Eric is a 40-year-old veteran goaltender for the New York Admirals who faces impending retirement and a recent, quiet divorce. He maintains a highly disciplined lifestyle, adhering to strict dietary routines and pre-game rituals to manage his aging body. Beneath his heavily protected athletic persona, he holds a Harvard degree in English literature and quietly collects abstract art.

Kyle is a 25-year-old graduate student at Columbia University and a bartender at the Kingfisher in Manhattan. He speaks multiple languages and possesses a deep knowledge of art history, though his true professional passion lies in hospitality. He frequently uses wit and a flirtatious exterior as a defense mechanism to manage emotional vulnerability.

Scott is the captain of the New York Admirals and the first openly gay player in the NHL. He actively tries to foster a supportive environment for his teammates and acts as a steadying presence in the locker room. His public life offers an example of integrating personal identity with a professional sports career.

Kip is a graduate student, bartender, and the fiancé of Admirals captain Scott Hunter. He is a warm, enthusiastic presence who actively tries to bring his friends together. He remains attentive to the people in his life and serves as a central link between the hockey players and the local community.

Ilya is a brash, highly talented all-star player for the rival Ottawa team. On the ice, he acts as an obnoxious and infuriating opponent, but off the ice, he is surprisingly perceptive. He bluntly comments on dynamics that others politely ignore.

Carter is one of Eric's closest friends on the Admirals. He is loud, fun-loving, and fiercely loyal to his teammates. He often views situations through a traditional, heteronormative lens, which sometimes limits his understanding of Eric's internal struggles.

Maria is a student of human services who lives with Kyle in a Chelsea apartment. She operates as a grounding force, offering practical perspectives on Kyle's romantic choices and encouraging him to move past unavailable men.

Tommy is the young, talented backup goaltender for the New York Admirals. At the same age as Kyle, his presence creates a professional pressure for Eric. He looks up to Eric and respects his veteran status on the team.

Dallas is a star forward for the Toronto hockey team. He maintains a hostile, anti-gay attitude and uses slurs on the ice, making him a despised opponent for the Admirals.

Matti is a Finnish player for the New York Admirals. He forms part of the team's social circle and occasionally joins group outings in Manhattan.

Ian is Kyle's former boss from his hometown of Shaw, Vermont. As an older, married man, he engaged in a secret affair with an 18-year-old Kyle, ultimately leading to a public scandal that drove Kyle out of town.

Holly is Eric's ex-wife. They finalized a quiet, mutual divorce over a year ago. She represents the comfortable, conventional life Eric led before acknowledging his attraction to men.

Jeanette is an art dealer who runs a gallery in Chelsea. She recognizes Eric's artistic eye, particularly regarding his photography, and provides a space outside of hockey where he can express his intellectual interests.

Coach Murdock is the head coach of the New York Admirals. He manages the team's performance and makes the difficult decisions regarding starting lineups as Eric's career wanes.

Aram is a physically imposing bartender who works alongside Kyle at the Kingfisher. He shares an easy camaraderie with Kyle during their shifts and gym workouts.

Quinn is the goalie coach for the New York Admirals. He pays close attention to Eric's physical and mental state on the ice.

Troy is a player for the Toronto team and Dallas Kent's teammate. He seeks advice on handling difficult locker room dynamics, showing an open-minded approach that contrasts with some of his peers.