Chapter 42

I stayed at Kirsty’s for a while and played with little Gillian, she was growing up so fast and she was the spitting image of her father.

Again the week past like a flash of lightening and it was soon time to be flying off to Calgary.

We got the training off to a good start and we wrapped up quickly so that I could get changed ready for Mikes interview.

In between a busy training schedule this week I managed to contact Jerome Iginla, he was the captain of the Calgary Flames when I was still back in Scotland who retired at the end of season 2008 / 2009. Mike was a huge fan of his so I asked if he would mind meeting him. I explained that I was seeing some of the Flames players the afternoon of the Flames / Penguins game to check for any injuries.

It was becoming a regular thing that I would spend some time with the team that we were visiting during their training and to check injuries etc.

Jerome was over the moon to be asked to attend and to meet a fan.

I entered the conference room before most of the other panellists. I had changed into a black suit and white shirt with black kitten heel shoes. I tied my hair long blonde hair back into a tight pony tail. I wanted to make sure that I looked professional. It was amazing the change when I spent most of my time in tracksuits, training tops and either ice skates or trainers.

The other panellists arrived and soon after Mike was shown through. He smiled at me when he seen me sitting there and suddenly looked a lot more relaxed.

The panellists asked him many questions and put several different scenarios at him to see how he would handle things. I was soon asked to explain my part in the NHL and how he would come to me when players needed physiotherapy.

He was then asked to leave the room while the board made their vote. I sat quietly and listened and watched as the hands rose when they were asked to vote on if he was to be offered the job. The decision was unanimous. I was asked to buzz him back through and tell him the good news.

“Mike, while you were outside a vote took place on if we all thought you were the right candidate for the job on offer. After careful consideration and a short discussion between the panel members it was decided that we would like to offer you the position of Team Doctor based here at the Saddledome. We will have a contract and offer letter with all terms and conditions sent over to the hotel, it will be there by the time you arrive back. Please let us know as soon as possible if you require any further information and if you would like to accept our offer.” I announced in the most professional manner I could muster.

“Thank you, I will have a look and phone in tomorrow morning.”

The room soon emptied and I was the last to leave. As I left the conference room I caught sight of Mike still sitting outside.

“Hey Mike, I was hoping to catch you. I have a surprise for you. If you can head down to reception I will be down in a few minutes, I just need to get changed again.” Mike walked away smiling without saying anything. I think he is still in shock.

I headed down to the reception as soon as I was changed and handed Mike a pair of ice skates and an all access pass.

He asked what was going on but I would not tell him.

As we reached the ice he noticed that there was training taking place. I told him to sit down and put his skates on I would shout him when I was ready.

I put my skates on and grabbed a hockey stick, as I approached the ice a player came off and I took his place on the team and I played the rest of the game with them.

The game ended and the guys all hugged me and thanked me for joining in, I told those who wanted to see me to stay on the ice, the rest I would see after the game.

As some of them disappeared and the others took of their helmets and gloves etc. I could see Mike getting more and more excited as he realised he was in the company of the Calgary Flames first team.

I noticed Jerome high up in the stalls so I motioned for him to come down, as he neared the ice I looked at Mike and his expression was priceless.

“Mike, you can come onto the ice now, I have the first part of your surprise for you.” I shouted over.

He came onto the ice but would not let go of the sides so Jerome made his way over laughing and introduced himself. Mike was so excited that he forgot that he was on the ice and let go of the edge, before he knew it he had fallen.

Jerome and I helped him up and I explained that Jerome was here to spend some time with him this afternoon, he was over the moon. They spent the rest of the afternoon messing about on the ice and talking about hockey etc.

I finished helping the guys and gave them some exercises and told them to phone me if they had any more problems.

I left Mike with Jerome and I went to see Sidney before the pre game meal.

“Hey gorgeous, I have been thinking about the wedding”, I announce as I approach him. “I think we should have it this summer, I know it does not give us long to plan it but I don’t want to wait another year to become Mrs Crosby.”

I sat myself on his knee and gave him a very passionate kiss.

“You are going to get me all worked up before tonight’s game.” He said jokingly.

“I was thinking the same about the wedding to be honest, I would love to do it this year and maybe go over to Scotland for our honeymoon. We can visit some of your old friends and family that you have not seen in a long time.”

“I would like that, thank you. Have you thought about the venue of the wedding?” I asked smiling at him.

“I just assumed we would have it in Pittsburgh, probably the big hotel that looks over the marina.”

“I was thinking we could have it in Nova Scotia, your home town to be specific. We could hire a couple of marquees and have the ceremony in the flower garden near your parent’s home.” I said feeling rather pleased with myself.

“Gill, you are amazing, I love you so much. You have made my day. My parents and sister will be so happy with the decision. Thank you.”

We chatted for a bit longer and then went down and got Mike.