34

Once he was forced to retire, Eddy took a few years off, and then he became a commentator for several of the networks. Now, he travels the country and talks shop with other athletes and analysts. He is as close to hockey as he can get without being on the ice. I’m sure he isn’t commentating for the money. He was one of the highest-paid goalies in the league. I assume he does it to be close to the sport he loves.

“So, you’re telling me to consider some of the jobs Jesse’s offered me?”

“Not yet. You need some time. I really don’t think rushing back out there will help you in any way. You’ve got to let your body heal first, let things settle in your mind. You need to spend some time with your family. Then, once you can differentiate your head from your ass, you can ease into the offers.”

I gaze out at the beach—waiting for the ocean to turn into a rink, for the sand to morph into seats, for the beachgoers to start chanting, Boston! Boston!

But there is no ice, no seats, no chanting.

I ta