Game Changers, #6
The Long Game
by Rachel Reid
Contents
Chapter Two
Overview
Ilya wakes from a dream of his mother and starts the camp’s first day with anxious Shane, who enforces strict secrecy. Coaching begins with a few stumbles, and Ilya’s jealousy over a flirtatious reporter leads to an unprofessional puck stunt.
After a heated argument, Shane declares his commitment; Ryan Price nearly catches them again. They consider a discreet double date, keep the relationship secret from staff, share dinner with Yuna, and end the day grounded in love but wary of exposure.
Summary
Ilya wakes from a lucid dream of his late mother at Shane’s cottage, then in Montreal finds Shane already up and anxious about the first day of their charity hockey camp. They review allergy forms and media plans while setting strict no-kissing rules to protect their secret. Ilya reassures Shane but privately longs for the ease of cottage life.
At the rink, Ilya introduces the coaching staff—Wyatt Hayes, Leah Campbell, Ryan Price, J.J. Boiziau, Max Riley, and Hayden Pike—while Shane struggles to explain a drill until J.J. steps in. The camp runs smoothly; Ilya coaches kids closely, including helping Chloe with backhand passes, while keeping an eye on a handsome reporter flirting with Shane.
Jealous, Ilya impulsively fires a puck at the glass near Shane, rattling him and souring the mood. After the day ends, they argue in the office: Shane accuses Ilya of undermining him, and Ilya admits jealousy and fear that Shane might want an easier, public relationship. Shane quietly insists he is “fucking in love” and not leaving. As they draw close, Ryan Price appears and nearly catches them again; they recover, then discuss possibly double-dating with Ryan and his boyfriend.
That evening, over dinner with Yuna, they debrief the near-miss, debate whom—if anyone—to tell among staff, and decide to keep the relationship private for now. Later, Ilya reflects on his mother and their mental-health mission, and on the deck Shane and Ilya hold each other, ending the day exhausted, reaffirmed, and vigilant about secrecy.
Who Appears
- Ilya RozanovPro hockey star; dreams of his mother, coaches kids, grows jealous of a reporter, fires a puck, argues, apologizes, reaffirms love.
- Shane HollanderAnxious camp organizer; sets strict secrecy rules, struggles coaching, confronts Ilya about jealousy, declares commitment, nearly caught again.
- Ryan PriceShy, retired defenseman and coach; knows their secret, inadvertently interrupts them again, remains discreet.
- Yuna HollanderShane’s mother; helps run the camp logistics, cooks dinner, encourages discretion and support.
- Hayden PikeShane’s best friend and teammate; assists coaching, banters with Ilya, potential liability for secrecy.
- J.J. BoiziauShane’s teammate; confidently takes over drills, effective with kids, cool toward Ilya.
- Wyatt HayesOttawa goalie; coaches netminders with humor, lightens the mood.
- Leah CampbellDecorated goalie; co-coaches netminders, brings credibility and warmth.
- Max RileyTeam Canada forward and trans advocate; assists with goalie drills and shooting.
- LaurentAttractive reporter; chats with Shane, triggering Ilya’s jealousy.
- ChloeYoung camper; receives personal coaching from Ilya on backhand passes.
- Irina RozanovaIlya’s late mother; appears in his dream, symbolizing his grief and motivation.