Wearing his once upon a time Army Black Knights Hockey jersey, with portable synthetic ice rink funding in his hands, Yuri walked out of the office of Huygens President and Football team Offensive Line Coach, Durango Palacio-Earle.
The most awkward part of their conversation was when Durango asked Yuri how he ended up as a military-trained cultural attaché in Leningrad -- instead of playing pro-hockey.
"We spoke Russian in my Brooklyn home; in the West Point arts and crafts center, I made a few paintings, but actually that appointment -- active immediately on graduation -- was the consequence of my unforgettable romance with the daughter of an overprotective and powerful General, who was associated with the Department of Military Instruction."
"The action of that General, who clearly was not a hockey fan, is a sad story." Durango sighed. "However, an important issue in my office today is your success in scouting hockey talent."
In early March of this year," Yuri began, "former Dartmouth Hockey enforcer and 10th Mountain Division veteran, Pete Lafitte and I set out on a tour of Vermont and New Hampshire High School Hockey Teams. At Dartmouth, Pete played on the same team as the legendary Jack Riley. When I was at West Point, Jack Riley was Head Hockey Coach. Due to issues with unpredictable liquor laws in Vermont towns, Pete and I stocked up on beer.
"Then, in Pete’s old jeep, we set out for St Albans, Vermont. Only about 40 miles from Pete’s place in Jay Peak, St Albans is the home of one of the best High School hockey teams ever. It was a good place to start.”
