Shortly after Shane joins the Centaurs, Ilya asks him to go through each player and advise on what they can improve on because Shane is quite skilled and does have a high hockey IQ.
Shane is reluctant at first because Montreal never took his advice very well, they usually got mad at him. But then the Centaurs come to him and let him know that actually, they’d really appreciate it. They know there is room for improvement and who better to learn from than the Shane Hollander?
So, Shane goes through each player one at a time. None of what he says is cruel or mean, simply technical changes and weaknesses he’s noticed from playing or watching them. And everyone agrees with what he says, others chiming in to add in their own pointers, the person being talked to at the time even agreeing that he’s noticed that and asks Shane how to do better.
It goes really well. Ilya is all proud because his husband is being appreciated like he should be and also his team is going to be unstoppable.
Then it’s time for Wyatt Hayes.
“Oh,” Shane looks to Ilya, “I…I don’t have anything for him.”
Ilya frowns, “What? You have something to say about everyone. You are always talking during games we watch. Hazy can take it. Can’t you, Hazy?”
“Absolutely,” Wyatt nods, sprawled out in his cubby, his leg pads on, half dressed for practice, the comic he’d been reading sitting on his lap.
“I mean, yeah,” Shane shrugs at Ilya’s words, “but those are players.”
Ilya’s frown grows, “Hazy is player.”
“He’s a goalie.” Shane replies like it’s that simple. And to Shane, it is. He thinks the others understand because Wyatt is nodding, picking up his comic to keep flipping through it.
But everyone else, Ilya included, is still staring at Shane.
“I’m not a goalie, Ilya.” Shane explains to Ilya, “I’ve never been a goalie even in scrimmages when I was younger.” He shakes his head, “Goalies are a whole other type of hockey player. I don’t know what I can say to help Wyatt.” He looks at the man in question, “I will say you’re one of the best goalies I’ve seen in a long time though.”
“Thanks, man.” Wyatt grins, “Appreciate it.”
Shane focuses back on his husband, “You try and critique a goalie. Try and tell me one thing Wyatt can improve on.”
Ilya opens his mouth, closes it, opens it again, and closes it once more. Everyone is deep in thought. No one can come up with anything.
“Okay, fine.” Ilya huffs, conceding as Shane smiles smugly, knowing he’s right once more. He loves it a little. He knows Ilya will bring it up later and give him a tiny reward too. “Hazy — don’t let pucks in. That is your advice.”
“Wow,” Wyatt drawls, flipping to the next page of his comic without looking up, “Solid advice, Cap. Never would have thought of that myself. Thanks.”
“Fuck you.” Ilya throws a middle finger up in his direction while the rest of the team laughs.
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