Ward felt all eyes turn on him and, despite Sumners’ words, his instinct was to turn around and get the hell out of there. Instead, he stood in place when he felt Hannah’s hand slip into his, giving him another reassuring squeeze. Reflexively he tightened his hold, as if it was some kind of lifeline. ‘Now, we’re all aware that our boy has suffered some physical injuries lately, but by all accounts is recovering nicely, and we’re keen to have him back on the ice soon.’

Hannah looked up at him, flashing a delighted smile, and Ward exhaled. OK, he was coming back. He’d done it. The board hadn’t given him the axe after all. Sumners had just confirmed the news he’d been waiting all this time to hear.

He knew that by rights he should be over the moon, so he wondered why he wasn’t feeling that way. Probably because Sumners had simply issued the news so offhandedly and without any great fanfare. Which suggested he wasn’t finished with what he had to say just yet.

No, something was off.

He leaned in close to Hannah and whispered, ‘That’s not it, there’s more.’

Almost as if he’d overheard, Sumners then turned his full attention in his direction. ‘Of course, besides injury, we’re also all aware Ward has had some … recent challenges too; issues that he has worked very hard to overcome. His behaviour could even have been considered problematic by some, but like always, he was man enough to take all that criticism and face it head-on.’

His stomach tightened and he braced himself. All these cringe niceties aside, by the way Sumners was looking at him he was certain that a major bombshell was about to be dropped – and it was the kind of blast designed to cause maximum damage.

‘I’m sure you’ve all seen some of the press lately and I gotta say some of us have had to do a double-take to see our Panther playing around with kittens. While we knew the PR people had to tame our wildcat a bit, we didn’t expect him to be neutered.’

There was a burst of laughter from the crowd and Ward’s face flushed. Hannah grabbed his hand again and entwined his fingers tightly in hers as if the pressure could contain the humiliation burning up inside of him.

‘In other news, as some of you may already know, Coach Lewis recently alerted us of his retirement and I’m sad to say will be leaving us after the playoffs,’ he stated and Ward frowned.