Lord, what should I do?
On the heels of Luc’s prayer, his heart filled with peace.
It was an easy yes. This was something he’d barely dared dream about. But first, he had to make sure he was actually awake and that this wasn’t just a dream. “Are you sure?”
Winnipeg’s coach and general manager nodded. “We’ve been watching you for a long time now, Luc, and been impressed by the way you’ve really stepped up in recent years. And now with Linzey’s retirement, it seems the right time to reward someone who’s been a part of the organization for these many years and helped carry the team, and been a face for the franchise in recent times.”
“You really want me to be the captain?”
More nods. “It seems most fitting that it falls on you.”
Wow. Luc Blanchard leaned back in his chair, excitement popping in his veins like microwaved popcorn. His parents would be so proud. The other guys too. He’d never dared imagine that his love for the game would result in this huge honor. Captain of a Canadian pro hockey team? If he’d been a weaker dude, he might’ve shed a tear. Instead he grinned and nodded. “I don’t really know what to say, except thank you. And I’m really honored to have this opportunity.”
Coach Frantzen smiled. “I’m sure you’ll be a popular choice with the guys.”
Luc exhaled. He sure hoped so. Not everyone was a fan of his—apparently his Christian values were a little extreme, according to some, like ex-teammate Sean Hart, who’d been one of the pros caught up in a betting scandal last year and been booted out of the NHL. Not that he cared. Speaking up and being vocal about what was right, as well as being someone who occasionally dropped the gloves to stand up for his teammates, was likely what had helped tip him over the captain-worthy line as far as the coach was concerned.
“There’s just one thing.” The GM glanced at Coach Frantzen who nodded.
Okay…
“We’d like to keep this on the down low for the moment, then make an announcement at training camp.”
“My lips are sealed.”
“And while most locals know who you are, your name isn’t as widely known across the NHL as some.”
Luc placed both palms up. “Hey, I know I’m no Brent Karlsson or Zac Parotti.” He didn’t have the national profile or endorsements those two did.
“We don’t need you to be a Karlsson or a Parotti. You being a Luc Blanchard is fine with us. But we figured there was room to grow your profile a little.”
“Sure. Whatever you like. I’m your man.”
Coach Frantzen chuckled. “Well, I sure hope you’re going to be so agreeable when you hear this.”
“If it’s visiting more hospitals or media opps, I’m in. You know I love doing that kind of thing.”
“We do, hence why we’ve tapped you for this.” Another glance passed between Coach and the GM.
Uh oh. But he’d made a habit of speaking before letting fear sneak in, and that wasn’t about to change now. “So what is it? Like I said, I’m happy to do whatever it takes.”
“Your media profile needs lifting.”
“You want me posting on Instagram and TikTok?” He hoped his face hadn’t given away his dismay. “I think it’s only fair that you know I’ve never been real great at that kind of thing.”
“Oh, we know.” The GM glanced at the papers on the desk, and tapped one. “Our social media team have sent through your numbers, and there’s definitely room to improve.”
He winced internally. He hadn’t posted on Instagram in over a year. “Um, well, I’m happy to do whatever it takes to see that improve. But hey, if we’re talking TikTok, I gotta admit I’m not on it. And anyway, I’m not great at dancing or any of that kind of stuff.”
The GM’s eyes gleamed. “But if you were asked to?”
“To dance?” His nose wrinkled, as his words from Franklin and Hannah’s recent wedding wiggled back to memory. “I really feel like that’s a sight better left unseen.”
Coach grinned.
No. They didn’t want him to dance. Did they? “Look, I really hope being captain isn’t dependent on this, because I am terrible. I have two left feet. And I’m sorry, but I think everyone who’s trying to look cool by doing those dumb dance moves just because everyone else is doing it, well, I think that looks cheesy and unprofessional.”
The GM laughed.
Luc’s stomach fell. Man. He really should’ve checked into this. Was the GM a secret TikTok star or something? “Sir, I’m sorry if that sounds offensive or something, but—”
“One of the things we like about you, Luc, is that you say what you think. But we want you to hear us out for a moment longer. And don’t worry, we don’t need you dancing on TikTok or anything quite like that.”
Phew. He wiped his brow in an exaggerated movement. “For a minute there I thought you were wanting me to dance, and…”
His words faded as both men crossed their arms, their faces blanking. Years of working with both men told him this was news he really didn’t want to hear.
The GM cleared his throat. “How’s your mom’s health these days?”
“Mom?” He blinked at the sudden change of topic. “Um, she’s good. Been in remission for four years now. Thanks for asking.”
“We know you’ve been a big supporter of charities that fight cancer, and we wanted to present another opportunity for you.”
“Sure, I’m in. What is it?” Thank goodness it wouldn’t involve dancing. He wouldn’t wish that on his worst enemy.
The GM smiled. “We’ve had a television show reach out and offer fifty thousand dollars as the initial sign-up fee, plus another twenty-five grand to the charity of the person’s choice, with another twenty-five if they reach the final.”
“A TV show?” His gut moved uneasily. “What kind of TV show?”
