Summer Secrets and Sunlight

Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, hockey superstars and rivals, spend a rare, blissful summer together at Shane's cottage, hidden from the world. Their love is fierce but secret, shaped by years of rivalry and the pressures of professional hockey. They savor domesticity—running, cooking, and laughing—while wrestling with the reality that their relationship must remain hidden. The outside world, and the coming hockey season, loom like a storm on the horizon. Yet, in the golden light of summer, they dare to dream of a future where they can be open, even as they steel themselves for another year of secrecy.

Hidden Hearts, Open Wounds

As the season approaches, Shane and Ilya return to their separate teams, carrying the weight of their secret. Ilya is haunted by dreams of his late mother and the pain of his past, while Shane's anxiety about being discovered intensifies. Their charity hockey camp brings them together, but also exposes cracks—jealousy, fear, and the ever-present risk of being outed. The camp is a microcosm of their lives: joy, camaraderie, and the constant need to hide. The emotional toll of secrecy grows, threatening to unravel the happiness they've built.

Rivalry and Reconciliation

The hockey camp brings together friends and rivals, forcing Shane and Ilya to navigate their public personas and private desires. Jealousy flares when Shane is interviewed by an attractive reporter, leading to a petty, public outburst from Ilya. Tension simmers until a confrontation leads to honest admissions and a deeper understanding. Their love is tested but ultimately strengthened, as they realize that their greatest rival is not each other, but the world that demands they hide.

Double Dates and Doubts

Shane and Ilya venture into new territory: a double date with another queer couple, Ryan and Fabian. The experience is both liberating and unsettling, highlighting what they're missing by hiding. Fabian's probing questions force them to confront the cost of secrecy. The night is a revelation—joyful, awkward, and bittersweet. It plants seeds of doubt about their long-term plan to stay hidden, and about what they truly want from life and each other.

Jealousy, Joy, and Jitters

The camp continues, filled with laughter, mishaps, and moments of vulnerability. Shane and Ilya's dynamic is playful but fraught, as jealousy and insecurity bubble beneath the surface. Their friends and family offer support, but also remind them of what's at stake. The week ends with a passionate reunion, a reminder of the intensity of their connection—and the risks they take to be together.

Outed in the Shadows

As the season begins, the pressure mounts. Shane and Ilya's relationship is nearly discovered more than once, and the fear of exposure becomes a constant companion. Ilya's mental health wavers, haunted by his mother's legacy and the strain of hiding. Shane's anxiety grows, especially as the media and league begin to take notice of their closeness. The threat of being outed hangs over them, casting a shadow on every joy.

Family, Friends, and Fears

Both men lean on their families—Shane's parents, Ilya's memories—for comfort. Friends like Hayden and J.J. offer support, but also suspicion and, at times, betrayal. The couple's circle of trust is small and fragile. Ilya's longing for family and belonging is palpable, and Shane's fear of losing everything intensifies. The tension between love and loyalty, secrecy and honesty, becomes almost unbearable.

Therapy and Truths Unveiled

Ilya, struggling with depression and haunted by his past, begins seeing a Russian-speaking therapist. Therapy forces him to confront old wounds—his mother's suicide, his father's cruelty, his own fears of mental illness. He grapples with the question of whether happiness is possible for someone like him. Meanwhile, Shane tries to be supportive, but is often left in the dark. The process is slow, painful, and necessary, as Ilya learns that healing is not linear.

Coming Out, Coming Together

Inspired by friends and the changing world, Ilya comes out as bisexual to a teammate, Troy, who in turn comes out as gay. The experience is liberating, but also highlights the imbalance in their relationship—Shane's friends know, but Ilya's do not. The couple begins to imagine a future where they can be open, but the risks remain daunting. Their love deepens as they support each other through these tentative steps toward authenticity.

Playoffs, Pressure, and Pain

The playoffs bring both men to the brink—physically, emotionally, and professionally. Their teams face off, and the rivalry is fiercer than ever. The pressure to perform, the fear of exposure, and the demands of the game threaten to tear them apart. Injuries, losses, and the relentless scrutiny of the media add to the strain. Yet, in the crucible of competition, their love proves resilient, even as the world closes in.

The World Finds Out

An accidental video, posted online, outs Shane and Ilya to the world. The fallout is immediate and brutal—media frenzy, league intervention, and betrayal by teammates. Both are benched, their careers in jeopardy. Friends and family rally around them, but the pain of public scrutiny is immense. The couple is forced to confront the reality of their situation: they can no longer hide, and must decide whether to fight for their love or retreat into safety.

Fallout and Forgiveness

In the aftermath, Shane and Ilya face anger, suspicion, and doubt—from the league, their teams, and even each other. Old wounds are reopened, and the future is uncertain. Yet, through honest conversation, therapy, and the unwavering support of those who truly love them, they begin to heal. They choose each other, not just in secret, but in the light of day. Forgiveness—of themselves and each other—becomes the foundation for a new beginning.

Choosing Love, Choosing Life

The league offers a way out: deny the relationship and keep playing, or stand together and risk everything. Shane and Ilya choose each other, refusing to lie or hide any longer. Their defiance is both terrifying and exhilarating. They come out publicly, supported by friends, family, and a growing community of allies. The world's reaction is mixed, but their love is unshakable. They learn that choosing each other means choosing life, in all its messiness and beauty.

New Beginnings, Old Demons

With the secret out, Shane and Ilya begin to build a life together—adopting a dog, planning a wedding, and dreaming of a family. Yet, old demons linger. Ilya's depression is not magically cured by love or success, and Shane must learn to support him without trying to fix him. Therapy, honesty, and patience become their tools for survival. Together, they learn that happiness is not a destination, but a practice.

The Wedding and the Wait

Surrounded by friends, family, and teammates, Shane and Ilya marry in a joyful, imperfect ceremony. The wedding is both a culmination and a beginning—a public declaration of love, and a promise to face whatever comes together. The wait for the new hockey season, and for Shane's free agency decision, is filled with hope and anxiety. Yet, in each other, they find the courage to believe in a future where they can be both lovers and teammates.

A Team of Their Own

Shane signs with Ottawa, joining Ilya on the Centaurs. The dream of playing together, openly and as husbands, becomes reality. The team, once a source of secrecy and fear, is now a place of belonging and pride. Yet, challenges remain—on the ice and off. The couple learns that the long game is not just about hockey, but about building a life, a family, and a legacy together.

The Long Game Won

As the new season begins, Shane and Ilya step onto the ice as teammates, husbands, and equals. The journey has been long and painful, but they have won something greater than any championship: the right to love and be loved, openly and without shame. Their story becomes a beacon for others, a testament to the power of authenticity, resilience, and hope. The long game, it turns out, is about more than hockey—it's about life.

Epilogue: Home on the Ice

Months later, Shane and Ilya settle into their new life—on the ice, at home, and in the world. Their love, once hidden, is now celebrated. The team thrives, the community embraces them, and the future is bright. The long game continues, but now they play it together, side by side, home at last.

Characters

Shane Hollander

Shane is a hockey superstar, known for his discipline, work ethic, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Off the ice, he is anxious, deeply private, and haunted by the fear of being outed. His relationship with Ilya is both his greatest joy and his greatest source of anxiety. Shane's journey is one of learning to let go—of perfection, of secrecy, of the need to control everything. Through love, therapy, and the support of family and friends, he learns to embrace vulnerability and authenticity. His arc is defined by the tension between public expectation and private desire, and his ultimate triumph is choosing love over fear.

Ilya Rozanov

Ilya is a larger-than-life presence—charming, funny, and magnetic on and off the ice. Beneath the bravado, he is deeply wounded by childhood trauma, the loss of his mother, and the burden of secrecy. His bisexuality and mental health struggles are sources of both pain and strength. Ilya's love for Shane is unwavering, but he wrestles with feelings of unworthiness and the fear of repeating his mother's fate. Therapy becomes a lifeline, helping him confront his demons and embrace the possibility of happiness. His journey is one of healing, self-acceptance, and the courage to love openly.

Hayden Pike

Hayden is Shane's best friend and teammate, known for his humor, loyalty, and occasional cluelessness. He is one of the few who knows about Shane and Ilya's relationship, and his support is steadfast, if sometimes bumbling. Hayden's accidental outing of the couple via a FanMail video is a turning point, forcing Shane and Ilya into the open. Despite the chaos, Hayden remains a source of comfort and comic relief, embodying the messy, imperfect nature of friendship.

J.J. Boiziau

J.J. is Shane's teammate and confidant, supportive of Shane's sexuality but initially unaware of the relationship with Ilya. His sense of betrayal upon learning the truth is palpable, but ultimately, his loyalty and love for Shane prevail. J.J. represents the challenges and rewards of coming out within a close-knit, masculine environment. His journey mirrors that of many allies—confusion, anger, and, finally, acceptance.

Troy Barrett

Troy is Ilya's teammate, initially perceived as a prick but revealed to be a closeted gay man. His coming out, inspired by Ilya, is a watershed moment for the team and the league. Troy's relationship with Harris, the team's social media manager, is a parallel love story—one that highlights the importance of visibility, support, and community. Troy's courage helps pave the way for Shane and Ilya's own journey toward openness.

Harris Drover

Harris is the team's social media manager and Troy's boyfriend. Openly gay, he is beloved by the team and serves as a bridge between the hockey world and the broader queer community. Harris's warmth, humor, and activism provide a model for living authentically. His relationship with Troy, and his support of Ilya, underscore the importance of chosen family and queer joy.

Yuna and David Hollander

Shane's parents are pillars of support, offering unconditional love and acceptance. Yuna's warmth and David's quiet strength provide a safe haven for both Shane and Ilya. Their embrace of Ilya as family is a source of healing and belonging, especially for Ilya, who has lost his own parents. They represent the best of parental love—accepting, nurturing, and steadfast.

Scott Hunter

Scott is a fellow NHL player who came out publicly, paving the way for others. His friendship and mentorship are invaluable to Shane and Ilya, offering both practical advice and emotional support. Scott's activism and leadership in forming a group to challenge toxic hockey culture inspire others to speak out and demand change. He embodies the power of visibility and the importance of community.

Anya

Anya is the dog Ilya adopts, a symbol of new beginnings and the healing power of unconditional love. Her presence brings joy, comfort, and a sense of family to Shane and Ilya's home. Anya's journey from abandonment to belonging mirrors the couple's own path from secrecy to acceptance.

Farah Jalali

Farah is Shane and Ilya's agent, a voice of reason and unwavering support. She navigates the complexities of the league, the media, and the couple's careers with skill and compassion. Farah's advocacy is crucial during the crisis of being outed, and her belief in Shane and Ilya's right to love openly is a source of strength.

Plot Devices

Dual Narrative and Shifting Perspectives

The novel employs a dual narrative, alternating between Shane and Ilya's perspectives. This structure allows readers to experience the internal struggles, desires, and fears of both protagonists. The shifting viewpoints create dramatic irony, as each man is often unaware of the other's true feelings, and heighten the emotional stakes. The narrative is further enriched by flashbacks, dreams, and therapy sessions, which provide insight into the characters' pasts and psychological landscapes.

Secrecy, Outing, and Public Scrutiny

The central plot device is the secret relationship, maintained through elaborate subterfuge and constant vigilance. The threat of being outed is a source of both suspense and emotional pain. When the secret is accidentally revealed, the ensuing public scrutiny, media frenzy, and institutional backlash drive the story's climax. The device of accidental outing—via a FanMail video—serves as both a plot twist and a commentary on the fragility of privacy in the digital age.

Therapy as Narrative Catalyst

Ilya's journey through therapy is a key plot device, providing a framework for exploring trauma, depression, and the possibility of healing. Therapy sessions function as confessional spaces, allowing for introspection, revelation, and growth. The device also serves to destigmatize mental health struggles and highlight the importance of seeking help.

Symbolism of Home, Family, and Dogs

The cottage, the hockey camp, and the eventual shared home are recurring symbols of safety, love, and the longing for family. The adoption of Anya, the dog, is a plot device that represents hope, healing, and the creation of a new family. These symbols ground the narrative in tangible expressions of love and belonging, contrasting with the public, performative world of professional hockey.

Public vs. Private Identity

The tension between public persona and private self is a driving force. The narrative explores the psychological toll of living a double life, the fear of exposure, and the liberation that comes with authenticity. The device of public coming out—first for Troy, then for Shane and Ilya—serves as both a plot climax and a thematic resolution, affirming the power of truth.

Hockey as Metaphor and Arena

Hockey is more than a backdrop; it is a metaphor for the characters' battles—against each other, against the world, and against themselves. The structure of the hockey season, the playoffs, and the rivalry games provide a framework for the narrative's pacing and emotional arcs. The game becomes a crucible in which love, loyalty, and identity are tested and ultimately affirmed.

Analysis

"The Long Game" is a powerful exploration of love under pressure, the cost of secrecy, and the courage required to live authentically. Through the intertwined journeys of Shane and Ilya, the novel examines the psychological toll of hiding, the complexities of mental health, and the transformative power of vulnerability. The story is as much about healing as it is about romance—depicting therapy, chosen family, and the messy, nonlinear path to happiness. The narrative challenges the toxic norms of professional sports, offering a vision of a more inclusive, compassionate world. Ultimately, the novel's message is one of hope: that love, when chosen again and again in the face of fear, can not only survive but thrive. The long game, it suggests, is not about winning trophies, but about building a life—imperfect, hard-won, and deeply, beautifully real.

Last updated: December 28, 2025