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    The tter 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 ce 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 disyed ring 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?"This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    Taking 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 rather than anticipating the y. It''s costing them valuable seconds, and in hockey, that''s a lifetime."


    Tim nodded, his face showing no trace of defensiveness, only an open willingness to listen and learn. "I see. Anything else?"


    I took a moment to nce over the team once more. "Equipment," I said. "I noticed some of them are skating on worn-out des, and a couple of them have sticks that have seen better days. Better gear would improve performance."


    Tim sighed, taking off his sses and pinching the bridge of his nose. "I hear you, Enzo. But unfortunately, equipment is a difficult issue. Funding''s always been tight. But you''re right; it''s something we have to work on."


    "Then let''s work on it," I said, feeling a new sense of resolve forming inside me. "When Ie in the fall, I want to hit the ground running. Teams shouldn''t be waiting around for random sponsorships or donations to fix basic issues. They should be proactive, fundraising, volunteering, really connecting with themunity."


    Tim looked impressed. "You''re already thinking about fundraising?"


    I nodded. "Any tearn that''s self-sufficient and proactive is automatically better off than one that isn''t." I paused then, casting another look at the yers who still seemed like strangers sharing the ice rather than a unified squad. "And besides, I can tell that their camaraderie iscking. Fundraising and volunteering isn''t just about money and approval; it''s about building bonds, which can make or break a team."


    At my words, Tim broke into a genuine smile, one that crinkled theers of his eyes.


    You''re going to be a fantastic addition to the team, Enzo. I can feel it."


    Before I could respond, Tim''s phone buzzed insistently 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 dynamics."


    I 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 them toward the potential I knew they had. "Enzo, right?"


    A voice pulled me out of my reverie, and I tumed to see a woman approaching me. She was undoubtedly attractive-blonde hair, piercing blue eyes-but there was an air of professionalism about her. She wore a fitted ck jacket and jeans, and shot me a warm smile.


    "Yes, that''s me," I said. "Are you a part of the team?"


    She chuckled. "In a way. I''m the team doctor." she stuck her hand out. "M."


    Standing, I took her hand. "Nice to meet you, M."


    Her eyes wandered to my hand, settling on the gold band wrapped around my finger. "A young, good-looking guy like you is already taken?" she asked, a hint of something almost teasing in her voice.