The motif of social media develops the theme of Speaking Truth to Power and the Cost of Integrity. The motif drives the novel’s plot, representing the dual nature of public platforms as forums for both anonymous abuse and courageous truth telling. The narrative is set in motion by anonymous Reddit posts accusing star player Dallas Kent of sexual assault, immediately establishing social media as a space where survivors can speak truth to power, albeit at great personal risk. Conversely, when Troy is traded to Ottawa, he’s confronted by the vitriol of online comments, with one fan declaring, “Barrett’s a fucking disgrace” (28). This backlash demonstrates how social-media platforms can be weaponized to enforce conformity and punish those who break unspoken codes of silence, reinforcing the personal cost of integrity. Initially, Troy wants nothing to do with this public arena, viewing it as a source of conflict and scrutiny.

However, Troy’s relationship with social media evolves as he redefines himself. His chief guide along this journey is Harris, and Reid’s decision to make the protagonist’s love interest a professional social-media manager underscores the motif’s narrative importance as well as its potential for good. Inspired by a need to advocate for survivors, Troy ultimately co-opts the very tool used against him to reclaim his narrative. He creates an Instagram account as a platform to support survivors of sexual assault, defying the NHL commissioner’s threats. Troy’s reclamation of social media culminates in his decision to come out publicly by posting a video with the simple, powerful caption “This is me” (317). In doing so, Troy transforms social media from a source of external judgment into a tool of personal liberation, fully embracing the novel’s message that true courage lies in emotional honesty and living authentically.