Chapter Text
Born an hour from Stockholm in Uppsala, Sweden, Sören Miitka emerged early with a clear gift in hockey. But, as much as he loved playing hockey at home in Sweden, there seemed to be more opportunity for growth in North America. He loved his family, he did, but being the middle child between an older sister and younger brother didn’t quite lend itself to being in the main spotlight, hockey prowess or no. So, Canada or America it was.
He ended up drafted for the Minnesota Nomads, and had a solid start to his career there. A lot of Minnesota had Scandinavian heritage, however it was a lot more extroverted than he was used to. Talk about culture shock.
The unfortunate thing was that he was not getting the games he felt he deserved. Call it ego, call it blunt, but he was a damn good goaltender. It seemed that Montreal thought the same, because after 3 years in Minnesota, he was traded to the Montreal Voyageurs in what was a pretty even deal for both teams. It took less than half a season for Miitka to work his way up to their main goaltender (no hard feelings Drapeau?).
A season later, he was staring at generational wonder Shane Hollander. Damn kid was a beast. Being a goalie was hard, don’t get him wrong. But watching Shane fly across the ice, with calculated turns and passes, was not something you saw every day. Unless you were playing for or against Boston. Then there were two of them.
Mitty didn’t hear the chirps as often. Going after goalies was practically a cardinal sin that not even the likes of Rozanov likes to mess with too much. But the kid wasn’t less calculating than Hollander. Defending the goal from Rozanov was, frankly, exhausting. If he was on the ice, your ass better be paying attention to his moves. Especially if Rozanov successfully ragebaited his defensemen and he was essentially left alone on the ice.
Sören stopped Shane after practice once and brought up the idea of one-on-one practices. If Mitty could guard the goal from Shane, then he might be able to call himself the best goaltender in the NHL. And as far as he knew, the kid and Rozanov were familiar with each other, rivalry be damned. That kid probably knew Rozanov’s playing style better than the guy himself did. Being able to save the net from Rozanov (and others he supposed) would be the key to getting them any cups. Shane could score all night long, but if Mitty let goals in, that meant jack shit.
Needless to say, Mitty felt like he knew his now Captain well. Years of one-on-one training sessions will do that to you. Maybe he wasn’t best friends with him like Pike was, but he thinks he’s maybe third or fourth in line. Shane doesn’t make fun of him for his “weird goal rituals”. Staring at the goal and becoming one with the goal is very normal actually! And if it wins them games then who cares JJ! Leave him alone.
And he’s Swedish, not an idiot. He may not be outwardly affectionate like many on his team from the states or Canada, but he knows a thing or two. Goalie-sense, if you will. (Wyatt Hayes would back him up on this.) So he sees Shane tense at the homophobic jabs on the ice. See’s how less than PC language in the locker room gains a certain look from their captain. So when Shane comes out as gay to the team, he’s not the most surprised. And he’s not surprised either when the team responds…pretty neutrally all things considered.
So who’s Lily?
Pike may be Shane’s best friend, but Mitty has played on the same team for Hollander’s whole career too. He knows about Lily. Might be one of two or three who do, as Cap keeps that shit on lock. And Hollander looks a bit tense during their next one on one.
“Thanks for telling us. About you being gay. Doesn’t bother me any.” Shane looked at him surprised, halting the back and forth he was doing with the puck.
“Oh. Thanks Mitty.”
“So…is Lily a man then?” Shane seemed to blanch a bit at the mention of her (his) name.
“...yeah. He is. He’s uh. He’s my boyfriend now.”
“That’s good.” Soren gave him a nod. “ Want to try and get some goals past me?” Shane seemed to relax at the easy switch in conversation and locked back in.
“As long as you don’t let me actually get pucks past you.” Mitty smirked then put his helmet back down and got into position.
Mitty had dated off and on his whole career. He used to do hookups, but found them more effort than they were worth half the time, especially since Swedes had different views on sex compared to the NAmericans. A few summers ago, he had met a woman named Wilma when he was back home. After one or two hookups, and oddly enough, conversation, the two turned into something more defined. A year later and the two were strong. Marriage started getting brought up more often; at that point, most guys his age in the league were married, and most of those guys already had a kid or two. But for some reason, when he thought about marriage with Wilma, it just seemed… well, he’d be leading her along, that’s what. He found he would rather stay friends (if that was even possible) than marry her. Before flying back to Canada, he talked through his thoughts with his sister, currently a mom and teacher herself.
“Sören, I know you’re a dumb hockey boy, but how familiar are you with the gay community?”
“I’m not gay.” It was a statement of fact, at least according to him.
“Mmm. I don’t think gay is the word for you.” He sat up and gave her a confused look.
“I think that’s a base level requirement, Anni.” She shrugged in response.
“There’s lots of identities. I’m not saying you don’t like women. Maybe you just think you do. But, honestly, until Wilma came along, I didn’t think you’d ever get into a proper relationship. Doomed to stay single and have hook-ups.”
“Aren’t a lot of people like that?” Annika shook her head. “I dunno. I’m not going to stay in something that feels like a sham.”
“No one said you had to. But I worry about you. I just want you to find someone that makes you happy.”
Sören shrugged and looked away. “Just don’t think it’s that big of a deal if I don’t find anyone. I’m happy with the life I have.”
“Sore, you’re barely 30. That’s still a baby. You’ll find someone, it just might be harder. And maybe the Swedish dating pool isn’t the best for you.”
Sören thought of this conversation often going into the new season. With his gay captain. Once they were in the locker room, fresh from the showers, he went back over.
“Hey, Cap, I’m happy you have Lily. It’s good that you have someone. I think my single-ness and recent breakoff has my sister thinking I’m gay too,” Sören grinned a bit. “Who knows, maybe we’re secretly gay brothers.” Shane let out a laugh.
“Think we’ll ever get to meet him?” Sören asked, earning a sigh from Shane.
“One day. I hope.”
~
Connor Connors, the boy so Connory they named him twice or whatever the hell. He hasn’t a damn clue what his parents were thinking. Youngest of five, and the only boy in his family, meant he was the dotted on nuisance of his Irish catholic family. Born and raised in Boston, and a die-hard Bears fan, it was a dream come true to get drafted for the team. According to the coach, his play-style (read: annoying) was perfect. And as right wing to a future star center in Ilya Rozanov? Well Boston had just become the team everyone hated to see coming. Chirps for days.
Connors had changed a lot over his years. Locker room talk was such a weird minefield. In middle school and early high school, he didn’t really know what he was saying, not really. In a place as blue as Boston, he should’ve known better, Catholic upbringing be damned (even if he didn’t really believe in that stuff anymore, sorry ma!). But nothing makes you rethink all your damn words quite like your sister telling you she’s your brother. What a mind fuck.
And he loves his sister brother. So much that he became a fucking gay expert overnight. He was not going to be caught as the shitty brother. In fact, he had to rise to the occasion. Who the hell else was going to teach him how to be the best guy you can be? Connor Connors is on the case. He didn’t care about pride night before, but now it was personal. Every pride night he made sure to have the trans tape on his stick.
But there is one thing that becoming a gay expert overnight does to you. Like learning new words. Like bisexual. It turns out it’s not very straight behavior to admire how guys' bodies just look like. That. When he told his brother this information, Connors got laughed at for three minutes straight. What an asshole. After all the shirts he’s lent the guy.
He bought Connor bisexual hockey tape. Which was so fucking sweet. And also, so sad. “I can’t use this.”
“Why not?” Jake asked, lowering his hand holding the tape.
“The guys might think I’m bisexual.”
“I mean-” Jake looked off to the side as Connor nudged him.
“Shut up. I just. Can’t. The league hates gay players.”
He gave Connor a confused look. “What about Scott Hunter?” Connor scoffed in response.
“Yeah. One guy, wow. And he’s a captain and a cup winner. Gives him more room to work with.”
“You’re a cup winner.” Connor had to grin at that. It’s true, he was.
“Well I’m no Ilya. Look, Jake, Boston’s a great team, but it’s one thing to have a gay guy in your locker room y’know? Besides, I’m not even seeing anyone so who cares.” Jake shrugged.
“Just keep it. Just in case.”
The thing was. The thing was. Connor still went out sometimes. And Ilya, his primary roommate, had been going out less. But they were in Montreal, and as far as Connor knew, Jane was still very much in the picture. He had even heard that Roz hadn’t gone to Russia the past summer. Perhaps he stayed to see Montreal Jane- but that was just a guess. So he knew Roz was going to be out with Jane. And he had told Ilya he was going to go out clubbing for a while, for fun. Until it got boring, then he decided to go back to the hotel room early. And did not think to text Ilya this information.
So there he was, buddled up in two bed sheets worth of blankets, playing clash of clans unmuted (perks of having a room to yourself, his sisters always complained when he had the volume on). And he did not hear the muffled voices outside the door, but he did hear the sound of a keycard open the door.
Connors turned and stared straight at a shocked Ilya Rozanov, and a pale as fuck Shane Hollander, clash of clans music playing in the background. “...hey dudes?”
“You are not at the club.” Ilya stated, clicked the door closed behind him and Shane.
“No I uh. Got bored?”
“You didn’t answer your phone.”
“Oh. Yeah I was kind of distracted by…” Connor gestured to his game.
“We’ll just get out of your hair,” Shane quickly butted in, looking nervous for some reason. Connor looked between them.
“You forget something Cap? I thought you’d be out with ja- …ne,” he finished, lamely, putting the pieces together. And If he hadn’t, both of their faces would’ve confirmed it for him. Pure, unadulterated panic.
“Connors if you so much as-” Ilya started to threaten. Connor held up his hands.
“Cap, chill! I’m chill. I’m actually the chillest person. My brother is trans actually. Gay is in. Actually he likes girls so maybe not gay? I’m scared to ask him how that works. Shane’s a handsome dude. I’ve thought about it once myself- ok that’s not. Ignore what I’m saying, but don’t ignore what I’m saying.” Shane looked like he was going through every emotion under the sun. Ilya was caught between wanting to laugh and wanting to do…something else. Strangle him maybe?
“You are bisexual,” Ilya eventually says. It’s not a question.
“I am.”
“I knew it. See, Shane, I told you,” Ilya says, brushing this whole exchange off pretty easily, given the circumstances.
“You have never once said that,” Shane responds. “Look, Connors, I’m …flattered? And very taken. But can we trust your discretion? This would be…bad, if it got out.”
“No, I get it. And about what I said, very happy for you two. Don’t mind me. You won’t even notice that I know. Scouts honor Hollzy,” Connor says. His game is still on and playing in the background.
“That game sucks,” Ilya tells him.
“Shut the hell up Cap, I’m actually very good at it.”
“I think that is the problem. Why you are not getting laid by men or women,” he teases.
“Man, shut up. Just take what you came here for and go enjoy gay time.”
“Is only gay time for Shane.”
“Ilya, this could not be less important. We should go before anyone else sees us,” Shane urged, hand already back on the door handle. Ilya quickly grabbed a bag and the couple gave Connors one last look before leaving.
The next day he had an email from the infamous Yuna Hollander. The subject was Discretion Appreciated. That part wasn’t surprising, Yuna Hollander was a legend in the management field. The surprise was that he was not the only email in the to line. One Sören Miitka of the Montreal Voyageurs was also there.
‘Gentlemen,
I understand that you have witnessed something that was previously unknown to you. Rest assured, all parties take their job very seriously and we would all hate to see what a public statement would mean for them and hockey at large. I have been reassured that you are both trustworthy individuals and are good teammates to the parties in question. All discretion is appreciated. If you have any questions, let me know.’ And signed off in her classic Yuna signature. How the hell did Sören figure it out?
After a few texts to teammates and former teammates, he was now in possession of Montreal's star goalie’s phone number.
??: How the hell did you figure it out?
??: This is Connor btw
Mitty: Should we really be texting each other about this?
Sören saved the number to his phone.
Connor2: Who else am I going to talk about it with?
Connor2: Dude fuck the boston v montreal rivalry, this is insane!!!
Connor2: You have to agree with that at least
Connor2: Not like I’m going to give away Boston’s secrets anyway
Mitty: After they announced the foundation, I saw that the kid looks at Roz the same way he does when he texts Lily. Also Ilya = Lily, pretty obvious. When I asked Shane about it he looked like he wanted to sink into the ground so. Damning.
Connor2: Wow you are way more observant than I am. But really, Shane/Jane seemed pretty obvious once I said it out loud
Mitty: He was Jane in Roz’s phone? These two are something else. You’re not going to say anything to anyone are you?
Connor2: Fuck no. Like I told them, gay is in.
Mitty: That sounds like a very Boston thing for you to say
Mitty: Also I don’t need your secrets, I have more cups than you
Connor2: That’s a low blow. This is our year I can feel it
Connor2: Montreals ass is ours
Connor2: In fact, next game, I’m going to look you right in the eyes when I score a hat trick
Mitty: You’ve never scored a hat trick
Connor2: This is my year mitty!!! Mark my words
Sören rolled his eyes amused.
Mitty: No ‘I’ in team Connors
Mitty: You Americans have too much energy
Connor2: Sorry I’m not a depressed Swede :p And it helps me score goals. Like that hat trick I’m going to get on home turf next month
Mitty: I’m not depressed
Mitty: How would Boston react if they knew?’
Connors hadn’t thought of that. He likes to think it’d be good.
Connor2: Most guys participate in pride nights. I dont know how they’d react to Shane being Jane though
Connor2: What about montreal
Mitty: Hollzy told us he was gay at the beginning of the season. Some of the guys didn’t seem excited about the news
Mitty: I don’t think they’d react well to knowing Lily is Ilya
Connor2: Fuck
Mitty: Ja
Mitty: Roz is known asshole so that doesn't help him
Connor2: Ugh I know but thats why hes the best
Connor2: Hes such a great captain
Connor2: And really funny
Mitty: You got a crush on the guy?
Connor2: No!!
Mitty: I’m teasing connors I don't care
Connor2: Well I dont. Just stating the truth no one outside boston wants to hear
Connor2: His contract is up at the end of this season
Connor2: oh fuck what if he leaves?
Mitty: Maybe don’t have a panic attack when the seasons just getting started
Mitty: If he leaves he leaves
Connor2: Easy for you to say, Hollzy is going to live and die a Voyageur
Mitty: Good news for me and the stanley cup haha
Connor2: What did you even do with it last time? Stare at it? What do goalies do with their turn with the cup?
Mitty: I played magic the gathering with it
Connor2: Really?
Mitty: No
Connor2: Man fuck you I got excited
Mitty: You like Magic? That’s embarrassing
Connor2: Does Hollzy know how mean you are because I'm gonna tell him youre hurting my feelings
Mitty: Just mean to Bears :)
Connor2: Eat my stick Mitty
Connor2: in a not gay way
Mitty: You didn’t have to say that part
Connor2: I feel like I did
Connors swiped the messages away when that didn’t get a response. Should he tell Roz that he was texting Mitty now? …nah. Guys had friends on other teams all the time. Original 6 rivalry be damned. Besides, if Roz could sleep with the captain of their rival team, he could text their goalie.
Sören didn’t realize how much time had passed texting Connor until the pre-heat button on his oven beeped loudly. He looked away from his phone and went to go finish dinner. As he was eating he sent a text to Shane.
Miitka: Message heard loud and clear from Manager Hollander herself. Don't worry kid, I’ve got your back.
Miitka: As does Connors
Shane responded a bit later.
Hollzy: Thanks Mitty. See you bright and early for practice tomorrow. Don’t forget your go bag for the plane.
Sören sent a thumbs up in response. The kid never seemed to turn the captain off.
Other than Shane shooting him a look every now and again, clearly waiting for some kind of shoe to drop, practice went on as normal. Shane was intense, coach was never happy, and Comeau’s anger meant he was demoted to second line for the game later. Mitty squeezed water from the bottle into his mouth as Shane came over.
“Chicago’s been on a streak recently. We’ll have to be ready for some cocky plays tomorrow.”
“I’m always ready, Cap. Are you?”
“Course. Always.” Sören watched him swallow.
“Do you…” Shane shook his head. “Nevermind. It’s nothing. See you on the plane.” Mitty watched Shane skate off towards Pike, who eagerly pulled him into a side hug as they got off the ice.
“What’d Holly want?” Drapeau asked, skating over from the other net.
“Just reminding me that the Hawks are on a winning streak. Too bad we have to end it for ‘em,” he said, smirking a bit, gaining a laugh from the other goalie.
“Looks like him being into dudes didn’t change the stick he has in his ass about hockey.”
“He’s the best in the business for a reason, Poboy.” Mitty watched him shrug.
“Patrice.”
“What?”
“I’m serious. There’s nothing wrong with him being gay. It clearly doesn’t affect his game, so who cares.” Drapeau looked at him.
“You gay too?”
“Doesn’t matter even if I was. He’s a good captain. Comeau’s lucky he has the A.” With the final letter, Sören skated off the ice to get a solid shower in before being stuck on the plane with a bunch of jocks. Sören was looking forward to his swedish pop decompress time. His phone buzzed once he got settled on the plane, Dancing queen playing in his headphones.
Connor2: Kick Chicago’s ass
Connor2: theyve had it too good for too long
Sören chuckled to himself.
Mitty: Someone has to. Especially since you guys couldn’t a few weeks ago
Connor2: im starting to think youre a goalie because your chirps would be too strong on center ice
Connor2: also at least I scored that game, not even Roz can say that
Mitty: I’m sure if you bring that up to him it’ll go over real well
Connor2: I can neither confirm nor deny the brutal practice that followed
Mitty: Hitting the jetstream. Try not to lose to Tampa tomorrow
Sören smirked at the middle finger emoji he got in response. Of all the people to share a secret with, Connors was proving to be a good ally.