In December 2008 in Regina, teenage Russian hockey star Ilya Rozanov arrives for the World Junior Championships, focused on proving he deserves to be the top NHL draft pick over Canadian phenom Shane Hollander. Ilya watches Team Canada’s practice briefly but can’t identify Shane on the ice, and he resents the hype surrounding Shane even before they’ve played.

After Russia’s practice, Ilya sneaks outside the rink for a cigarette and is confronted by Shane, who tells him the designated smoking area is farther away. Shane introduces himself and tries to make friendly conversation, complimenting Ilya’s game and making small talk about the cold and families traveling for the tournament. Ilya responds bluntly, offering little warmth, but does ask about Ottawa when Shane mentions next year’s tournament location.

When Shane goes to leave, he wishes Ilya luck and shakes his hand again. Ilya grins and warns Shane that he will not be friendly when Russia beats Canada, and Shane confidently rejects the idea. Afterward, Shane tells his parents that Ilya is “kind of a dick.”

By the tournament’s end, Russia defeats Canada for gold. In the postgame handshake line, Shane—angry at Russia’s physical play and at Ilya’s dominance—forces out a curt congratulations while cameras flash around them. Ilya smirks and tells Shane, “See you at the draft,” cementing their public rivalry.

Shane accepts his silver medal with humiliation and holds back tears as Russia’s anthem plays, feeling he has let his country down. He fixates on Ilya’s smirk during face-offs and admits to himself that, for the first time, he may have finally met his match.