Chapter 1

Chapter Notes

See the end of the chapter for notes [Interview question for Hayden Pike: Any plans for the summer? Pike: Oh yeah, I’m going to my friends wedding] Hayden Pike's 5th Child @heydenpike Hello did anyone hear Hayden say he was going to his friends wedding in that interview?? Who from Montreal is getting married??? Scott Hunted @Admira1fan78 You know they’re allowed friends that they’re not playing hockey with right? Hayden Pike's 5th Child @heydenpike No Centaurs Stan @Ottawalover08 Why are all the centaurs still in Ottawa? No one’s left for the summer or a holiday what’s going on Scott Hunted @Admira1fan78 They live there? Centaurs Stan @Ottawalover08 Yeah but for the entire team to still be there is odd [Instagram story picture geotagged Ottawa via @cliff_marlow] Ily-a @ilyahoezenov Okay I’ll admit this is weird now, why tf is Marlow in Ottawa Scott Hunted @Admira1fan78 Maybe he’s helping with Rozanov’s camps? Ily-a @ilyahoezenov Those aren’t for like 3 weeks though? I guess he might just be visiting? [Instagram story of Hayden Pike in a suit, captioned “Best Man Ready” via @jackie.pike”] Hayden Pike's 5th Child @heydenpike Hello???? Not to be insane but is Shane Hollander getting married?????? Who else is Hayden gonna be best man for #1 Shane Fan @ShaneH0llander24 No bc surely it’s someone else but also does Hayden have other friends Hayden Pike's 5th Child @heydenpike No like I’m not trying to be mean but a friend close enough to be best man for??? #1 Shane Fan @ShaneH0llander24 I guess it’s possible Shane could have had a relationship and never posted her but there’s never been any mention in interviews or games or even a rumour [Picture of Troy, Harris and Luca in suits, caption “Wedding time” via @lucahaas on instagram] Centaurs Stan @Ottawalover08 Are all the Centaurs going to a wedding together? Did I miss an engagement?? Ily-a @ilyahoezenov Is Marlow going too? Is this why he’s in Ottawa?? Who tf do all these people have in common

NHL Enthusiast @hockey4life I think we all need to examine the possibility that the Troy Barrett, Lucas Haas and Cliff Marlow are all at the same wedding as Hayden Pike, who is the best man Hockey Whore @hockeywhore69 I logged off for one day wtf is happening #1 Shane Fan @ShaneH0llander24 @heydenpike if it was Hollander why would Cliff n the Centaurs be there????? Hayden Pike's 5th Child @heydenpike Is he marrying Rozanov #1 Shane Fan @ShaneH0llander24 Lol please Scott Hunted @Admira1fan78 More than one wedding can happen on a day he could be at a different one maybe? Scott Hunted @Admira1fan78 Not to join the crazy but do we think Scott Hunter was flying to Ottawa in this [attached image: Scott and Kip on a plane, captioned “Canada, here we come”] Hockey Whore @hockeywhore69 Scott’s there too?????? Oh I chose a good day to be logged on Hockey Whore @hockeywhore69 Is there a hockey event in Ottawa happening that Scott and Cliff could be at that’s not the mystery wedding or do we think they’re there for sure (assuming Scott meant Ottawa) Ily-a @ilyahoezenov I can’t find anything I think we are living in a reality where they’re at a wedding together [imagine of assorted Montreal players together without Shane Hollander, Hayden Pike or JJ Boiziau via @gilbert.comeau.montreal on instagram] Hayden Pike's 5th Child @heydenpike Does this mean it’s not Shane bc why would only Hayden and JJ (possibly) be there? #1 Shane Fan @ShaneH0llander24 Yeah that’s really weird maybe we’ve made a leap there #1 Shane Fan @ShaneH0llander24 I can’t find ANY dating rumours for Shane anywhere either since Rose even Shane can’t keep an entire relationship a secret can he? Hayden Pike's 5th Child @heydenpike Maybe it’s one of the centaurs and they know them from the summer camps? Centaurs Stan @Ottawalover08 Not to be as insane as you guys but have we considered it’s Ilya bc lowkey that makes sense NHL Enthusiast @hockey4life Is this random or purposeful do they want us to know they’re not there?

Centaurs Stan @Ottawalover08 Okay I’ve thought + researched I really think Ilya is getting married, he’s not been spotted with women in ages, the guest list makes sense for him and maybe that’s the reason he moved to Ottawa!! For love!!! Ily-a @ilyahoezenov Yeah I’m on board with this, makes the most sense Hayden Pike's 5th Child @heydenpike But why would Hayden be Rozanov’s best man??? Centaurs Stan @Ottawalover08 Wait I forgot about that I truly have no explanation [Paparazzi pictures of Rose Landry leaving hotel in Ottawa, wearing a dress] #1 Shane Fan @ShaneH0llander24 Okay what the hell lmao Hayden Pike's 5th Child @heydenpike Alright this is officially weird now Scott Hunted @Admira1fan78 Fine I’m joining the crazy [Picture of all the Centaurs except Ilya Rozanov posted to official social media, captioned “Teammates on the ice, friends off it”. Comments include @troybarrett: We weren’t friends when we found out none of us were best man] Centaurs Stan @Ottawalover08 I’m not going insane right? This is implying that Hayden fucking Pike is Ilya Rozanov’s best man and the Centaurs were mad about it?? What timeline am I in????? [Picture of Yuna and David Hollander in a backyard set up for a wedding, in smart clothing via @yunahollander instagram. People can be seen in the background. No caption.] #1 Shane Fan @ShaneH0llander24 Yuna and David??? Have we considered some weird elaborate prank is going on Centaurs Stan @Ottawalover08 Is that Luca, Cliff and Rose all talking in the background lol seriously what is going on Trending in Hockey 1 Ottawa 2 Wedding 3 Shane Hollander with Rose Landry 4 Ilya Rozanov 5 What’s going on with What the fuck Hockey Whore @hockeywhore69 I think at this point we’ve all got to wait and see what happens next lol is there any point is guessing anymore

[Picture of Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov holding hands at front of of assorted guests via @Svetlanavetrova] Ily-a @ilyahoezenov It’s just me following Svetlana right Ily-a @ilyahoezenov Am I going to have to break this to everyone Ily-a @ilyahoezenov I don’t even have the words look for yourselves while I try and rationalise this Hockey Whore @hockeywhore69 WHAT IN THE EVER LOVING FUCK Hockey Whore @hockeywhore69 THIS IS THE STRANGEST DAY OF MY LIFE Hockey Whore @hockeywhore69 And last week I had a seance Hayden Pike's 5th Child @heydenpike Okay not to start sounding like a conspiracy theorist but are they like filming something??? Centaurs Stan @Ottawalover08 Okay but this would make the Centaurs really fucking gay if true lol #1 Shane Fan @ShaneH0llander24 …. #1 Shane Fan @ShaneH0llander24 Idk what to comment on first. Gay Shane?? Married Shane?? Gay Married to Rozanov Shane?? Prank Shane??? NHL Enthusiast @hockey4life This is officially the weirdest day in All Of Hockey Ily-a @ilyahoezenov So we’re agreed that they’re not actually getting married right. Like something else is going on Hayden Pike's 5th Child @heydenpike Well obviously Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov aren’t actually getting married, they’ve obviously been fucking with us all day Scott Hunted @Admira1fan78 I think this is charity related, it makes a lot of sense for why all those people would be there Hockey Whore @hockeywhore69 I was going to have an early night tonight but that’s simply Not Happening Centaurs Stan @Ottawalover08 So current theories are: filming something charity related or endorsement maybe, some kind of prank, it’s not what it looks like. Or they’re gay for each other, Ilya moved to Ottawa for Shane and they’re gonna spend their life together [ESPN Breaking News: Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov marry in small private ceremony in Canada, their representatives confirm.] Hockey Whore @hockeywhore69 Hello?? ESPN is saying it’s real?? I think we need to start considering this as a possibility NHL Enthusiast @hockey4life I’m not sure I have the words. HOW. WHEN. WHY. WHEN. WHAT. WHEN???? #1 Shane Fan @ShaneH0llander24 Priorities bc I need like an hour to comprehend this I think but my immediate reaction was when did this happen Hayden Pike's 5th Child @heydenpike If it’s real then we’re gonna need to have a very real conversation about why the Centaurs are all there but only Hayden and JJ from Montreal Scott Hunted @Admira1fan78 Yeah the post of them not being there feels… icky… at a minimum now #1 Shane Fan @ShaneH0llander24 Let me be the first to guess All Stars 2017 there was something in the air that weekend. A shift in the universe some might say Centaurs Stan @Ottawalover08 I just had to go outside and actually touch some grass because wdym SHANE HOLLANDER and ILYA ROZANOV are married to EACH OTHER Ily-a @ilyahoezenov I think this is the biggest hockey news ever tbh. This tops any trade news ever and I fear also one ups the Scott Hunter of it all. Scott Hunted @Admira1fan78 I just know that whenever Scott found out he was like damn and I thought nothing could top what I did Centaurs Stan @Ottawalover08 Did Ilya move to Ottawa for Shane and am I living in a universe where I said those words Scott Hunted @Admira1fan78 4 out active players now, things really do change sometimes Hayden Pike's 5th Child @heydenpike I need to know what Hayden’s reaction to this was like did Shane come in one day and say I think I’m gonna go out with Ilya Rozanov I have so many questions Ily-a @ilyahoezenov Okay there are two options here, Ilya moved to Ottawa for Shane meaning they were together pre 2018 or he moved to Ottawa for something else and they got together while working together Ily-a @ilyahoezenov I think I’m with @shaneh0llander24 it happened somehow at All Stars 2017 when they were on the same team. This was around the last time Ilya was spotted with a woman too, and it’s right after Shane and Rose fucking Landry broke up Hockey Whore @hockeywhore69 So we’re assuming Ilya is bi right given all the women but what about Shane bc he’s giving gay but also the Rose Landry incident NHL Enthusiast @hockey4life 3 options: Shane is bi or pan or whatever, beard, gay panic. Clearly they’re on good terms if she’s there so I’m inclined to think one of the last two Centaurs Stan @Ottawalover08 I’m on board with 2017 but in light of today's madness I think we need to consider the possibility that it’s longer Centaurs Stan @Ottawalover08 Just so we’re not blindsided if they post something like 10 year anniversary #1 Shane Fan @ShaneH0llander24 I don’t disagree but also when would they have had time to talk long enough to hit on each other before that. Let alone figure out the other is into men Centaurs Stan @Ottawalover08 Idk sometimes stuff just happens doesn’t it maybe they had a moment after a press conference one time and it just went from there Hockey Whore @hockeywhore69 They really said if I’m going to date a hockey player I want The Best and that’s beautiful Scott Hunted @Admira1fan78 Secondary question to when they got together is when did everyone find out bc if they got together 2017 that’s pre kissgate so they probably didn’t know if they were the only queer players Hayden Pike's 5th Child @heydenpike And clearly everyone knows now but I can’t imagine them telling anyone back then, at least about the relationship, so at some point they had to?? let people know??? Laughing at the idea of managing to tell people casually NHL Enthusiast @hockey4life Also there’s been 0 leaks or rumours which I think suggests the group who knew was really small/everyone found recently Hockey Whore @hockeywhore69 I know we’re shook by the reveal but can we talk about how this was maybe the most absurd way to announce it. Get married. Tell your friends and family to post stuff. Confirm in statement to ESPN. Are they insane??? Ily-a @ilyahoezenov Wait ur right I didn’t even think about that. They clearly told everyone they can fuck with us. Can you imagine being a Normal Hockey Fan not knowing any of this and then getting that notification. #1 Shane Fan @ShaneH0llander24 I know we’re all surprised and have many questions but can we take a moment to think about how hard this must have been. They’ve been hiding their relationship for at least a few years. I can’t imagine everyone has had or will have positive reactions. Spending their entire careers up until now in the closet. #1 Shane Fan @ShaneH0llander24 Especially Ilya coming from Russia and then moving countries for Shane like I can’t even imagine how difficult it’s been for them. Glad they’re in a place where they feel comfortable sharing Hayden Pike's 5th Child @heydenpike Coming back to the Montreal thing too like clearly the Centaurs are supportive but it’s looking like Shane doesn’t have that which must be incredibly difficult like we know how much Shane loves that team Hockey Whore @hockeywhore69 If that’s true I need the rest of the team to know they should be counting their days NHL Enthusiast @hockey4life Well thanks guys I’m crying now thinking about how much it must have taken them to get to the point of sharing publicly Trending in Hockey 1 Married 2 Shane Hollander 3 Ilya Rozanov 4 WHEN 5 What’s going on with What the fuck [Video of part of Hayden’s best man speech via @jackiepike instagram. Transcript: I’ve known Shane for a very long time. He’s been there for me through all of the biggest moments in my life, both personally and professionally - meeting Jackie, winning the Stanley cup, my wedding, the births of my children. While I’ve been there for most of his professional moments, I always secretly hoped one day I could be there for his personal moments too, I just wasn’t sure where he’d meet someone while that obsessed with hockey. I was always hoping that eventually he would find someone that could make him as happy as I am. Little did I know that he’d already met that person, and he’d done it in the simplest way for him - on the ice. I’ll always be sad that circumstances meant that I missed a lot of those early moments, but I am beyond proud to stand here on your wedding day, knowing you’ve found your person. I spent years hearing Shane be able to list every one of Ilya’s stats off the top of his head, I saw the intensity which games against Boston drew, I saw the way his face lit up when “Lily” texted him. I’ll be the first to admit that I was skeptical when I first found out who Lily really was, but I’ve watched both of you these last two years and I know that there’s not two people better suited to each other.] Hayden Pike's 5th Child @heydenpike That was so lovely omg crying again #1 Shane Fan @ShaneH0llander24 Were they texting each other under code names that’s so sweet and yet so sad Hockey Whore @hockeywhore69 Not the fact Shane knew the stats off his head that man is Obsessed NHL Enthusiast @hockey4life With hockey or Ilya Hockey Whore @hockeywhore69 Yes Ily-a @ilyahoezenov Shane Hollander being so obsessed with hockey he could only date a player I’m crying Hayden Pike's 5th Child @heydenpike Implication being that Hayden only found out years in. I can’t imagine anyone else knowing, they were truly alone : ( Scott Hunted @Admira1fan78 They really had to double come out if you think about it like once as queer and then again as queer for each other #1 Shane Fan @ShaneH0llander24 I know we’re all shocked still but the way Hayden describes their relationship makes them make sense like obviously the person for Shane Hollander would be Ilya Rozanov idk it suddenly makes sense. [Video snippet of Svetlana’s best woman speech via @Scotthunter instagram. Transcript: I have known Ilya Rozanov for a very long time. I’ve seen all the walls he put up around himself in order to protect himself and then I saw a girl called Jane slowly break them down. I saw the way his face lit up every time this person texted him, I saw something in him shift when he’d seen them. I didn’t think I would ever see Ilya Rozanov’s wedding day because I wasn’t sure who would see past the image he projects to see the kind, loving, wonderful man underneath. Then the first time I saw him and Shane together it just clicked and I thought oh. This is who. I look at them and I see a love that’s pure and sweet and everything a love should be. Ilya, Я желаю вам всем счастья, навсегда.] Ily-a @ilyahoezenov Jane and Lily? They’re so cute and also was everyone around them stupid lol NHL Enthusiast @hockey4life It’s fucking me up slightly too imagining them sat in their changing rooms texting each other, unanable to be seen together Hayden Pike's 5th Child @heydenpike Not to distract but does this imply that they’ve been together longer, I feel like post 2017 they could have each other’s numbers + they both seemed to suggest they’d seen them text for a while Ily-a @ilyahoezenov No fair point actually maybe it’s longer than we think Centaurs Stan @Ottawalover08 The way she talks about Ilya projecting his image to protect himself. I would hug that man and never let go Hockey Whore @hockeywhore69 This is so sweet I am so single Scott Hunted @Admira1fan78 Redownloading hinge as we speak #1 Shane Fan @ShaneH0llander24 When I woke up today I was barely sold on Ilya and Shane being friends and now I am convinced they’re soulmates #1 Shane Fan @ShaneH0llander24 Something about them never having to pretend to be anyone but who they are with each other, with the other person being the one person that could understand the other's life, the one person who could keep up with them. Maybe Ilya making Shane freer and Shane giving Ilya stability. How did we not see this earlier [Video of Ilya’s speech via @scotthunter Instagram. Transcript: Shane didn’t want to make a speech today, so I have instructions to thank you all for coming from both of us. It’s incredible to see everyone here celebrating us. We both owe a lot to a lot of people for us to be standing here. To Rose, for kindly informing Shane that she was not the woman for him, and that no woman would be. To all of our friends here who have stood by us as we spent a long time figuring out how we could be together, and then as we figured out what life would and could look like. To the oldest man in the NHL, for helping us realise that an us was possible. And finally, to David and Yuna, for being the best parents anyone could ask for, and for accepting us both without question, despite maybe not discovering we were together in the best way. The path to this day hasn’t been easy. It’s been long, confusing, scary and at times painful. Despite that, there’s not a single second I would change. Getting to stand here today calling myself Shane Hollander’s husband is the greatest pride of my life, and an honour I will try to live up to every day. When we first met in 2008, neither of us could ever have predicted the next 13 years. In over a decade of loving you, we’ve both made good and bad choices but I think we can both agree that the best ones were knocking and opening a door, and an invitation to a cottage that would become home, extended then accepted. For so long neither of us thought anything close to this would be possible, but we’re here today with our family, at our house, with our dog, and every second of uncertainty was worth it. Shane, мой муж, our lives together have already been incredible in so many ways. I can’t wait for the rest. Я тебя люблю. [pause] Now we drink, yes?] Hockey Whore @hockeywhore69 Back to regularly scheduled commentary once I’m done crying Hockey Whore @hockeywhore69 Sounds like it took A LOT for them to get here I’m so happy and so sad #1 Shane Fan @ShaneH0llander24 Ilya talking about how difficult it’s been oh my heart #1 Shane Fan @ShaneH0llander24 I think we're going to end today with a lot of conflicting emotions Hayden Pike's 5th Child @heydenpike did rose tell shane he’s gay im crying wtf NHL Enthusiast @hockey4life How did David and Yuna find out about them I need this story Ily-a @ilyahoezenov Not the Scott diss in his literal wedding speech while thanking him for his relationship I love this man Scott Hunted @Admira1fan78 I know there was an insult but did Ilya just credit Scott with their relationship that’s… wow Ily-a @ilyahoezenov The idea that they weren’t together because they couldn’t see a reality where it was possible and then Scott made them hope. Will the tears ever stop Centaurs Stan @Ottawalover08 Aww Shane’s cottage being home this is beautiful Hockey Whore @hockeywhore69 I’m sorry did he say DECADE????? #1 Shane Fan @ShaneH0llander24 I can’t tell if he meant in a “we’ve loved each other forever but didn’t do anything” or a “we’ve been together for a decade” way #1 Shane Fan @ShaneH0llander24 Either is crazy but the first one is objectively A sadder and B much more insane Scott Hunted @Admira1fan78 Which is sadder though: realising you love someone and thinking you can never do anything about it or being together in secret for so long never knowing if you’ll get a chance to love in the light NHL Enthusiast @hockey4life Woah fuck u for pointing that out Ily-a @ilyahoezenov Either way there’s clearly a lot of history we’ve missed, crazy they managed to keep it a secret for so long [Video of Scott visibly drunk via @smoothiemankip, transcript: Scott: This means you have to be nice to me now Ilya: It does not Scott: I think you should have let me make a speech Shane: You found out about us exactly 3 weeks ago what could you have said Scott: Yes and I haven’t given you enough shit for that. Why would you tell me by sending a wedding invite and reply with one word when I ask what the fuck Ilya: We said yes what more did you need Ilya: Hollander had boring plan to ring you and tell you and I said no Scott would prefer it better this way] Scott Hunted @Admira1fan78 Scott living the same lives as us fr, being terrorised by this news Hockey Whore @hockeywhore69 I’m sorry they told Scott three weeks ago by sending him a wedding invite??? Ily-a @ilyahoezenov That’s just as insane as announcing it publicly by getting married. What’s wrong with them (affectionate) Hayden Pike's 5th Child @heydenpike Were they trying to give him a heart attack???? #1 Shane Fan @ShaneH0llander24 Honorary mention for the fact they’re apparently married and still using each other’s last names [Video of Troy, also drunk, via @harriscentaurs. Transcript: Troy: Okay but when Ilya: I’m not telling you Troy: Okay but when Ilya: No Troy: Hint Ilya: [sighs] Fine you get one question Troy: When Ilya: You’ll have to be more specific Troy: When did you get together Ilya: More specific Troy: First kiss Ilya: 2010 Camera cuts] Hockey Whore @hockeywhore69 2010????????????????????????? #1 Shane Fan @ShaneH0llander24 I fear we’ll be dissecting today for years to come

Chapter End Notes

Russian Translations: I wish you all happiness, forever My husband I love you

Chapter 2

Chapter Notes

Hello! Thank you to anyone coming back for chapter 2 :) the ending got slightly more serious than I meant it to when first writing but hopefully there's still many laughs. Enjoy! See the end of the chapter for more notes Centaurs Stan @Ottawalover08 Sooooo how are we all feeling after yesterday Ily-a @ilyahoezenov I think I died. I’m dead. This is heaven? Elysium? Nirvana? Who knows #1 Shane Fan @ShaneH0llander24 2010? 2010?? 2010??? Hockey Whore @hockeywhore69 Okay so obviously we’re working with limited information here but they can’t have been serious the whole time Ilya was whoring around for quite a while #1 Shane Fan @ShaneH0llander24 2010???? 2010????? NHL Enthusiast @hockey4life So is now the moment to point out that Shane is a free agent and there’s clearly something Up with Montreal #1 Shane Fan @ShaneH0llander24 Like two zero one zero??????? Ottawinner @Centaurconnoisseur Come to Ottawa come to Ottawa 🙏 Hollanov 4 Life @HollanovShipper105 Okay came on to check yesterday wasn’t a hallucination and no it’s real they’re married I guess Ily-a @ilyahoezenov Okay so from what I can tell there was only two times they were in the same place in 2010: Ily-a @ilyahoezenov I guess they did a CCM advert together which I completely forgot about but I actually think this makes sense. Relaxed environment and not full of hockey people so I guess time to talk (and kiss???) Ily-a @ilyahoezenov The other was their first game against each other in Montreal in October which idk how they’d have time to see each other unless established beforehand Ottawinner @Centaurconnoisseur Can we take a minute to dissect how few people seemingly knew about them? Like ppl know now bc they were at the wedding but it sounds like it was new information to at least Troy and Scott so I’m assuming we can include the rest of the Centaurs and I guess basically no one knew??? Hayden Pike’s 5th Child @heydenpike Laughing at the idea that Hayden has been subjected to Ilya for years and been unable to complain about it because literally no one knew they were hanging out [hayden.pike has liked this] Hockey Whore @hockeywhore69 Whyyyyyyy would they chose to announce like this I love their freak minds [ilya.rozanov had liked this] Hollanov 4 Life @HollanovShipper105 So the interviews where they talk shit were what? Flirting? I’m sorry 2010???? Everytime they’ve talked about each other they’ve been… something….? #1 Shane Fan @ShaneH0llander24 No because I’ve been thinking about this non-stop. Mr and Mr Trash Talk while simultaneously flirting? fucking? like okay I see you. I get what this was (foreplay) Scott Hunted @Admira1fan78 I neeeeeeeed to talk to Scott I’m sorry the idea of him opening his post and going huh. What the fuck. Hollanov 4 Life @HollanovShipper105 There’s something deeply wrong with both of them it’s so endearing Scott Hunted @Admira1fan78 Can we talk about the implication that Scott allowed them to think they could be together Like obviously I don’t know the reality of their situation but it sounds like they had feelings for each other. Maybe they’d kissed or hooked up and realised it was too complicated. Maybe they were casual idk. But then Scott came out and it allowed them to want more. Ily-a @ilyahoezenov Kids, this is why representation matters NHL Enthusiast @hockey4life Not to distract from that very valid point but that being true but still not telling Scott about them up until inviting him to the wedding is baffling. He allowed you to want more for your relationship but you don’t tell him for 4 years??? #1 Shane Fan @ShaneH0llander24 Do we need to think of a ship name? Shilya? Ilane? Centaurs Stan @Ottawalover08 Idiot it’s clearly Rozander Hollanov 4 Life @HollanovShipper105 Hollanov is right there guys come on get it together #1 Shane Fan @ShaneH0llander24 Not to come back to this again but the Centaurs all being there and enthusiastically but no one from Montreal, despite them finding out seemingly at similar times. Makes you wonder how bad things are behind the scenes Hockey Whore @hockeywhore69 The idea of Rose telling Shane is gay after he’s been in a gay situationship(?) for 6 years. Ally. Queen. No wonder Shane stayed friends with her I wonder what else she’s told him about himself Hollanov 4 Life @HollanovShipper105 The Jane and Lily of it all is making me giggle endlessly imagine going “yes we need code names so no one knows” and going with that NHL Enthusiast @hockey4life Hayden Pike must be the ultimate ally bc I know finding out my best friend was with the most annoying person ever would have me considering homophobia Hockey Whore @hockeywhore69 I think we need a mention of Ilya calling Shane ‘Hollander’ in the video with Scott I just know they’re absolute freaks behind closed doors Ily-a @ilyahoezenov No fr they’re both hot + years long illicit affair + Ilya Rozanov = something freaky #1 Shane Fan @ShaneH0llander24 You say this but Shane was right there with him. Just because he’s not been freaky in public does not make him not freaky Hockey Whore @hockeywhore69 Good reminder that closeted people can be freaky guys!! Hayden Pike’s 5th Child @heydenpike I fear we’ve lost the plot… Video via @scott.hunter captioned “bts of their supposedly loving relationship” transcript: [Shane and Ilya visibly drunk, at the wedding] Shane: You hit on me first Ilya: No, you hit on me first Shane: You literally called me pretty after we met for like the 3rd time Ilya: You came up to me with your freckles being all nice introducing yourself first Shane: I was just being polite! I wasn’t hitting on you! Shane: You gave me water Ilya: Was just being polite also! Shane: You’ve never been polite ever, this was flirting Ilya: Nothing even happened then it was you in the showe- Video cuts off. Ily-a @ilyahoezenov Hello?? Was he about to say shower??? Centaurs Stan @Ottawalover08 Are they fighting over who hit on who? Good to see the rivalry wasn’t fully fake #1 Shane Fan @ShaneH0llander24 I’m crying the hockey world was all “these two who despise each other” meanwhile they were doing whatever this is Scott Hunted @Admira1fan78 Shane: hello nice to meet you Ilya: marry me? [shane.hollander has liked this] NHL Enthusiast @hockey4life Ilya: want some water? Shane: ah so this is flirting [ilya.rozanov has liked this] Hockey Whore @hockeywhore69 When tf would they have even showered together this is teaching me we make a lot of assumptions that aren’t true about people we don’t know Centaurs Stan @Ottawalover08 I have to assume that the minute Ilya called Shane pretty it was over for any other men that might want a try Ottawinner @Centaurconnoisseur By the sounds of it it was over for everyone else as soon as Ilya saw Shane’s freckles #1 Shane Fan @ShaneH0llander24 Freckles mention????? Ily-a @ilyahoezenov Shane not batting an eye too I just know Ilya talks about them all the time Ottawinner @Centaurconnoisseur We were all “when could they have hit on each other” a lot apparently! Hollanov 4 Life @HollanovShipper105 So what I’m getting is- Shane: nice to meet you Ilya: have some water Ilya: you look pretty Shane: get in the shower with me? Sounds like Ilya was flirting first to me [Picture of all the Centaurs + Shane via @wyatt.hayes] Ottawinner @Centaurconnoisseur 👀👀👀 Centaurs Stan @Ottawalover08 I’m starting a rumour [Video of Kip and Hayden via @jackie.pike]. Transcript: Kip: You didn’t think to warn anyone? Hayden: What, you wanted me to out them? Kip: No, of course not. But did they tell you when they sent the invitations? Hayden: Yes…. Kip: Okay, so “Hi Kip, make sure when your husband picks up the mail you’re there for moral support. Otherwise he might come to your bar. And end up doing shots at 2 in the afternoon. Then he might try to buy a flight to Ottawa to fight a certain player and have to have his phone confiscated” Just a little heads up you know? Hayden: This is the first time we’ve ever met Kip: Straight men are so useless Ottawinner @Centaurconnoisseur I’m dying Kip really said and then they tried to kill my husband Scott Hunted @Admira1fan78 Scott getting drunk and then trying to flight to Ottawa I love this man Hockey Whore @hockeywhore69 His tolerance for bullshit must be soooo high I’d have bought that plane ticket and a gun personally NHL Enthusiast @hockey4life Kip saying straight men are useless like mr gay and mr bisexual didn’t come out via wedding invite Scott Hunted @Admira1fan78 That was many things but it wasn’t useless ESPN article: Shane Hollander signed with the Ottawa Centaurs #1 Shane Fan @ShaneH0llander24 Ahahahaha okay Hayden Pike’s 5th Child @heydenpike What. The. Fuck. Centaurs Stan @Ottawalover08 Oh it’s so over for every other team Ily-a @ilyahoezenov Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander on the same team? Did any other team even want a cup? #1 Shane Fan @ShaneH0llander24 Ahahahahahahahahaha #1 Shane Fan @ShaneH0llander24 Montreal we WILL be having words Scott Hunted @Admira1fan78 If you listen hard you can hear the sound of every other team in the league taking Montreal out back and shooting them NHL Enthusiast @hockey4life So Montreal fucked up then right. Like the only way Shane Hollander would ever leave Montreal is something Big and Bad Hollanov 4 Life @HollanovShipper105 This is so sad for Shane he’s talked about wanting to retire with Montreal Ottawinner @Centaurconnoisseur Are we prepared for a season where Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov are A married and B playing together Hockey Whore @hockeywhore69 Hear me out… there’s lots of us here… we could combine forces for a hit Hollanov 4 Life @HollanovShipper105 Okay fuck Montreal they were on thin ground after the wedding incident. Clearly the culture fucking sucks if they’re willing to let go of their star player bc you can’t deal that he’s gay? Ottawinner @Centaurconnoisseur I fear it’s the Ilya Rozanov of it all not the gay (not that that makes it okay!!!!) Hollanov 4 Life @HollanovShipper105 That’s even more stupid. Liking dick is fine but one specific one you’ve got an issue with? Do they want another cup or not? I hate this city Shayden Never Dies @HaydenHollander Hayden and Shane separated :((( Ily-a @ilyahoezenov Girl they’re both married give it up Ottawinner @Centaurconnoisseur This means they’ll be able to live together for the first time!!! How lovely for them NHL Enthusiast @hockey4life No fr like I’m sure this all sucks for Shane but at least there’s positives at the end of this. The centaurs seem like a nice bunch and he’ll be in his hometown with his husband. Life could be worse Ily-a @ilyahoezenov Oh I’m Ilya Rozanov. Have you met my hot sexy husband? He's the legendary hockey player Shane Hollander. Yeah he’s gonna play on my team this season. Fuck you #1 Shane Fan @ShaneH0llander24 This is the greed they talked about in the bible. [Announcement from Teen Vogue Canada: Exclusive interview with Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov published in our July edition.] Hayden Pike’s 5th Child @heydenpike Why Teen Vogue??? Ottawinner @Centaurconnoisseur That’s so random??? Centaurs Stan @Ottawalover08 Oh I’m sat #1 Shane Fan @ShaneH0llander24 Nothing about their press strategy makes sense to me Scott Hunted @Admira1fan78 I fear that’s because no such thing exists #1 Shane Fan @ShaneH0llander24 They just wake up every morning and decide to do whatever I guess NHL Enthusiast @hockey4life Not that I think they shouldn’t but why did Teen Vogue agree to this? Scott Hunted @Admira1fan78 They announced their relationship by Instagram and now are doing their first interview in Teen Vogue. Icons.

You came out publicly and announced your wedding, on your wedding day, a month ago now. What has life looked like since then? Shane: It’s been good. We went on our honeymoon which was double fun because it was our first holiday together. Since then we’ve been at our cottage and preparing for the Irina Foundation Camps. Ilya: It’s been a process, going from hiding for so long to being able to do whatever we want. And obviously announcing our relationship has been big news so we have had to deal with that. We were hoping that there would be some positive reactions, but the amount of support we’ve gotten has been incredible. We know that there’s a lot of negativity, and we’ve experienced enough of it personally, but we’ve definitely tried to focus on all the support we’ve received both personally and publicly. Why the decision to reveal your relationship now? Ilya: Hiding can feel really isolating at times, you can’t go out and do things so all of your time together is spent inside, and you can’t tell the people around you the truth about what’s going on in your life. And there’s the fear that you’ll do something wrong and be discovered. The last year has been tough for both of us in different ways. Shane: It just got to the point where even if everyone reacted badly that was going to be better than to continue to hide. We’ve been together for such a long time now but we’ve never been able to do very normal things and especially once we got engaged it was clear that nothing mattered more than being together. Ilya: I think as well we know how important representation can be. It’s a big word that’s tossed around a lot but we know first hand how it can help change things. Shane: Yes, like what Scott did was incredibly brave and what he did allowed us to know we weren’t alone, and now there’s a whole community that we’re building so hopefully younger players don’t go through what we did. We’re incredibly happy now but it took years of hurt to get to that point. We want to make sure hockey is a sport of inclusion in the future, and not just for gay players but for people that feel they don’t fit for any number of reasons. Why did you tell Scott about you via wedding invite? Ilya: We knew Scott would be happy for us, so we decided- Shane: No you decided- Ilya: That he wouldn’t mind if we messed with him a bit, and actually as much as he’ll deny this if you ask him, he’d actually enjoy it. Shane: So many of the discussions we had with people when finding out about us have been so serious that we just wanted some fun with it for once. Most people have been supportive - my family especially were shocked when they found out, but they’ve completely embraced Ilya - but it’s come with a lot of serious moments that most people simply don’t have to do. They get to just post people's invites and say this is my partner without having to explain the how and the why. So we decided to have some fun with people that wouldn’t mind. You should ask the Centaurs how Ilya told them. Are you excited to play together in the upcoming season? Will it impact your relationship? Ilya: Very excited! We’re not sure what it’ll look like yet but being on the ice together is so fun and getting to play for the same team is the best outcome we could have hoped for. We’re very excited to be in the same place also, the longest we’ve ever had together is time over the summer so getting to live together is a fun new thing. Going from summers and days wherever we can to all the time honestly feels like the best wedding present we could have asked for. Shane: I think we’re both hoping that the. We’re hoping by answering some questions now that people will focus on hockey not our relationship, but we’re not naive enough to think that’ll be the case. Was your rivalry ever real? Shane: In one sense, yes. We love playing against each other and beating each other, and we’ve always presented each other with a challenge that we couldn’t get anywhere else. Ilya: Off the ice, however, it’s slightly different. We’re very competitive and that’s never going to change. We’ve fought for our accomplishments. So, rivalry in the sense of we always pushed each other. Shane: We’ve never hated each other. This was something that was sort of built around the idea that we wanted to beat the other - which was true - without our input and for a long time we felt that we had to play into it either because people wanted us to or because we didn’t know how to stop it or because it felt like a good cover. We’ve been in a committed relationship since 2017. In the years before that there've been times where we haven’t been speaking, and there was time where we loved each other and everything in between. But we’ve always respected each other as players, even before we were anything more. We’ve never let anything happening in private impact us on the ice, and anyone that looks at records against each other over our careers will see that to be true. Why the decision to hide for so long? Ilya: It’s been complicated. Before 2017 there wasn’t a relationship as such to hide. We were something more than everyone knew, but it wasn’t like we were going to come out and say hi everyone we’re queer but not really together. Hiding a relationship is different from hiding your sexuality too. If one of us had come out we would have been scrutinised in a different way that would have made hiding our relationship harder. Shane: There were things personally that meant aside from where we stood with each other, neither of us would want to say anything. It took me a long time to come to terms with my sexuality. Ilya: Yes and coming from Russia, I’ve had to be very careful if I wanted to be able to go home. Shane: So 2017 was really a turning point in so many ways. It was a combination of us resolving what we’ve mentioned in our personal lives, as well as some other things that had happened, and what Scott did that allowed us to properly be together. So then we were dealing with something completely different after that, that we’d never experienced before. We knew that coming out about our relationship would be different from what Scott did, and the truth is we just weren’t ready until now. It’s an incredibly scary thing to do. And finally, is there any advice you’d give you younger athletes of any sport that might find themselves in a similar position as you? Ilya: If a handsome Canadian hits on you, make sure to flirt back. I think realising you’re queer in any environment that could make it harmful is difficult. My advice would be to make sure you’re as safe as you can be and go easy on yourself if you make mistakes as you grow. This is why we pick you to interview with, because we want young people to learn from us, and know that they’re not alone. Shane: I think that a similar position to us could mean so many things - coming from a difficult country, having to hide your relationship, being outed. Of course we managed to make life pretty difficult for ourselves by having so many. There’s so much advice for the different circumstances but I think one thing we’ve learnt is that you have to lean on anyone you’ve got - whether that be a partner, friends or family and to know that even if it feels impossible, doing whatever you can every day is what matters in the end.

Hockey Whore @hockeywhore69 Okay there’s a lot to digest there idk where to start Ily-a @ilyahoezenov Honourable mention for the we got serious in 2017 bc I think we’d guessed at least some of that maybe we’re not as stupid as we seem Centaurs Stan @Ottawalover08 Respecting their privacy in not wanting to talk about whatever happened between 2010 and 2017 but the fact they kissed in 2010 and then seemingly weren’t on speaking terms at least for a bit at some point after and then went serious in 2017 but Shane dated Rose in late 2016 I’m so confused. Ily-a @ilyahoezenov The details will haunt me until I die Hollanov 4 Life @HollanovShipper105 Feeling like they had to hide their sexualities to protect their relationship is interesting, I hadn’t thought about that NHL Enthusiast @hockey4life The fact that people decided they had to hate each other before they even knew each other and then when they did know each other they just didn’t know how to stop it #1 Shane Fan @ShaneH0llander24 Many allusions to ppl in their lives not being supportive. Morntreal (and anyone else!!) when I find you Ily-a @ilyahoezenov Girl I don’t think it’s moved find a map and meet me there Centaurs Stan @Ottawalover08 I really really hope people leave them alone when the season starts but I do not have high hopes :/ Ily-a @ilyahoezenov Okay we need to talk about 2017 more because I forgot that it wasn’t just kissgate, sounds like for Ilya to be comfortable in a relationship he had to be okay with not going back to Russia and 2017 was the year his dad died so I’m presuming they were related. There was truly so many things standing in their way like 7 years is a long time but it’s a bit of a miracle they made it if you think about it Hollanov 4 Life @HollanovShipper105 I’m assuming when Shane dated Rose that was either him denying his sexuality or trying to hide it or whatever and from the wedding it sounds like she (very nicely) figured it out and helped Shane Hollanov 4 Life @HollanovShipper105 So those things together with kissgate happening allowed them to finally be together I guess. I wonder if they’d agreed they wanted to be but knew it was impossible for the above reasons or if they’ve never even admitted they wanted to be together 2017 was the year of Shane going down in the game against Boston too where Ilya looks SO upset like they really had it all going on Ily-a @ilyahoezenov Reminds you that you never know what’s going on behind the scenes like ppl talked about them seeming friendly at all stars that year meanwhile they were pining after each other waiting for Ilya to be okay never returning home and knowing that they weren’t alone Hayden Pike’s 5th Child @heydenpike I’m so happy some of the positivity has gotten through!! Because there are many of us willing to fight for these gay hockey boys!! Hollanov 4 Life @HollanovShipper105 The last year being so hard for them they decided being out couldn’t be harder actually breaks my heart Ottawinner @Centaurconnoisseur Also the idea that they love each other so much they can deal with whatever happens if they get to be together finally :((( NHL Enthusiast @hockey4life And lowkey that fear being validated in a lot of ways? Shane needing to move teams and whatever other bullshit has gone on behind closed doors Ottawinner @Centaurconnoisseur The implication that they knew the centaurs would be fine with it so they messed with them I couldn’t love my team more NHL Enthusiast @hockey4life I can’t imagine the amount of serious discussions they had. Like Shane said even if people were supportive it had to have been almost equally as hard as coming out Hockey Whore @hockeywhore69 Imagine being 4 years into a serious relationship and never having gone on a date they really suffered Scott Hunted @Admira1fan78 Okay the Scott move was still insane but it’s also sweet that they knew many people (looking at you Montreal) wouldn’t be happy but they knew he wouldn’t care so decided to have some fun. Like telling everyone you’re engaged should be fun! It shouldn’t involve news articles about if you’ve ruined your legacy (looking at you Montreal) Centaurs Stan @Ottawalover08 Homophobia really is evil because wdym it took Shane 7 years from kissing a man to being comfortable with his sexuality Hollanov 4 Life @HollanovShipper105 Years of hurt to get to that point :((( incredibly happy now :))) Ottawinner @Centaurconnoisseur No this stuck out to me too like the double of it taking years for them to be serious because (presumably) of the consequences of their relationship and not being able to imagine a future and then also years of hurt after that when they were together but had to be so careful Hayden Pike’s 5th Child @heydenpike Glad to see the slut to down so bad pipeline got Ilya #1 Shane Fan @ShaneH0llander24 “My parents found out” I just know that story is worth hearing ahahahaha Centaurs Stan @Ottawalover08 Can’t wait to see them happy and destroying Montreal together NHL Enthusiast @hockey4life Shane answering the question about the hockey world. I know we’ve all been speculating but imagine thinking you’ll retire somewhere and then having to move because they can’t deal with who you love. Idiots. Hollanov 4 Life @HollanovShipper105 The advice at the end really made me cry. I think we forget just how much they’ve been through. Hockey Whore @hockeywhore69 This isn’t good for those in situationships. I need the people to know most the time the Russian fuckboy will Not settle down and move countries for you Ily-a @ilyahoezenov Not to make everyone want to die but the idea of Ilya growing up a queer hockey player in Russia and then at 19 having this cute Canadian flirt with him and knowing he’s not so alone :)) Hollanov 4 Life @HollanovShipper105 Ilya took one look at Rose Landry and said absolutely not that boy is mine Scott Hunted @Admira1fan78 The idea that hiding got so miserable that even if both their teams were homophobic that would be more bearable is almost not worth thinking about Hayden Pike’s 5th Child @heydenpike I think this is worth saying for everyone talking about how hot and sexy it must have been Hayden Pike’s 5th Child @heydenpike Like I’m sure at times it was but when that’s you’re partner for life that’s just depressing Hockey Whore @hockeywhore69 I can’t believe that’s only been a month since the wedding this is the longest month of my life

Chapter End Notes

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End Notes

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