Game Changers, #6
The Long Game
by Rachel Reid
Contents
Chapter Sixteen
Overview
Shane meets Commissioner Crowell, who praises charity work but subtly warns against public disclosure of Shane’s sexuality, offering league-managed messaging instead. Disturbed, Shane calls Ilya. Later, Ilya’s therapy session unpacks his father, bisexuality, the decade-long secret relationship, and realistic worst/best-case futures, affirming he’d choose Shane but resenting the forced choice.
Summary
Shane arrives at NHL headquarters to meet Commissioner Roger Crowell. Crowell warmly praises Montreal’s season, the Irina Foundation, and league “diversity” efforts, then pointedly contrasts inclusion with avoiding distractions. He hints he’s heard Shane is gay, applauds privacy, and suggests the league could manage any future public disclosure.
Shane, unsettled by the veiled pressure and corporate spin, leaves feeling slimy and intimidated. He immediately calls Ilya, recounting the mixed praise and implicit warning against another “Scott Hunter” moment. Ilya labels it gross and hears Shane’s intent to do nothing, but feels the sting of continued secrecy despite exchanging I love yous.
Later, Ilya meets with Dr. Galina Molchalina. He describes his decorated, controlling father, fraught family dynamics, and how hockey became his escape after his mother died. He candidly identifies as bisexual, began sexual exploration young, and reveals a decade-long secret relationship that has become love.
Galina probes support systems and risks. Ilya admits few people know—mostly Shane’s circle—and fears what outing could do, including visa worries and hostile league reactions. Weighing outcomes, he names a realistic worst case—careers ending but marrying and living quietly in Canada—and a best case where their relationship is public and accepted. He concludes he would choose Shane over hockey but resents being forced to choose.
Who Appears
- Shane HollanderMontreal star; meets Commissioner Crowell, feels pressured to stay private, calls Ilya distressed, reaffirms love.
- Ilya RozanovOttawa captain; comforts Shane, then in therapy confronts family history, bisexuality, secrecy, fears, and future scenarios.
- Roger CrowellNHL commissioner; politely praises charity and diversity while discouraging public coming out, offering league-managed optics.
- Dr. Galina MolchalinaIlya’s therapist; guides discussion on his father, identity, secrecy, and realistic best/worst futures.
- LydiaNHL receptionist who ushers Shane to and from Crowell’s office.