Rivals on Ice, Lovers in Debt

On the ice, team captain Liam Hart and mafia heir Nikolai Volkov collide during a match. The impact throws both men down together in what is captured as an intimate embrace. The collision is used to pull both men into a debt owed to the mafia. Volkov's family connection puts the debt on record, and Hart is named alongside him. To clear the amount, the two men agree to work together. They move into the same residence. In public appearances and at team events they continue to act as rivals who cannot stand each other, while in private they coordinate payments and cover for each other's absences. Both continue playing professional hockey during this period, attending practices and games as scheduled. People connected to each man, family and associates, are drawn into the situation as leverage tied to the debt. Hart and Volkov take steps to keep these people out of reach of the creditors while continuing to make payments. At points the two men act against individuals connected to the debt collection directly rather than only paying what is asked. Their public rivalry on the ice continues throughout, with reporters and teammates unaware of the arrangement between them.