Archive of Our Own

😂 You know you’re both my favourites.

I can honestly say I have never been disappointed in Shane. Montreal was the right fit for him at the time, and I was extremely proud of him that day, and even though I didn’t know him yet, I could see Ilya earned that number one spot. Although, it really could’ve gone to either of them; same with Rookie of the Year.

I don’t think his coming out story is really mine to tell, but I will say I was not surprised he was gay, as he’d never had much interest in girls. I was shocked he was dating Ilya. I wasn’t sure how that dynamic even worked, but after seeing them together, it all made sense. There was some guilt on my part that Shane felt like he couldn’t have come to me about it sooner, but I was very proud of him.

Shy, quiet, very sweet. A little mischievous. Hockey mad!

Oh gosh, I wish! I wasn’t a bad skater in my youth, but unfortunately there weren't really any opportunities for girls to play hockey when I was young. I’m glad that’s changing now. I love following the PWHL and seeing all the little girls at the camps. Having said that my strengths are probably best suited to the business side of things anyway.

Three: English, French & Japanese.

I remember thinking when he was three and first started playing that his level of skill was far more than above average for a three year old. His dad played at collegiate level, so I always had a feeling he’d be good at it, but probably his first real competitive games aged five are where I thought, ‘Oh my boy is going to be incredible.’

Oh god no! I don’t think I want to.

It’s funny being a mom to an only child. I never understood when other parents would have a second child and say their love grows because I could never fathom loving someone as much as I love Shane, but then Ilya came along, and my love truly did double. My only regret is that he wasn’t in our lives sooner.

I was a marketing executive. I was very good at it if I say so myself, but it didn’t bring me joy like the way supporting Shane’s career and the charity does.

I was surprised but thought he was very brave. Shane wasn’t out to us yet, but I did wonder what this meant for him.

Take a wild guess!

His Scottish grandma on his dad’s side.

This boy clearly really loves my son…and pasta.

I will always be thankful for the memories that team gave me, not just when Shane was playing but also following them when I was young, with my dad. However, my priority will always be my boys and supporting them wherever they go.

I was taught that if you don’t have anything nice to say, say nothing at all, but fuck those idiots.

That’s something for them to decide, but if they do have children, I’m sure they’ll be fantastic parents, and I will love their kids with all my heart. For now though, I’m happy spoiling my granddoggy Anya.

Cooking. I leave that to my husband.

It was like every parent’s worst nightmare. We normally wouldn’t miss one of Shane’s home games, but we’d just gotten back from visiting my mother, and typically that had to be the game he got hurt. I was wrecked with nerves the whole drive to the hospital only to get there and find him happily sitting up in bed eating ice cream as high as a kite.

I don’t think I know many of her songs. Love Story? That’s one of hers, right?

I thought we agreed it’s a tie.