Chapter Four

Over lunch at the Montreal camp, Max declares his renewed love for hockey, while Ryan and Leah acknowledge the sport’s harms alongside its pull. Discussion turns to Ottawa’s new coach, Brandon Wiebe, banter about attractiveness, and Ryan’s pride in his boyfriend. Hayden arrives late after rescuing his child’s stuffed alligator, prompting light teasing and admiration for his parenting.

Teams are set for half-rink scrimmages. Max warns Ilya about putting rivals Jordan Glencross and Ben Tremblay together, but Ilya is confident. Mid-game, Jordan pins Ben and throws gloved punches. Ilya separates them and takes both to the locker room, uncovering resentment over Jordan making the A team while his coach father might have influenced selection.

Instead of lecturing, Ilya diffuses tension by challenging them to balance and hop on one foot, turning anger into laughter and camaraderie. Shane enters, confused but reassured as the boys return to the ice joking together. Shane and Ilya trade quips about rivals falling for each other, hinting at their own history and restraint during the week.

After camp ends, Max celebrates the successful week and mentions J.J.’s Stanley Cup street party. Shane hedges, privately planning other commitments with Ilya, and Ilya dismisses celebrating Montreal’s win. Seeing Max and Leah’s easy public affection stirs Shane’s jealousy and desire for openness.

Shane learns his mother is looking for him and will soon return to Ottawa. In a quiet corridor, Ilya pulls Shane into a locker room where they kiss urgently, releasing a week of tension. They stop before going too far, joking about their first flirtation years earlier, and part with the promise of privacy once Shane’s mom leaves.