Game Changers, #6
The Long Game
by Rachel Reid
Contents
Epilogue
Overview
At Ottawa’s October home opener, Shane and Ilya enjoy a blissful routine as a married couple before the game. On the ice, Ilya retains the captaincy while Shane debuts as Ottawa’s star, embraced by fans. Their playful competitiveness hardens into a shared resolve to win the Stanley Cup and raise a banner.
Summary
On opening night in October, Shane and Ilya wake up giddy, share a morning run with Anya, make breakfast, and keep Ilya’s medication routine. They meet friends David and Yuna for lunch as part of Shane’s opening-night ritual, reinforcing the stability of their new life together.
Driving to the arena, they stop at Willa and Andrew’s for encouragement and a sign celebrating their championship ambitions. The day feels perfect, and Ilya looks forward to many years like it, underscoring their settled, public partnership.
In the locker room queue, Bood teases them as Shane, now an Ottawa player, lines up between teammates. Shane notices the absence of a captain’s C on his chest; Ilya taps his own C, reaffirming his leadership and their playful rivalry.
During introductions, the crowd erupts for Shane, instantly embracing him as a hometown superstar. Ilya takes the ice to complete the circle, trading smiles with Shane across center. Amid cheers and pounding music, Bood voices the goal of finally earning a championship banner, and Ilya and Shane commit to pursuing the Cup together.
Who Appears
- Ilya RozanovOttawa captain; enjoys a perfect pregame day with Shane, keeps the C, and commits to winning a banner.
- Shane HollanderNew Ottawa star and Ilya’s husband; debuts at home opener, embraced by fans, eyes future captaincy and a Cup.
- BoodTeammate who jokes with Ilya and Shane, voicing the goal of finally raising a championship banner.