Chapter Thirty-Six

Ilya returns to the Centaurs and is greeted enthusiastically. After practice, he addresses the locker room, confirming his relationship with Shane; teammates respond with humor and support. Wyatt notices Ilya’s ring, and Ilya privately confirms their engagement, receiving quiet encouragement.

Game 1 in Montreal heightens Shane’s nerves; he wears his engagement ring on a chain and feels alienated by his team’s silence. Ilya and Shane face off repeatedly, with Montreal edging a 2–1 win. Later, on a FaceTime call, they acknowledge how hard competing against each other feels and reconnect intimately to settle Shane’s anxiety.

The series swings: Ottawa wins Game 2 and 3, Montreal ties in Game 4, then crushes Ottawa 6–1 in Game 5. Facing elimination, Ottawa takes Game 6 at home as Ilya scores early and the Centaurs prevail 4–3, forcing a decisive Game 7.

Game 7 is a grinding battle that reaches overtime. With minutes left, Shane steals the puck but his pass is intercepted by Ilya, leading to a sprint the other way. As Shane moves to poke the puck free, he stumbles and falls, and Ilya scores five-hole for the series winner. In the handshake line, Troy offers camaraderie about upcoming camps; with Ilya, Shane offers sincere praise despite heartbreak, and Wyatt shares respect.

Back in Montreal’s room, Drapeau bristles, and several teammates insinuate Shane’s fall might have been intentional. Hayden and J.J. defend him, but doubt lingers. Shaken, Shane leaves without goodbyes, finds his parents, and breaks down over the accusation. As they depart, his mother hides alarming social media chatter, signaling an oncoming public firestorm.