Shane is a 25-year-old star center for the Montreal Voyageurs and one of the most marketable players in the NHL. Raised in a supportive environment in Ottawa, he adheres strictly to routines and fears stepping out of line. His polished public persona masks his deep anxiety about his sexuality and his clandestine encounters with his greatest professional rival.

Ilya is the Russian star center for the Boston Bears. He leans into his reputation as a hockey villain, using aggression to keep others at a distance. Dealing with the trauma of a painful family history, he uses his abrasive exterior to hide his deep isolation and insecurity.

David is a former college hockey player who now works for the Treasury Board of Canada. He provides a stable and grounded presence for his son, contrasting sharply with typical intense sports parents.

Yuna is the daughter of Japanese immigrants and a passionate hockey fan. She follows her son's career closely and provides unwavering emotional support, always prioritizing his well-being over his fame.

Grigori is a strict police official in Russia. He views his son's hockey career strictly as a measure of national and personal pride, offering no emotional support and consistently demanding perfection.

Irina is a tragic figure from Ilya's past whose death deeply affects him. Though the family publicly claims her death was an accident, the reality of her passing continues to haunt her son.

Andrei lives in Russia and maintains a distant relationship with his brother. He views his famous sibling primarily as a source of financial assistance rather than a family member to support.

Polina is Grigori's second wife. Much like the rest of the family in Russia, her interactions with her stepson revolve around demands for money rather than familial care.

Hayden is a left wing for the Montreal Voyageurs. He lives a highly conventional life, having married young and started a large family, representing the socially accepted path that athletes are expected to follow.

Rose is a perceptive actress who offers a glimpse of a normal, publicly acceptable life. She treats her dates as people rather than celebrities, and her emotional maturity helps others clarify their own feelings.

Scott is the captain of the New York Admirals. His trailblazing actions regarding his own identity within the NHL serve as a distant but vital inspiration for players struggling with similar pressures.

Svetlana is a hockey-loving woman in Boston who keeps casual company with athletes. She enjoys the sport and the players but remains disconnected from their deeper emotional struggles.

Ryan is a towering defenseman and enforcer for the Boston Bears. Despite his intimidating reputation on the ice, he is an anxious traveler who reads classic literature for comfort.

Cliff is a player for the Boston Bears who leans into the party lifestyle of professional sports. He frequently seeks hookups and ignores team rules.