The Long Game Chapter 17 Summary and Analysis
⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.
Summary
In mid-November, the Ottawa Centaurs acquire forward Troy Barrett in a trade. Ilya Rozanov is immediately unhappy about the addition, complaining to his boyfriend Shane Hollander on the phone that Barrett has “bad vibes” and disrupts the team’s pleasant atmosphere. Shane reminds Ilya that Ottawa’s team is objectively bad, but Ilya insists the locker-room morale was good before Barrett arrived. He tells Shane that Harris is bringing the new team puppy, Chiron, to practice, and that Barrett ruins everything. Shane mentions that Barrett called out his former teammate Dallas Kent for homophobic bullying and sexual assault allegations, which led to Toronto trading Barrett for less than his market value. Ilya acknowledges the broken clock adage but still thinks Barrett is mostly bad.
Later, after practice, Ilya calls Shane. Shane asks about Troy, but Ilya raves about the puppy Chiron instead, sharing photos and videos. Ilya wishes he could get a dog, but acknowledges it isn’t practical. The conversation turns to rookie Luca Haas, whom Ilya describes as a nice kid who might have a crush on him. Shane feels a flicker of jealousy but hides it. Exhausted after his own game, Shane asks Ilya to speak in Russian so he can fall asleep listening to his voice. Ilya obliges, and Shane drifts off, comforted.
Key Events
- Troy Barrett is traded to the Ottawa Centaurs, becoming Ilya’s new teammate.
- Ilya complains to Shane about the trade, preferring the previous team chemistry.
- Shane explains that Barrett stood up against Dallas Kent’s homophobia and misconduct, leading to his trade.
- Harris brings the team puppy, Chiron, to practice, which cheers Ilya up.
- Ilya and Shane have a phone call after their respective games; Ilya focuses on Chiron.
- Ilya mentions rookie Luca Haas possibly having a crush on him; Shane suppresses jealousy.
- Shane, tired, asks Ilya to speak Russian; Ilya lulls him to sleep.
Character Development
Ilya Rozanov – Ilya’s irritation with the new teammate reveals his attachment to stability and team harmony. His deep affection for the puppy shows his nurturing side and his longing for a pet, symbolizing his desire for a settled life. He is perceptive about people’s “vibes” yet open to nuance, as he acknowledges Barrett’s earlier moral stand. His playful teasing about Haas’s possible crush demonstrates his comfort in his relationship with Shane.
Shane Hollander – Shane is supportive but also tired, both physically and emotionally, from his own demanding season. He hides his jealousy over Haas, showing restraint and trust. His request to hear Russian indicates how deeply Ilya’s voice soothes him, highlighting the intimacy they have built despite distance.
Troy Barrett – Though he appears only fleetingly in this chapter, Barrett is characterized as a potentially good person (he called out Dallas Kent) but with “bad vibes” that disrupt team dynamics. His introduction sets up a future evolution.
Harris – A minor teammate figure who brings the puppy, representing the lighter side of team life.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
Communication and Comfort – The chapter centers on Ilya and Shane’s phone calls, showing how they maintain connection through daily check-ins. The final image of Shane falling asleep to Ilya’s Russian speech underscores the trust and safety in their relationship.
Waiting and Patience – Ilya says he is tired of waiting for “someday,” referring to getting a dog and possibly to his broader desire for a future with Shane. Shane’s reassurance that they are young echoes the book’s long-game theme.
Jealousy and Trust – Shane’s brief jealousy over Luca Haas is quickly suppressed, demonstrating that he trusts Ilya and their bond. The chapter contrasts Ilya’s openness about Haas with Shane’s quieter insecurity.
The Puppy, Chiron – The new team puppy symbolizes innocence, joy, and the small comforts that make a difficult career bearable. Ilya’s excitement about Chiron contrasts with his frustration about Barrett, showing how he copes with change.
Redemption and Nuance – Troy Barrett’s trade is framed as both a punishment (for fighting) and a vindication (for standing up to a homophobic bully). Ilya’s mixed assessment—“broken clock is right twice a day”—suggests that moral actions can come from flawed people.
Why This Chapter Matters
Chapter 17 advances the ongoing subplot of Ilya’s dissatisfaction with his team, while deepening the emotional core of his relationship with Shane. The arrival of Troy Barrett introduces a character who may become a significant teammate and potential friend, creating possibilities for Ilya’s growth. The puppy theme provides a light contrast to the tension of trade news. Most importantly, the chapter reinforces Ilya and Shane’s bond: they share their days, navigate minor jealousies, and find comfort in each other’s voices, all of which solidifies their commitment even as external circumstances shift.
Study Questions and Answers
1. Why does Ilya initially dislike Troy Barrett, and how does Shane challenge his view?
Ilya dislikes Barrett because he disrupts Ottawa’s positive team culture and seems like a “prick.” Shane challenges him by revealing that Barrett fought Dallas Kent, a known homophobe accused of sexual assault. This forces Ilya to reconsider Barrett’s character, though he still remains skeptical.
2. How does the chapter use the puppy Chiron to contrast with Ilya’s frustration about Barrett?
The puppy represents immediate joy and affection, giving Ilya something positive to focus on. While Barrett brings “bad vibes,” Chiron brings licking, floppy ears, and softness. The contrast highlights Ilya’s coping mechanism: he focuses on small, manageable sources of happiness rather than dwelling on the undesirable change.
3. What does Shane’s request to hear Ilya speak Russian reveal about their relationship?
Shane’s request shows deep emotional intimacy; he doesn’t need to understand the words, only the sound of Ilya’s voice to feel safe and loved. It demonstrates that their bond transcends language and that physical presence is replaced by auditory comfort during their long-distance arrangement.