley Broome

The worst part of being traded during the preseason was that everyone else had already gone through training camp. They had already met the rookies, the veterans who had found a rhythm that worked with each other. Brent knew how it these things went, it wasn’t his first trade and it wouldn’t be his last. It was the nature of hockey. It was where and why he was traded was what worried him. He had been traded from a team that had a long-standing and violent rivalry with his new team. In a matter of days his bags were packed and he left the Seattle Thunder for the Dakota Crusaders.

The dressing room was empty when Brent arrived. He expected it to be empty. He was hours early for the scheduled skate. He needed to go through the process of getting his Crusaders gear and uniform kitted up. There was a tour of the facilities that he’d get as a Crusader instead of the enemy. There were so many people he needed to meet. There were the equipment managers, trainers, doctors and he needed to officially meeting the entire coaching staff. It was days like these made Brent’s nerves run high. He didn’t know where he stood with any of the guys he played against last season. He knew they would make it work. They would find that chemistry that gave them an edge over the rest of the players and pushed them towards greatness. It would happen.

He was standing in front of his stall with his new helmet in hand when the doors opened behind him. He looked over his shoulder and vaguely recognized the equipment manager. He turned towards him and offered his hand. “Hey, Brent Henderson. I hear you’re going to be the one to help me with my gear.”

“Konrad Tremblay. The guys like to call me Trembly but you can call me Konrad if it suits you.” Konrad shook hands with Brent. They way Konrad was looking at him, Brent understood he was being measured up. It was something that everyone did as they tried to figure out how a new player would fit in with the team, or if the trade had even worth it. When Konrad spoke with him, Brent knew he had the slightest sense of approval from the equipment manager.

As Konrad lead him through the rooms and towards the equipment area they managed to get everything fitted how he liked it. He had just the right curve and flex to the blade of his stick. The grip and height was perfect. He liked his stick a bit taller than most guys. It allowed for a further reach and it saved his ass too many times to count to entertain the thought of changing it. He ignored the raised brow he got from Konrad for his choice. He almost asked what the look was for but decided against it. He’d figure it out sooner or later.

They went through the motions of double checking the sizes of his game and practice sweaters. Then they got him loaded down with socks, tape, and team shirts, shorts and caps. He shoved most of it in his duffel bag. The rest he set in his stall, moving things how he liked it. He still had a few minutes before he had to go sign and speak with management about the adjustments to his contract.

It didn’t take as long as he thought it would to get everything finalized and talked out but he knew what was expected of him and he had a reputation to live up to. Just because he was in new colors and on a new team didn’t mean that was going to change the way he played.

When he walked into the locker room there were players gearing up for afternoon skate. They were half way dressed and their chatter echoed off the walls. As soon as someone realized he had slipped inside the room went quiet. Brent walked to his stall and started the process of changing. He had barely tugged his shirt over his head when the captain of the Dakota Crusaders, Matthew Doherty, moved to stand in front of him. Brent fought the urge to take a step back and kept his mouth shut underneath the scrutiny.

He was surprised when Matt said, “I heard you go by Henny. That true?”

Brent nodded. “Always have, always will no matter where I end up.”

“Welcome to the Crusaders. I think you’re going to be a good fit for us. We need a guy like you and the Thunder don’t know what the fuck they were doing trading you. We’re going to make them regret it, eh?”

Henny grinned and bumped fists with Matt. “You’re damn right we are.”