So, I keep thinking about the heteronormativity in hockey and how if Shane and Ilya acted like a couple, for example going to each others games, wearing the others jersey, and going on dates, would be interpreted as either a pr friendship, or that they lost a bet. In conclusion if Shane or Ilya called the other their boyfriend, no one would believe they mean it in the romantic sense of the word, and if they got married some people would still believe itās a joke.
And because of that I believe Shane would take advantage of this and openly date Ilya, and they would start dating sooner.











