Chapter 0488

Enzo

The clatter of hockey sticks and the distinct screech of skates cutting into the ice enveloped me as Tim and I entered the arena. It was a different vibe than what I was used to back in Mountainview-less polished, maybe a little rougher around the edges-but it was hockey, and that was home enough for me.

"As you can see, we're already underway," Tim said, gesturing toward the scrimmage taking place below us. "But I'd like to hear your first impressions. And don't hold back."

We found a decent spot to watch from and settled in. For several minutes, I just observed. The team had heart; that much was evident to me. But they also displayed glaring inadequacies.

Their passes were always just a little too long or a little too short, shots were mistimed, and their defensive formation looked more like a scattering of bodies rather than a cohesive unit. It was immediately clear that they had little chemistry on the ice, unlike my team. But it was fixable.

Tim leaned toward me, his eyes fixed on the game but clearly attuned to my reaction. "So, what do you think? Any initial thoughts?"

a deep breath, I considered my words carefully. "They've got potential but they need a lot of work. The passing is inconsistent, they're either overshooting or hesitating. That's something we'd need to drill in practice. Also, defensively, they're reacting

trace of defensiveness, only an open willingness to listen and learn. "I see.

took a moment to glance over the team once more. "Equipment," I said. "I noticed some of them are skating on worn-out blades, and a couple of them have sticks that have

and pinching the bridge of his nose. "I hear you, Enzo. But unfortunately,

want to hit the ground running. Teams shouldn't be waiting

looked impressed. "You're

that isn't." I paused then, casting another look at the players who still seemed like strangers sharing the ice rather than a unified

a genuine smile, one that crinkled the comers of

to the team,

in his pocket. "Sorry," he said with a sigh as he stood, "I've got to take this. Why don't you keep watching? Get a feel for the team

nodded, watching Tim's fading form for a few moments before returning my attention to the scrimmage. Already, the gears were turning in my head as to how this team could improve-and how I could be at the helm, guiding

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