The Culver City Practice Rink
July 13, 1983
(J.T., Rogie VACHON, and George MAGUIRE have spent the last several days making trips to the practice rink to see the newly-acquired players work out with the rest of the team.)
VACHON: "Steve Weeks reported to the Kings yesterday. We'll finally get to see him practice."
"Looking forward to it."
MAGUIRE: "WHAT THE HELL KIND OF SWEATER IS THAT?!?!"
(MAGUIRE and VACHON look over at J.T., who just stays silent. One of the assistant coaches gets Weeks's attention, and Steve skates off the ice. He returns a short time later.)
"Ha, that's better."
VACHON: "Yeah, that was pretty strange."
(J.T. quickly changes the subject.)
"So, Rogie. I was looking at a few more of the scouting reports that were on my desk the other day, and I think I'm gonna need to do another deal. We're a bit short on the fourth line."
"We're worried about the fourth line, now?"
"Well, specifically the fourth-line right wing. Right now we have a guy named Archie Henderson there, and basically, all he can do is agitate or fight. I'm usually pretty lenient about guys' skill sets when they're playing on the fourth line, but this is ridiculous."
VACHON: "Wow. Okay, so you weren't kidding around."
(MAGUIRE pipes in.)
MAGUIRE: "So what? He can fight and he won't be intimidated. We're talking about the fourth line here!"
"But we're going to play Tiger Williams on the fourth line. He can fight and agitate, and can also play a little bit. It's redundant, don't you think?"
VACHON: "Anyone you had in mind?"
"Yeah. I think we need someone who'll primarily backcheck, but won't look too out of place if we need to bump him up to a different line for a period or two ... or a game or two."
VACHON: "Looks good. He's pretty young, as well. That works for me."
(MAGUIRE just shrugs.)
MAGUIRE: "Whatever. Are you gonna trade Henderson? He might come in handy at some point."
"No, I'll hold on to him. Be back in a few, guys."
(J.T. has to go to the rink security desk to make the call to the North Stars and get the trade done.)
