Rating:

General Audiences

Archive Warning:

No Archive Warnings Apply

Category:

M/M

Fandoms:

Heated Rivalry (TV), Game Changers Series - Rachel Reid

Relationships:

Shane Hollander/Ilya Rozanov, Kip Grady/Scott Hunter, Troy Barrett/Harris Drover, Eric Bennett/Kyle Swift

Characters:

Shane Hollander, Ilya Rozanov, Kip Grady, Scott Hunter (Game Changers), Troy Barrett, Harris Drover, Eric Bennett, Kyle Swift

Additional Tags:

Press and Tabloids, POV Outsider, Social Media, reactions, who wore it best?, fashion - Freeform, hockey fashion, No beta we die like Grigori Rozanov, Sharing Clothes, you can pry the em dash from my cold dead hands, Fluff, fighting as flirting, jealousy as flirting, playful slapping, Ilya loves it, playful banter, Post-Book 6: The Long Game (Game Changers)

Language:

English

Series:

Part 2 of Heated Rivalry Articles and Reactions

Stats:

Published: 2026-04-05 Words: 2,364 Chapters: 2/2

Who Wore it Best: MLH Boyfriends Edition

Summary

Now that their relationship is public, here are several clothing swap moments: from matching outfits to others that are undeniably the same article of clothing. I even threw in some from a few of the other boyfriends of hockey.

OR: A notable tabloid publishes a second piece comparing the shared fashion of Ilya and Shane. This time drawing the correct conclusion that they are, in fact, sharing clothes.

Chapter 1: The Article

Chapter Notes

This can be read on its own, but there is a small part of it that talks about who “wins” that might be confusing for those who haven’t read the previous article.

There are minor spoilers for the other books, but like, only if naming the lead pairs is a spoiler.

The last few years have been revelatory for the MLH. First with Scott Hunter coming out on the ice after winning the cup, then Troy Berret coming out on Pride night in Ottawa. These, followed closely by the disclosure of Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov’s concealed relationship (For full details, read the full exposé, Fanmail Uncovered: How one Fan Betrayed The Famous Rivals).

Since their relationship was unfortunately uncovered against their wishes, the couple has seemed to embrace their new ability to be more open in public. What used to be a smattering of occasional appearances together for charity-related business has now become a regular influx of everyday activities. From jogging to grocery shopping, they have been spotted all over Ottawa together. Even when apart, they seem to bring something of the other with them, often spotted in similar clothing. 

In 2018, I wrote an almost prophetic article in which I noted several occurrences where the then-rivals wore matching clothing. In hindsight, it’s fair to assume that those were in fact the same articles that they were sharing. Hiding in plain sight indeed. Since then, I have kept an eye on their style choices, but the similarities had stopped at that time. Perhaps they read my article and decided to keep the closet swap behind closed doors. 

However, since their relationship is now public, it seems all bets are off. I have collected for your attention several clothing swap moments, from matching outfits to others that are undeniably the same article of clothing. I even threw in a few from some of the other boyfriends and husbands of hockey. 

1. IC3PEAK Crop Top

Rozanov was seen leaving a grocery store in a cropped IC3PEAK shirt in early September. The politically-charged Russian electronic duo face censorship in Russia, but have gained popularity in the west where their music has a large audience. Notably, Rozanov had just received his official Canadian citizenship days prior after marrying Hollander that summer. Later that same month, Shane wore the same crop top while jogging. 

2. Korean Wide-Legged Pleated Trousers

Shane Hollander wore these heather grey Korean-style wide-legged pleated trousers paired with a cream cashmere sweater to a Charity Event for the Irina Foundation. Later that same season, Rozanov wore the same trousers paired with a black tee and blazer, entering their home game against Boston. 

3. Mesh Floral Summer Button Down

Rozanov was seen exiting a club in Vegas after the MLH awards in this breezy cream mesh short sleeve with floral embroidery details. Shane and Ilya were presenting the Rookie of the Year award just hours before they were both pictured here. Shane was then seen in the same shirt a week later in LA with Rose Landry, entering a spa. 

4. PWHL Ottawa Jerseys 

Hollander and Rozanov attended the inaugural PWHL Ottawa home game against Montreal wearing matching PWHL Ottawa Jerseys. They were seen cheering on the women, welcoming the athletes to their city. They were in attendance at the inaugural game after-party, where they were seen chatting with the players. 

5. The Olympic Fleece 

Who can forget this positively adorable Canadian Winter Olympic Fleece from 2014? Here you see Shane wearing it around the Olympic Village in Sochi. It seems that Rozanov hasn’t forgotten either. He was spotted walking his dog, Anya, while wearing the iconic Fleece last March. Seems he’s embracing his new home country in more ways than one. 

6. Stars and Stripes 

Speaking of Olympic wear, here you see Scott Hunter in the dark blue denim jacket with embroidered Stars from the same Sochi Olympics. It must be comfortable, because Kip Grady was spotted wearing it at a 4th of July celebration in New York after the sun went down, and before the fireworks. 

7. Drover Cider Fest

Troy Barrett and boyfriend Harris Drover are pictured here in matching Drover Cider Fest shirts. They were spotted at the Fest helping serve guests and tending to the orchards during the U-pick seasonal peak. This was the tenth annual Drover Cider Fest held at Harris’s family apple orchards located just outside Ottawa. 

8. Sleeveless Flannel Cutoff

Retired Goalie Eric Bennett is pictured here in a cutoff sleeveless red and blue flannel over a black shirt, exiting a yoga studio. This seemingly belongs to his bartender boyfriend, Kyle Swift, as seen in this photo taken in the Kingfisher bar, this time worn over a Kingfisher shirt. 

Chapter End Notes

Keep an eye out for a follow up chapter with the reactions of each couple in the next few days!

Chapter 2: Everybody Wins

Chapter Summary

Social media and the "boyfriends and husbands of hockey" react to the article.

Chapter Notes

@hollanovtruther24:
Oh thank god they’re back to sharing each other’s clothes in public! 

@Raiders4life81:

Okay but like…how long exactly have they been together? Because some of those pictures in the last article are from 2016…which is way before the all-stars game…

@Rozanovwife81:
Okay I just went on a IC3PEAK rabbit hole and now I’m depressed and also I have no idea what they are saying, but it’s super catchy? Do I want to know what they are saying? 

@thepwhlofficial:
Always good to see the camaraderie between the women’s and men’s hockey leagues.

“It’s a nice day, do you want to barbecue tonight?” Shane asked. It was March, and exactly 50 degrees Fahrenheit, but the sun was out, and the sky was mostly blue. 

Ilya looked up at his husband with a soft smile and a bit of a chuckle. “Sure, that would be nice.” 

Shane smiled back. “What, too soon?” 

Ilya shook his head. “No, Bood barbecues in January. I think it would be good. Such a nice day.” He found himself saying that a lot more now that he lived in Ottawa. In Boston, no one commented on how nice the day was. In Ottawa–where the sun set before seven for eight months of the year–when it was nice, everyone commented on it. 

Both of their phones buzzed at the same time. Ilya checked his phone to see a message from Sveta to both him and Shane. It was a link to an article. 

“What’s this?” Shane asked, coming to sit next to him at the breakfast bar. 

“Donno, let’s see.” Ilya held his phone where they could both see and clicked on the link. 

“Oh, it’s another one of those fashion articles.” Shane looked up to see Ilya’s reaction. 

Ilya met his gaze and smiled. “Wanna read it together?” 

Shane grinned and nodded. They both scooted closer, and Ilya held the phone where they could both read. Ilya scoffed and rolled his eyes at the introduction, but continued reading. 

“Wait, what’s that shirt mean? It says it’s controversial?” Shane looked slightly concerned.

Ilya shook his head. “Only in Russia, and they can’t touch me anymore. Is a Russian music group. I like them very much.”

“Have I heard them?” Shane looked at him quizzically. 

“Mmmm, I don’t think so. I don’t know if you would like them.” Ilya answered carefully. Shane didn’t like it when he played loud music, so he usually played music when he wasn’t around or wore earbuds. 

“I might like them," Shane said with tentative defensiveness. He wanted to like them, but knew that he did have particular thoughts about music. 

Ilya gave a mischievous smirk. “Oh yeah? Want to listen?” 

Shane nodded as Ilya switched to his music app and played his favorite song. He got about a minute in before Shane shook his head. “No, you’re right, I don’t like them.” 

Ilya laughed as he turned it off and went back to the article.

“Sorry.” Shane looked apologetic. 

“That’s okay, you tried.” Ilya was still laughing as he wrapped his arm around Shane and they returned to the article. 

“Oh, I like those pants.” 

“Yes, I sent your stylist flowers because of those pants. You looked so good I wanted to eat you up.” 

Shane looked at Ilya. “You sent my stylist flowers?” 

“Yes. Best decision you made, hiring a stylist.” 

“You laughed at me when I hired her.” Shane was still confused. 

“Well, was funny, but still good. Makes you look so hot. Gets clothes I can steal from you. Everybody wins.” Ilya scrolled on.

“Rose really liked that shirt. I got lots of compliments when I was wearing it.” 

“Yes, lots of paparazzi thinking you were back together.” Ilya rolled his eyes in mock jealousy. 

“It was her birthday. We went to the spa and talked about our boyfriends.” Shane defended. 

“All good things?” 

“Well, she liked your shirt, didn’t she?”  

Ilya laughed and scrolled on. 

“Awe look at us in the matching jerseys.” Shane grinned. 

Ilya laughed. “We wear matching jerseys every time we play.” 

Shane shook his head. “Yeah, but…it’s different.” 

“Okay.” Ilya scrolled on. 

“Ilya!” Shane slapped his arm. “You stole my Olympic fleece?! You can’t steal that fleece, it’s one of a kind!” 

“Was not one of a kind. All Canadian Olympic athletes had one.” 

“Yeah, but—”

“I am Olympic Athlete, I am now Canadian. I even played in those Sochi Olympics. I should be able to wear the fleece.” 

Shane just shook his head. 

“Who won?” Ilya scrolled back through. 

“We tied. Two of yours, two of mine, and the matching jerseys.” Shane explained. 

Ilya blew an exasperated raspberry. “Ugh, boring. Guess I will have to steal more of your clothes then for next time.” 

Shane let out a surprised laugh. 

@Cens4life:
The thing I learned from both these articles is that Rozanov has a thing for super soft fleeces. It’s okay to like soft things Rozy, go buy yourself a nice fleece, I beg.
|
@thebood replying to @cens4life:
Nah, I think he just likes pissing Shane off by stealing his limited edition fleeces.
|
@TheIlyaRozanovofficial relying to @thebood:
What he said. 

@olympics:
Always nice to see how far the Olympic kits travel! #throwback #sochi2014

Kip sat scrolling through Bluesky while Scott brought over a beer for them. They were just about to start another episode of Shitt’s Creek. “Woah, my mentions are blowing up about this article.” 

He clicked on the link as Scott sat down next to him and looked over his shoulder. “That’s never good.” 

“Alright, chill. It’s a who wore it best article, it can’t be that bad.” Kip said. 

They scrolled through the article together, laughing at how the first five were all Ilya and Shane, before they got to number six. Kip let out an exasperated sigh. 

“I was wrong. They chose the picture from the one day a year I’m patriotic?!” 

Scott laughed. “It’s fine.” 

“The only reason I wore that was because I didn’t have anything patriotic of my own.” Kip explained. 

“I think you are taking this too seriously.” Scott took the phone out of his hand. “You always tell me it’s just a tabloid article and nobody ever reads them.” 

“Yeah, well, I lie to make you feel better,” Kip replied. 

Scott scoffed. “I’ll be sure to remember that for next time.” 

@Drovercider:
Check out this article featuring our own Harris Drover at our annual Cider Fest! @Droverfamilyorchards @theactualharrisdrover @troyberrettofficial #bestciderinontario

Troy gave a perfunctory knock on Harris’s office door before letting himself in. “Babe, I got you lunch.”

Harris looked over from where he was slouching in front of his monitor, checking mentions. “Awe, thanks. Just give me a second, there’s apparently an article about us. I just want to check it out first.” 

“You know you don’t have to read every article about us. I don’t know if that’s healthy.” 

“Well, it’s kind of my job, so…” Harris opened the article and skimmed it until it got to number seven. He let out a loud laugh. “Oh my god, that is hilarious!”  

“What?” Troy came over to read it over his shoulder. “They got your full name this time!” 

Harris laughed again. “Yeah, and they called the orchard Harris’s family apple orchards!” He pulled out his phone. “Oh my god, I have to tell Anna and Maggie. They picked on me for months about the last article. Vindication is mine!” 

Troy just chuckled and shook his head a little. 

“Wait, I need to see if I can buy the domain name, this is going to be great!” 

@Droverfamilyorchards replying to @Drovercider:
Thanks for the shoutout! #bestciderinontario
|
@theactualharrisdrover replying to @Droverfamilyorchards:
lol, it doesn’t actually name you though, does it? According to the article, this picture is taken at ✨Harris’s✨ family orchards. 🧐😂
|
@magdtothedrover replying to @theactualharrisdrover:
Shuddup and let me have this!
|
@Harrisfamilyorchards:
Thanks for the correction, @theactualharrisdrover! I don’t know why @Droverfamilyorchards is claiming this is them, when it very clearly states the photo was taken at Harris’s Family Orchards. #theactualbestciderinontario #checkoutourwebsite #linkinbio
|
@annawithana95 replying to @magstothedrover:
Oh my gosh this is hilarious! 

@Nycadmiralsfan76:
Wait, I missed a chapter. Eric Bennett is gay? Since when? Wasn’t he married to, like, a woman? 
|
@gay4hockey: 
Uh, bi people exist? Or pan if you’d rather. 

Eric’s stomach dropped when he opened the link Scott Hunter texted him. “Uh…babe?” 

Kyle looked over at Eric from where he was making lunch. “What is it? You look like someone’s dog died.” 

Eric shook his head and tried to relax his features. “No, there’s just an article that mentions us.” 

Kyle froze momentarily before forcing himself to set down the pairing knife and walk over to join Eric on the couch. “Is it bad? Does it…”

Eric shook his head again. “No, it doesn’t…mention anything about your past. Sorry, I’m being dramatic. It’s not that bad. I just know you don’t like too much attention.”

Kyle let out a breath he didn’t know he had been holding. “Come on then, let me read it if it’s not that bad.” 

Eric passed his phone over. “We’re mentioned at the end.” 

Kyle skimmed the article until it came to number 8. Then he let out a little scoff. “Eric, it barely mentions me. It’s fine.” 

Eric let out a sigh of relief. “It’s okay?” 

Kyle rolled his eyes and pulled him in for a kiss. “Yes, and you’re hot in my clothes. Might have to give you more of my clothes to wear.” 

“I barely fit in that one, you’re a twig, and I am not, unfortunately.” Eric said wistfully. 

“Hmm, I might have to steal some of your clothes then,” Kyle whispered in his ear as he tugged on his shirt. “Starting with this one.” 

Chapter End Notes

Thank you for reading! Please leave a comment, I love hearing what you think! If you like what you read, I have several other Heated Rivalry fics for your enjoyment.