Game Changers, #6
The Long Game
by Rachel Reid
Contents
Chapter Twenty-Six
Overview
Ilya channels post-engagement momentum into a rare, fiery locker-room speech before facing the top-ranked Admirals. Ottawa wins decisively, restoring team confidence. At celebrations, Ilya bonds with Luca over his hidden artistic talent and careful approach to dating, and encourages him. Troy is seen leaving with Harris, hinting at new stability.
Summary
Ilya dresses for the home game against the league-leading New York Admirals, newly energized by his secret engagement ring and a therapy session with Galina about his near-death scare. He keeps the engagement private, determined to ride the positive momentum.
In the locker room, Ilya delivers an uncharacteristically bold speech, insisting the Admirals are not better, praising each teammate by name, and declaring they will make the playoffs this year. The team rallies around his confidence.
Ottawa wins. Ilya, Troy, Luca, and even Tanner Dillon score, while Wyatt Hayes backstops with strong saves. The victory feels joyful and revitalizing.
At Monk’s, Ilya soaks in the camaraderie. Bood departs early with news of Cassie’s imminent delivery. Ilya notices Troy leaving with Harris, pleased at Troy’s apparent happiness.
Ilya then discovers Luca’s professional-level Spider-Man sketch for a teammate’s child and is impressed. He asks Luca to design his next tattoo, boosting Luca’s confidence.
Sharing beers, Ilya and Luca discuss fame, sex, and caution. Luca admits he’s shy and not seeking casual hookups, and accidentally reveals he once had Ilya’s poster on his wall. Dykstra teases them, and the moment ends with warm humor, deepening team bonds as Ilya’s leadership steadies the room.
Who Appears
- Ilya RozanovOttawa captain; secretly engaged, delivers rousing speech, leads team to win, bonds with Luca at celebration.
- Luca HaasRookie scorer and talented artist; draws at the bar, admits shyness about dating, agrees to design Ilya’s tattoo.
- Wyatt HayesVeteran goalie praised by Ilya; makes key saves in the win against New York.
- Troy BarrettTeammate who scores; leaves the bar with Harris, signaling progress in his personal life.
- Evan DykstraTeammate who admires Luca’s art and jokes with Ilya and Luca during celebrations.
- BoodTeammate and pool opponent; leaves early due to his partner Cassie’s impending delivery.
- HarrisSeen leaving Monk’s with Troy, suggesting a developing relationship.
- GalinaIlya’s therapist; meets with him about his near-death scare earlier that day.