Chapter Text
”With Shane Hollander signing to the Centaurs, it means he will join his husband, Centaurs’ Captain, Ilya Rozanov in their line up. The bulging question now is…WHO WILL BE THE CENTAURS’ STAR CENTER?”
-SPORTS MAG SEPT 2022
“Its still Roz,” Troy said as the team gets ready for morning practice. “He is our captain and he has been the teams’ star center for 3 years now. Its unreasonable if they will suddenly replace him just because Hollander joined us.
No one commented on Troy’s show of loyalty to their captain. Its to be expected. Ilya has been supportive of them and they ARE loyal to him.
But still…
”Hollander has a better points and goal percentages than Roz,” Bood said.
“Not to mention he also has been the star center in Montreal all through his stint there.” Boyle added.
No one reputed that. They all know Hollander is the “King” of hockey if everyone will just be honest with themselves.
“What will happen now?” Young asked while sitting in his stall. Holmberg is quiet on the stall beside his. Everything suddenly turned confusing for the young players in their team.
To think they were so elated when Shane signed for the team. Imagine having not one but two generational talents in the same roster. Thats good, right?
It is. Except in the haze of their celebration, they forgot to notice an important thing that sprung up with the addition of another center in their team. And its an issue they would need to address.
Luca Haas looked around the locker room, finally noticing something. “Where are Roz and Hollander?” he asked.
”In the coach’s office.” Boodram replied. “They were called before they can even come in the stadium.”
Everyone hung their heads. The atmosphere in the locker room turning grim. That until Bood had enough of it. He clapped his hands hard. “Okay, thats enough! We are not here to mope! We are here to practice! Move it people! LOOK ALIVE!”
Bood took a deep breath as everyone move to his command. Being the alternate captain of the Centaurs, he has his work cut out for him. Solving the issue of who will be their star center is not his job. Thats for the THINKERS (coaching staff) and the captain to figure out.
………
Brandon Wiebe tries to not be overwhelmed. He remembered meeting Rozanov a couple of years ago as a rookie coach, and that was intense. This time is intense too. Facing the two best players in the league at the same time could be A LOT.
But they have an important issue at hand and they need to figure this one out.
“So, what do you think gentlemen? What should we do?” Wiebe asked Ilya and Shane who are both sitting in individual visitors’ chair in front of his desk.
Ilya scratched his nose. “Actually, Shane and I already discussed this. And we have some ideas.”
Wiebe shouldn’t have been surprised. This is Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander after all. These two are the most hockey pilled players in the league at the moment. Of course they must have talked about this issue on their own.
Wiebe leaned forward. “Then I am all ears. Give it me.” he said.
Ilya and Shane took turns explaining to Wiebe their ideas about the star center position. They ended up calling Harris to the coach’s office because the plan would heavily involve the comms team as well.
………..
The first game of the season for the Centaurs happened at their home court. In Ottawa, Shane Hollander’s hometown against the Buffalos. The Centaurs’ won with the score of 7-3. Both Ilya and Shane scoring 2 goals a piece. The game got intense at one point when a Buffalo defenseman got personal with Troy that a fight almost broke up.
But none of that matters because the big news of the night was watching Shane Hollander play in line two for the team. Ilya was in line one with Troy and Bood. Ilya retaining his star center position.
The Centaurs’ social media accounts were flooded with comments. Fans were both pleased AND not pleased with Shane’s position. The comment sections became a debate forum for fans who are loyal to Ilya or Shane.
@shanesgirl04 - it should have been shane on that star position. 😭
@ilyacares81 - @shanesgirl04 gurl, get a grip. ilya is the captain of the team. their best scorer. he DESERVES that position.
@mikepucks - hollander is has the best percentage in goals and points in the league. what are the centaurs’ thinking?
@centauraddict - @mikepucks they are thinking rozanov is their captain and best scorer and that hollander is a newcomer. next question pls💅
@hollanderbabe - SHANE IS THE KING OF HOCKEY! KING OF THE ICE! MY BABY
@hockeyislife - guys its literally the FIRST GAME OF THE SEASON. relax pls
Its was a whole circus.
And to make the matter worse, Ilya and Shane were photographed by paparazzis as they are leaving the stadium after the game. Shane was walking ahead of his husband while Ilya trailed behind him, carrying two bags. The headline was so suggestive that its borderline comedy.
“TROUBLE HAS ENTERED THE PARADISE : ILYA ROZANOV IN HOT WATER AS HUSBAND WAS PUT ON LINE TWO.”
Harris and the comms team has to move fast. Countering the photos and articles by posting a picture of Shane and Ilya, in the same time frame and clothes, holding hands and laughing as they approach Shane’s car.
…….
”Amazing, everyone and I mean every sports news article, are talking about you two.” Luca’s pupils are dilated as he read about the game last night. “To think Scott Hunter broke his personal record last night as well in New York but there are hardly any news about it. Its all Roz and Hollander.”
Shane sighed. “I wish they will soon find another thing to talk about. Or if they will talk about us, at least leave the personal stuffs alone.”
Harris gave Shane a look of sympathy. “Hang in there. It will die down soon. As long as we follow our plans, talks will settle down eventually.”
Troy scoffed. “Do you really believe that? Be honest.”
Harris glared at his boyfriend. “I know it will take some time but still, a man can dream. Shut up, Troy.”
Troy laughed as he placed a mollifying kiss on his boyfriend’s cheek.
Boyle, who is also on his phone, is quite happy. “As long as they post about my assist to Hollander, thats enough for me.”
”See? We should all be Boyle. Happy with our lot.” Bood said.
“I’m happy too. I’ve never been this bored in a game before. Ilya and Shane kept intercepting those pucks, I almost fell asleep.” Wyatt laughed.
“Good for you,” Troy grinned.
Harris nodded. “Just behave you guys. Remember, eyes are on us. Lets not give them more materials to go after us, okay?”
“Of course.” Troy and Shane said at the same time.
”We will try,” said Young.
”Do our best,” LaPointe added.
Harris turned to Bood who sighed in resignation. “Just, be ready with anything.”
Harris groaned. “Behave! Just Behave! I have to go.” He kissed Troy and then zoomed out of the locker room.
Minutes after Harris left, Ilya entered to join his team. His eyes quickly found Shane. They shared a look that didn’t escape the others.
“Where we you?” Bood asked.
“Phone call.”
Dykstra slid close to Ilya. He made a gesture of mimic someone holding a mic. “Mr.Rozanov, we heard you are in hot water. If true, how hot is that water? Is it hot enough to boil lobsters?”
The others laughed. Ilya grinned. “Ah, you are asking the right questions here. I applaud your media practice.”
“Answer the questions, Mr.Rozanov. Please.” Young said laughingly.
Ilya grinned at them. “Well, it was pretty hot. Right, sweetheart?” he winked at Shane.
Shane was unimpressed. “Yeah. So hot you almost slept on the couch. I told you again and again, never give Anya more than three treats. That was her vet’s recommendation. You just won’t listen.”
“Ohhh…” echoed in the locker room.
Dykstra sidled away from Ilya. “Bad dog daddy.” He mumbled as he move back to his stall.
Wyatt looked disappointed. “Why are you like that, Roz?”
Ilya opened his mouth to defend himself but Troy beat him to it. “Just say the words, Shane. Harris and I will hold Anya for you until Ilya is properly trained to be her dad.”
Shane chuckled humorlessly. “Don’t tempt me. I might let you guys hold Ilya for me instead of Anya. At least she listens to me when I say she had enough treat.”
Ilya was instantly panicked. “No! Don’t give me away, Hollander!” he went to try and hug Shane who moved quickly to evade him. Ilya pouted like he is about to cry.
He is so dramatic. Shane and everyone else are done with him.
“Who will we go up against next?” Holmberg asked.
Haas, who is standing near the schedule board, winced when be read who their next opponents will be. “Montreal.”
Every eyes fall on Shane. He sighed. “Oh boy, this will be fun.”
And it will be. As long as they follow their plans.
………
The Centaurs will be visitors in their second game. Everyone were surprised to find the press and reporters with cameras pointed at the players as they climbed off the bus. Good thing for them, Ilya and Shane were bickering as they stepped off the team’s vehicle. Their faces look disapproving as they talk rapidly in both English and Russian.
While the team are getting ready to skate in the ice for practice, articles are popping up about the scene of them disembarking in front of the Montreal Stadium.
“I could practically see the headlines now. Marriage on the Rocks; Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander on their way to divorce.” Wyatt is trying to think it’ll be a joke but he has a feeling it would not.
Shane laughed. “We have only been married for 3 months.”
“Doesn’t matter. They will write that.” Troy grumbled.
”Ah, excuse me. It matters to me. No divorce. Shane and I will stay together until the Metros are dissolved and sold by pieces.” Ilya is annoyed.
Bood sighed. “Oh its starting already. Captain calm down.”
”I am calm.” Ilya said, brooding.
Bood and Shane shared a look. Oh well, its not like they can do something with Ilya’s mood.
”Oh! Its up!” Boyle showed Wyatt the new articles popping up. “You were right.”
Wyatt was not happy to be right. Troy too, for that matter. “Harris and his team will have a fine time countering those articles again.”
”Can you tell us what you two were bickering about?” Luca is curious.
Shane eyes shifted. “Where…uhm…we should have our dinner later after the game.” he bowed his head after admitting that.
Everyone were too stunned to speak. Troy recovered first. “WHAT?!”
Ilya stood next to Shane. “Its important.” He faced Shane. “I told you, the chicken parmesan on my favorite restaurant is the best.”
Shane rolled his eyes. “You are wrong. The ones in that Italian place is better. Thats where we should eat.”
Wyatt laughed because what else can one do in this situation. “I hope you two will apologize and treat out comms team for dinner.”
”Don’t worry,” Ilya said placatingly. “Everyone’s dinner is on us.” He gave Shane a pointed look. “As long as my stubborn husband will agree that I am right.”
”No you are not.” Shane shook his head.
Ilya gave him an indulgent smile. “How about this, whoever scored more will decide where we will eat later.”
”Deal!” Shane is quick to accept that challenge.
As the two shook on it, Troy turned Bood. “Can we leak this to the press? That these two idiots are fighting about chicken parmesan, not that they are close to divorcing each other.” He is desperate to help Harris with his job.
Bood patted Troy’s shoulder. “Never mind that. Focus on the game. FOCUS ON THE GAME EVERYONE!” he shouted so everyone in the locker room could hear.
…….
The Metros and their fans had the surprise of their lives when Shane skated to the center ice as the opening face off approaches. At the same time, the line up for each team was shown on the screens around the Montreal Stadium. Shane is on line one while Ilya is listed as center on line two.
Thats their plan. Rotate the line up as actively as they can. Ilya with Troy and Bood, Shane with Luca and Boyle. In this game against Shane’s former team, Shane is in line one with Luca and Boyle.
JJ had the opportunity to chat up with Shane during the game about it.
”So is this the plan to confuse everyone? But will you be alright? Barrett and Bood are stronger players than Haas and Boyle.” JJ said.
Shane and JJ remained friendly despite the fiasco that was last season. JJ took the captaincy position that got vacated when Shane left the team and went to Ottawa.
Shane agreed with JJ’s observation. Troy and Bood are more dynamic and aggressive players than Luca and Boyle but the thing is, Luca and Boyle are both strong skaters. They proved that by keeping up with Shane’s speed during hours upon hours on their practice.
Troy and Bood compliment Ilya’s aggressive style of plays. Luca and Boyle are at ease in Shane’s more elegant ways of playing. Not to mention, both wingmen are fans of Shane. Besides Coach Wiebe was clear on the instructions he given to Luca and Boyle as they were assigned to be in line with Shane.
“When you are in the ice with Hollander, do your best to keep up with him. Scoring will take care of itself. Trust Hollander, he is your center.”
So far, two games in…that strategy is working well for them.
Shane snickered. “The score is 4-2, do you really have to worry about our teams’ dynamic right now?”
Shane already scored a hat trick while Troy made one goal. They are halfway through the second period. Things are not looking good for the Metros.
JJ sighed. “You are right. Then, please tell your husband to calm down. I know he is carrying a grudge but damn!”
Shane laughed. “I don’t know. The best I can do is give you an advise. Stay as far away as you can from him. Warn Hayden too.”
The game resumed and they skated away from each other.
When the whistle was blown to signal the end of the game, the Centaurs won in a bloodbath, 6-2. Ilya finally stopped his relentless pursuit of the Metros’ players to score a goal while Luca having one last easy goal on Boyle’s assist.
Shane hugged Hayden as the two teams meet on center ice for the customary post game handshake.
“Have dinner with us. I will ask JJ to join us too.”
”Okay. As long as your husband will behave. Damn, Shane…he scared the living daylight out of Beck. He came from nowhere. Beck almost got a sprain. Who permitted your husband to play while he is THAT angry?” Hayden complained.
Shane could only chuckle. “He has issues with your team. Anyways, dinner…yes?”
”Fine!” Hayden nodded.
Ilya joined them. “Pike, stay away from my husband.”
”You stay away from us.” Hayden groaned. “You are a nightmare.”
“Only to my enemies.” Ilya is practically growling.
Hayden gave Shane a pleading look. “Leash him.”
”Okay thats enough. From the both of you.” Shane focus on Hayden. “Be nice. He is actually starting to like you.”
”And thats your priority. Him liking us. What about the other way around? Shouldn’t we like him too. Or at least feel safe with him?”
Shane laughed. “I’m married to him. I’m the one who has to sleep in one bed with him. I need him happy.”
Hayden sighed. “Yeah that makes sense.”
Shane pulled Ilya away. They skated together back to their team. They received clapped on their backs as the team welcomed them.
Coach Wiebe was begged to be interviewed on the post game press conference. He was asked to take Ilya and Shane too but he refused. Instead, he told the reporters they can ask whatever they want about the team’s strategy on their offense line ups.
Wiebe’s answer on the question if this is how he will use his two star centers was quoted in ever sports news article the next day.
”It seems outdated to stick to old fashioned strategies when it comes to centers on teams. Don’t be fooled. Our team doesn’t have one or two star centers. We have FOUR.”
”Don’t sleep on Barrett. He is our rising star. He skates next to Rozanov and Hollander during practices, he is not behind them at all. And then there is our Luca Haas. He is young, fast, smart and he watches the three before him with hawklike precision. We are raising him as the future of this team. Believe me when I say, I have many arsenals in my chess board and I intend to use them ALL well.”
After the press talk, Harris walked beside Wiebe. “Nice work,” he praised their coach.
”All thanks to the script you and your team prepared for me.” Wiebe put credits where the credit is due. “But you think this is enough. Will it not make everyone more curious about the team?”
”I don’t know. We cannot control what the reactions will be. For us, we are trying to give everyone a breathing room. Ease up the pressure from Ilya and Shane a little. Plus, this is good publicity for Troy and Luca. Win, win, win.”
Wiebe nodded. He and Harris did a high five as they walk towards the locker room where the team is waiting for them.