Harris serves as the novel’s deuteragonist and plays a pivotal role in the protagonist’s transformation. As a round but largely static character, Harris embodies authenticity, kindness, and the power of an inclusive community. From his first appearance, he’s unapologetically himself and wears his identity openly, symbolized by the “Pride-related pins on his jacket” (11). This open-heartedness is a direct extension of his wholesome upbringing on his family’s apple orchard, which contrasts sharply with Troy’s toxic family background. Harris is cheerful and chatty and possesses a loud, frequent laugh that initially unsettles Troy but eventually becomes a source of comfort. He’s deeply integrated into the Ottawa Centaurs’ social fabric, not just as a social media manager but as a genuine friend to the players, demonstrating the novel’s emphasis on the theme of Found Family as a Catalyst for Healing.

Harris’s primary role in the narrative is to provide Troy with a model for an authentic, joyful life and a safe emotional space to achieve it. His unwavering good nature and refusal to judge others challenge Troy’s defensive cynicism. Harris consistently sees the good in Troy, even when Troy is at his most abrasive, offering him friendship and a chance to integrate into the team. He actively builds bridges, inviting Troy to team social events like Zane’s barbecue and gently encouraging him to engage with the world via social media. Harris’s own experience with a congenital heart defect informs his philosophy to “enjoy life while we can” (199), a perspective that encourages Troy to move beyond his fear-based existence. He is perceptive, recognizing Troy’s inner turmoil and offering companionship without demanding explanation, as when he invites Troy to look at Christmas lights to soothe his anxiety before the game against Toronto.

While Harris facilitates Troy’s growth, the author also takes time to explore his own character. He’s passionate about his job, viewing it as a way to connect players with fans and build a positive community. His professionalism is clear, yet his genuine affection for the team blurs the lines between colleague and friend. His journey involves navigating his growing feelings for Troy while respecting Troy’s need for space to figure himself out. Harris’s ability to offer unconditional love and support is what ultimately allows Troy to find the courage to come out. Through his unwavering kindness, emotional intelligence, and joyous embrace of his own identity, Harris serves as the story’s emotional anchor and proves that acceptance is the most powerful catalyst for change.

Ilya, the captain of the Ottawa Centaurs, functions as a mentor and a key ally to Troy. Initially presented as an intimidating and bluntly critical leader, Ilya quickly reveals himself to be a perceptive and surprisingly supportive figure. He’s a round character whose gruff exterior conceals a strong moral compass and a deep commitment to his teammates. His first words to Troy are a challenge: “Am I supposed to like you now? Think you are a good guy because you finally noticed that your best friend is a fucking scumbag?” (10). This confrontation establishes his role as someone who won’t allow Troy to coast but will instead push him toward accountability. However, this interaction ends with a handshake, signaling Ilya’s willingness to give Troy a chance.

Throughout the novel, Ilya’s mentorship is crucial to Troy’s integration into the team and his personal growth. He offers tough but necessary guidance, such as when he confronts Troy after he gets drunk before a game but also shows empathy by noting that “[f]athers can be hard” (55). Ilya’s most significant act of mentorship occurs when he reveals his bisexuality to Troy, creating a space of shared trust and understanding. This revelation reframes his earlier actions, such as punching Dallas for his taunts and hateful nature. Ilya is a leader who inspires his team not just with on-ice skill but also with his fierce loyalty and belief in their potential, as seen in his powerful pre-game speech that galvanizes the team: “We are going to win this game tonight, and we are going to keep winning” (203). His quiet support and willingness to share his own vulnerability make him an instrumental figure in Troy’s journey toward self-acceptance.

Dallas serves as the primary antagonist of the novel. He’s a flat and static character who embodies the toxic masculinity and institutional corruption that Troy must confront. As Troy’s former best friend and linemate, Dallas represents the dark side of the hockey world’s culture. He’s a serial sexual predator who’s protected by a league and a team that prioritize a star player’s reputation over the safety and dignity of women. His character is defined by his arrogance, entitlement, and lack of remorse. He never evolves or shows any capacity for self-reflection, instead reacting to accusations with anger and deflection. His conflict with Troy is not just personal but ideological: Dallas represents the powerful, abusive systems that demand silence and loyalty, while Troy’s rebellion represents a fight for integrity. When finally confronted by Troy during their fight on the ice, his cry of “You were my friend!” reveals his inability to comprehend that he’s committed any wrongdoing (131), instead framing Troy’s act of conscience as a personal betrayal rather than a moral imperative. Dallas’s eventual arrest signifies a victory for the theme of Speaking Truth to Power and the Cost of Integrity, suggesting that toxic systems, while powerful, are not invincible.

Wyatt is a key supporting character and ally who represents the welcoming and morally grounded culture of the Ottawa Centaurs. As the only player who knew Troy in Toronto, Wyatt serves as a bridge between Troy’s past and present. Initially cautious, he’s the first to offer Troy an opportunity to prove that he’s changed: “The enemy of my enemy is my…well, I’m not gonna say friend yet, but I’ll give you a chance” (10). This demonstrates his fairness and willingness to look beyond Troy’s abrasive reputation. Wyatt’s “unwavering goodness” and his open support for his gay sister and her wife stand in contrast to the antigay environment of the Toronto Guardians. He actively invites Troy into the team’s social circle, initiating the invitation to Zane’s barbecue, a key event in Troy’s integration. Wyatt embodies the concept of the found family that helps Troy heal and find acceptance.

Zane is a supporting character who exemplifies the positive and inclusive team culture in Ottawa. As the team’s alternate captain and a long-time Centaur, he’s a central figure in the locker room. His role is primarily established through his actions as a community builder. He hosts a team barbecue, an event that serves as Troy’s first real immersion into the Centaurs’ found family and where Harris is welcomed as part of the group. Though initially skeptical of Troy due to his association with Dallas, Zane is direct and fair, telling Troy, “I’m hoping you prove me wrong […] We’ve got a good group here. Don’t fuck that up” (87). This statement challenges Troy to become a better teammate, and Zane’s warmth and hospitality are instrumental in creating the supportive environment that Troy needs to grow.