Page 25 of The Tryout

“Lawson, can I borrow you for a minute before you get on the ice?”

A few lockers down, Briggs makes a noise, sounding like a middle school boy as his friend gets dragged off to detention. I throw a discrete middle finger in that general direction, and laughter echoes behind me as I follow Banks out of the room. The only one not laughing seems to be Murphy, his eyes wide as he holds the half-eaten muffin.

Once more, I’m following Coach through the hallways, to that small office full of hockey gear and desks.

I sit down in the chair as Banks leans against his desk. I’m not sure whether that’s a good sign or a bad one – it means we’re probably not here for long, either way.

“You got an agent, Lawson?”

I guess we’re getting straight to the point.

“Not anymore.” There’s no point in beating around the bush, after all.

“You planning to get one?”

“I’ve got a contract lawyer. Do I need one?”

He steps around the desk, opening up his laptop, clicking and typing for a moment before looking up.

“I’ve been given permission to issue you a one-year contract with the Iowa Pack. AHL-only, pretty much league minimum. Re-evaluate in the spring.”

My eyes go wide at his words, and I realize I truly had convinced myself that today was the end.

“That lawyer of yours have an email address?”

I nod silently, then type in Pops’ email address when he turns the computer toward me.

“Welcome to the team.”

As I walk back into the locker room, I make a quick stop by my locker to send a text.

Avery Lawson 9:18 AM

You should have an email from Cameron Banks at the Pack

Contract, pretty much what we discussed

Tony Lawson 9:19 AM

Good job, kid

Will review immediately and respond.

Anything you want added/changed?

Avery Lawson 9:20 AM

I’m sure it will be fine.

I’ll be on the ice until noon.

Then I’m gonna see about an apartment.

Tony Lawson 9:20 AM

I’ll call at noon if I need any input.

With that, I slip my phone back into my locker and gear up. As I hit the for the first time as an official member of the Iowa Pack, there are plenty of reactions. With Coach pulling me out of the locker room, I’m sure plenty of these guys thought they’d never see me again; the surprise on several faces tells me I’m right.