Chapter 2

“Brad and Jake, time to take a seat, as General Manager Murray will be on Seeme very soon,” Dan announced.

Dan started the session and he could see Mr. Murray behind his desk in his office. Hi, Mr. Murray. It looks like we have a good connection.”

“Yes, I can see you clearly.”

“I’ll pan the laptop so you can see the gang of relatives and friends we have here to witness the boys signing their contracts.” Many of them waved to him or said, Hello.

“I see that Peter and Derek Kendall are with you too.”

“We’re a big hockey family,” Vicky said.

“If I may,” Mr. Murray began. “First of all, I want to congratulate the four of you, Brad, Jake, Peter, and Derek, on winning the Memorial Cup. Twice in three years is quite a feat.”

“Thank you, sir. We had a great, well-coached team,” Brad replied.

“Yes and Coach Stanton has also been rewarded, as he’ll now be the new assistant coach for the Binghamton Senators. This day, though, belongs to you two. I see that your agent, Alex Harper, is with you as well. She negotiated a good bonus contract, especially what you’d make in the AHL Whenever you’re ready, Brad.”

Cameras and video captured the special moment. Brad smiled at the others, Abby on the verge of happy tears. He picked up the pen engraved for this special day. “I never expected this day to ever happen. Thank you, Mr. Murray, and to the Ottawa Senators organization.”

He picked up the pen and signed his contract, then showed it to everyone. Applause and cheers broke out.

“Jake, you’re next.” He picked up the special pen that Tiffany had bought for him; cameras and video ready, he placed his signature on the contract. There was more applause and cheers for him. “What Brad said about the Senators.”

“Congratulations, Jake and Brad. Along with Peter and Derek, you are now officially members of the Ottawa Senators,” Mr. Murray said. There were more applause and cheers, followed by handshakes by the men and hugs and kisses from the women.

“We finished second in our division, fifth in the conference. Unfortunately, we lost in the first round to Pittsburgh. I see a bright future for you four. There will be several openings on the roster for a rookie to make the team. If you get cut at camp, don’t despair. You’ll still have a chance of making the baby Senators in Binghamton. I doubt that any of you will be returning to your junior team. Continue your off-season training and we’ll see you at training camp. Good luck.”

They said goodbye to Mr. Murray.

“Brad, I have a surprise for you,” Alex began, taking papers from her briefcase. “As you recall, CCM dropped you as a client to use and promote their hockey sticks. I am proud to say that I’ve been in contact with the Board of Directors for CCM and they want you to use their sticks exclusively. I am pleased to also tell you that the people at CCM also would like you to wear their hockey skates.”

She laid the paper on the table. “This contract will pay you fifty thousand dollars per year on a five-year contract. When you turn pro, that sum increases to a hundred and fifty thousand yearly.”

Brad looked wide-eyed at Abby and the rest of them.

“I’m so happy for you, Brad!” Abby remarked, giving him a good hug and kiss.

“I also negotiated a half-million-dollar bonus should you set any NHL records with your sticks.”

There were several shrieks and mouths covered at the announcement of the bonus.

“You and Abby are invited to Sherbrooke, just outside of Montreal, next Tuesday to watch your sticks being made right before your eyes. Your feet will also be measured to make a mould that will serve as the model for your skates. No more store-bought sticks or skates for you.”

“I don’t know what to say,” Brad remarked.

“That has got to be first,” Brenda quipped.