Shane Hollander has a reputation for being the “Golden Boy” of professional hockey – quiet, polite, and always professional. Even though Ilya Rozanov loves to tease him by calling him “boring,” Shane is anything but. Beneath his shy exterior is a man with a sharp wit, a deep heart, and the courage to finally live his truth.
Here are our top 10 quotes from Shane Hollander that show his humor, his struggles, and his incredible growth.
1. “I don’t think I’m ready. I think I still have some good hockey left in me.”
“You want to get me pregnant too? I don’t think I’m ready. I think I still have some good hockey left in me.”
Shane (to Hayden, Ep. 1×04)
Shane is known for being the “serious” one, but this quote shows his dry and sarcastic sense of humor. When the conversation gets awkward or personal, Shane uses a quick joke to deflect. It’s a great example of his sharp wit that fans love.
2. “I kind of prefer being the hole rather than the peg.”

“The thing is, I kind of prefer being the hole rather than the peg.”
Shane (to Rose Ep. 1×05)
This is probably one of the most talked-about lines in the series! Shane uses Rose’s funny metaphor to explain his preferences and his identity. It’s a moment where he is finally becoming comfortable with himself and can talk about his life with a bit of humor and confidence.
3. “I think I’m gay. It’s kind of a big deal. To me, at least.”
“I think I’m gay. It’s kind of a big deal. To me, at least. Sorry if I’m being boring again.”
Shane (to Ilya, Ep. 1×05)
This is a huge turning point for Shane. Coming out is a major step, and he chooses to share this truth with Ilya first. Even in this serious moment, his shyness comes through when he worries about being “boring.” It shows how much he trusts Ilya with his deepest secrets.
4. “I don’t think I can keep pretending I don’t like you anymore.”

“I don’t think I can keep pretending I don’t like you anymore.”
Shane (to Ilya, Ep. 1×05)
For a long time, Shane and Ilya acted like they were just rivals. With this line, Shane finally breaks down the wall. He’s tired of playing the “rivalry” game and admits that his feelings are real and they can’t be hidden anymore.
5. “I think I like you maybe a little too much.”
“I think I like you maybe a little too much.”
Shane (to Ilya, Ep. 1×05)
Shane is often scared of how intense his feelings are. Being in love with a rival is dangerous for his career, and this quote shows his fear. He realizes he isn’t just “having fun”, he is deeply “in over his head” with Ilya.
6. “I wish you were here right now.”
“I wish you were here right now.”
Shane (to Ilya, Ep. 1×05)
This simple quote captures the loneliness of their secret relationship. Because they play for different teams and live in different cities, they spend a lot of time apart. Especially now, when Shane can’t be with Ilya when he’s grieving.
7. “That’s not what this is. You and me. Maybe it was at first, but not now and not for a long time.”
“That’s not what this is. You and me. Maybe it was at first, but not now and not for a long time.”
Shane (to Ilya about being “bad”, Ep. 1×06)
When Ilya suggests that their relationship is just them liking to be “bad”, Shane stands his ground. He insists that what they have is meaningful and real, it’s long past of just “being bad and rebelious.” It shows Shane’s maturity and his belief in their love.
8. “I’m gay. Which I was gonna tell you soon. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner.”
“I’m sorry. You shouldn’t have found out that way. I’m gay. Which I was gonna tell you soon. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner.”
Shane (to his parents, Ep. 1×06)
Coming out to parents is never easy, especially when in love with a rival. Shane shows incredible bravery here, quickly overcoming the shock of being found out unexpectedly. Even though he is apologizing for the timing, he is finally being honest with his family about who he truly is.
9. “No one is allowed to use that word again.”

“No one is allowed to use that word again.”
Shane (to his parents and Ilya, Ep. 1×06)
This is a powerful and very relatable moment for anyone who has ever dealt with awkward family conversations. When the word “lovers” is used to describe his relationship with Ilya, Shane immediately shuts it down. It’s not just that he hates the word being said in front of the parents, they don’t really have any label to describe their relationship yet.
10. “I know. We know. We just can’t come out and, like, announce it.”
“I know. We know. We just can’t come out and, like, announce it.”
Shane (to his parents, Ep. 1×06)
This final quote shows the complicated reality of Shane’s life. He has accepted his identity and his relationship, but he still has to balance that with his career in professional hockey. It shows the compromise he has to make to keep both his love and his dream.
Which Shane moment touched your heart?
Shane Hollander’s journey from a quiet rival to a brave partner is something all fans can relate to. He shows us that being “sturdy and strong” doesn’t mean you can’t be vulnerable and honest about your heart.
Did your favorite Shane quote make our list? If there is a line that made you cheer for him, tell us in the comments! We love to update our articles with fan favorites.
Continue Reading More from Heated Rivalry:
- Heated Rivalry – All Quotes (60+)
- Quotes by Shane Hollander (Full Collection)
- Quotes by Ilya Rozanov
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