Draft Day - The Finale

[teknonym 61]

Draft day had come quicker than expected. Tadhg found himself sat in the draftee section, next to almost 70 other prospects who he’d played against fiercely. His parents and girlfriend sat beside him, his mother looked borderline prepared to cry at the slightest movement and his father looked more nervous than Tadhg had ever seen. Siobhan was also on the verge of tears, she’d come to San Diego with Tadhg and seen everything. It was a big step for both of the young adults, independence and freewill being granted with the VHLM contract that Tadhg had signed what seemed like years ago. The beginning of the rest of his career was coming up next.

‘You two are going to stress me out, calm down.’ Tadhg had joked. He was nervous enough as it was, his girlfriend and mother were being of no help.

 

‘I can’t help it,’ his mother started, ‘This is one of the most important parts of your career. It’s happening. You’re getting drafted.’ Tadhg felt his mother’s hands grab his own. The smoothness of her skin was in direct contrast to his own calloused skin, worn and battered after years of taking pucks. Siobhan quietly slipped her hand into Tadhg’s, for fear that if she opened her mouth only tears would come. Tadhg interlaced their fingers wordlessly.

 

Quiet washed over the crowd as the first GM came up to the stand. Tadhg knew it wouldn’t be him, so he was content to tune out. Tadhg was relatively certain that he’d go in the middle of the second round, maybe even early in the third. It made no real difference, all of the later rounds were the same at the end of the day. As names got further and further down the draft order, it became a matter of waiting. A few other Marlins alumni had been drafted, Wilk going to Warsaw and Preobrazhensky going to Moscow. As it came to the 16th andfinal pick of the first round, there was talk of New York selecting George Sanderson or Mason Jones.

 

The New York Americans GM stood tall at the microphone, with a smile on his face as he gave an initial speech. He spoke of the trade that had to be made to get the 16th overall pick, and he spoke of being privileged to be at the draft entirely.

 

‘I’ll get to the pick now,’ the GM laughed softly. ‘With the 16th overall pick in the VHL Entry Draft, the New York Americans are proud to select, from the San Diego Marlins, goaltender Tadhg Byrne.’

 

Tadhg’s head shot up at the sound of his name leaving the speakers and reverberating through the arena. Before he knew it, his father had his arms around him for a brief embrace. As did his mother afterwards, and then Siobhan. All of them, even his father, were teary eyed. There were words of joy, his mother and Siobhan congratulated the newly-drafted goaltender. His father hugged him again before pointing to the stage.

 

Right, Tadhg thought, Now I have to go on-stage.

 

Auto-pilot had been engaged in Tadhg’s mind. He didn’t remember much about shaking the GM’s hand, nor putting on the jersey and hat. It all became a blur that was vaguely blue coloured.

 

Tadhg Byrne had put in years of work, years of practise, years of training for this exact moment. He stood atop a stage, shoulder to shoulder with a VHL GM who believed in him to protect the goal. It was only when he saw his name on the draft board that it completely sunk in.

 

The Boy from Dublin Town was a VHL goaltender now.

[Rhynex Entertainment 484]

Very nice read! Love the story style narrative and character introduction. Easy to read. Unlikely to get a chance to play with you, but best of luck and bring glory to NYA in the future! 10/10