Heated Rivalry

Ilya watches Shane grill burgers on the deck and teases him for cooking too many. Shane explains that he told his parents he needed solitude for meditation, so he cannot give them any. Ilya asks if Shane often lies to his parents. Shane hesitates and admits that lying does not come easily to him.

Their conversation turns to Shane’s family. Shane admits that he has never told his parents that he is gay. He explains that the real complication is not his sexuality, but his relationship with Ilya. Privately, Shane fixates on the idea of his parents meeting Ilya. He wants the most important parts of his life to exist together. He worries about paparazzi and fears his parents might learn the truth in a painful way.

The men spend a joyful day together. That evening, they sit close together by a bonfire. Shane receives a text from Rose, which makes Ilya jealous. Shane admits that his past attempts to sleep with Rose were awkward and unsuccessful.

A loud call from a loon startles Ilya, who thinks it is a wolf. Shane laughs and explains the sound. He imitates the call, and Ilya complains that Shane speaks bird as well as English and French.

Shane asks about Ilya’s family. Ilya says his mother, Irina, was wonderful and admits she died by suicide when he was 12. His father told others it was an accident. Ilya reveals that he found her. Overcome, he leans into Shane, who holds him. When a loon calls again, both men suddenly break into laughter.

Shane and Ilya play a hockey video game together. They argue over team choices until Shane receives a call from Hayden. While Shane talks, Ilya grows bored and begins distracting him. They agree that Ilya will stop if Shane does not respond. Shane loses the bet, and Ilya continues teasing him. Shane scolds Ilya, but they soon laugh together.

Later, they talk seriously. Ilya wishes he had been drafted by a Canadian team. He says the US feels unsafe for Russians, while Russia feels unsafe for gay men. He is tired of being careful. Ilya will become a free agent after the next season and is considering joining a Canadian team.

Ilya mentions that he could marry Svetlana to gain American citizenship. He says he likes her but would marry only for safety. He explains that he is attracted to both men and women, and that he once imagined marriage and children. However, he cannot stop thinking about Shane. Shane asks him not to marry Svetlana and promises they will find another way.

The next day, Ilya suggests that leaving Boston could soften their rivalry. Shane proposes that Ilya play for Ottawa. Shane also suggests starting a charity to reshape their public image and present themselves as friends. After retirement, they could be together openly.

Ilya confesses that he loves Shane in Russian, then translates. Shane responds with surprise and returns the confession. They grow openly affectionate. Later, Shane asks about Ilya’s mother’s name, suggesting naming a charity after her to support youth hockey and death by suicide prevention. They hold each other and fall asleep.

At the dock, Ilya jokes about watching a segment on Shane’s cottage. He pushes Shane into the lake, then jumps in after him. They splash, laugh, and kiss. Back on the dock, they grow intimate in the open air.

As they return toward the house, Shane’s father unexpectedly sees them kissing on the deck. He freezes, then leaves without speaking. Shane panics. Ilya offers to go with Shane to speak to his parents, grounding Shane as he agrees.

They drive to Shane’s parents’ cottage. Inside, David and Yuna sit together. Shane explains that he is gay and apologizes for not telling them sooner. He introduces Ilya but struggles to describe their relationship. Ilya calls them lovers, which embarrasses Shane. Yuna is confused, thinking the men hate each other.

Shane admits that he loves Ilya. His parents ask when the relationship began. Shane says during his rookie season. Ilya clarifies that it began earlier, but love was not always there. Shane insists that no one else knows.

They share beers and keep talking. David and Yuna ask how long Shane will keep the relationship a secret. Shane admits it may be forever, which upsets them. David asks about Ilya’s reputation with women. Ilya explains he is bisexual, has had many partners, but has only loved Shane.

Yuna decides to focus on solving the problem. She asks if Scott Hunter can help and listens to Shane’s plan involving Ottawa and a shared charity. Shane becomes overwhelmed and panics. Ilya steadies him.

Shane and Ilya leave his parents’ cottage, promising to return for dinner. Shane remains tense and quiet during the drive home. At the cottage, he steps outside to breathe. Ilya brings vodka and joins him. Ilya tells Shane he loves him.

Shane quickly starts planning. He talks about timelines for moving to Ottawa and announcing the charity. He thinks it may take over a year before they go public as friends. He asks how long Ilya will keep playing. Ilya interrupts the spiral and pulls Shane back to the present.

They grow intimate. Afterward, Ilya jokes about proposing someday. Shane apologizes for not inviting Ilya to his Montreal apartment sooner. Ilya wishes he could tell everyone now. Shane insists they stick to the plan but agrees to start by telling close friends.

Ilya decides to extend his stay at the cottage. They talk about a future that includes Ottawa, shared summers, and a long-term life together.

16 months later, Shane and Ilya face each other on the ice as rivals once again. Ilya trips Shane during a game, and they exchange insults to the delight of the crowd. Hayden pulls Shane away, still openly disliking Ilya.

Shane has come out to his teammates, though not about Ilya. Hayden eventually connects the dots and confronts Shane. Though unhappy, Hayden agrees to meet Ilya. Their meeting remains tense.

The next day, Shane and Ilya prepare for a press conference to announce their charity. Shane sells the secret apartment building, and Ilya sells several cars to help fund the Irina Foundation. Ottawa signs Ilya after his Boston contract ends. Both buy houses outside their team cities to stay private.

Shane grows nervous before the press conference, and Ilya comforts him. Shane speaks in English and French, announcing their friendship and the foundation. Ilya unexpectedly talks about his mother’s death. Shane supports him quietly. They name Yuna as director and treasurer.

Afterward, they share a private moment and agree they will stop being a secret someday. Hayden congratulates them. Later, Ilya reflects on his life. He feels accepted by the Hollander family and imagines a future with Shane. When Shane texts him, Ilya sends him a hotel room number and goes to meet him there.