Unexpected Reunion on Ice

Michael Graham's world is upended when Johnny Rikker, his estranged best friend and first love, unexpectedly transfers onto his college hockey team. The shock is visceral—memories of their secret teenage romance and its violent, traumatic end flood back. Graham, now a closeted defenseman at Harkness College, is paralyzed by fear and guilt, while Rikker, openly gay after being outed and expelled from his previous team, is determined to survive and play. Their first encounter is electric with tension, both men masking pain and longing beneath the surface. The team's camaraderie is tested as the past collides with the present, setting the stage for a year of reckoning, secrets, and the possibility of redemption.

Locker Room Tensions

The locker room becomes a crucible of anxiety as Rikker's presence unsettles Graham and the team. Rikker, aware of the risks, debates whether to come out to his new teammates, while Graham's panic grows—he fears exposure and the return of old shame. Bella, the team's vivacious manager and Graham's closest friend, senses the undercurrents but misreads the source. The team's banter and rituals are laced with unspoken questions, and Graham's every interaction with Rikker is fraught with avoidance and suppressed emotion. The tension is palpable, as both men struggle to navigate the minefield of masculinity, loyalty, and the ever-present threat of homophobia in the world of college hockey.

Secrets and Silent Longing

Graham and Rikker orbit each other, their shared history a silent undertow. Graham drowns his anxiety in alcohol and casual hookups, desperate to prove his straightness to himself and others. Rikker, meanwhile, tries to find his place on the team, enduring awkwardness and microaggressions, but also moments of unexpected kindness. Bella's flirtations with Rikker force him to come out to her, and she becomes an unexpected ally. The two men's longing is palpable—glances linger, memories intrude, and the ache of what was lost is ever-present. Both are haunted by the alleyway attack that ended their friendship, and by the love that neither has truly let go.

Coming Out, Coming Apart

Rikker's story—expelled from Saint B's for being gay—spreads through the team, thanks to Bella's tactful intervention. The team's reaction is mixed: some are supportive, others wary, and a few openly hostile. Graham's fear intensifies, convinced that Rikker's openness will lead to his own outing. The pressure mounts as the team faces both internal and external scrutiny. Rikker's courage in living authentically is both inspiring and isolating, and Graham's silence becomes a prison. The fragile truce between them is tested as old wounds are reopened, and the cost of secrecy grows heavier with every passing day.

Old Wounds, New Fears

The past refuses to stay buried. Both men relive the violence that tore them apart—Rikker's beating, Graham's flight, and the years of silence that followed. Rikker's resilience is hard-won, but the scars remain, while Graham is consumed by guilt and self-loathing. Their interactions are a dance of provocation and retreat, each testing the other's boundaries. The team's dynamics shift as Rikker's presence forces everyone to confront their own prejudices. The threat of exposure looms, and the fear of repeating past mistakes keeps Graham locked in a cycle of denial and longing. The emotional stakes rise, setting the stage for confrontation and, perhaps, healing.

Truce and Turmoil

A forced hotel room pairing leads to a tense, emotional confrontation. Graham finally apologizes for abandoning Rikker years ago, and Rikker, in turn, admits his own pain and anger. They agree to a truce—no more torment, no more avoidance, at least on the ice. The relief is palpable, but the peace is fragile. Off the ice, Graham's drinking escalates, and his self-destructive behavior alarms Bella. Rikker, meanwhile, tries to build a life at Harkness, but the loneliness and the constant vigilance take their toll. The two men are drawn together and pushed apart by forces both internal and external, their connection undeniable but fraught with risk.

On the Road Together

A road trip to a tournament in Boston forces Graham and Rikker into close quarters. The proximity rekindles memories of their teenage love—secret kisses, stolen moments, and the innocence lost in a single act of violence. The team's camaraderie is tested by the presence of outsiders and the ever-present threat of homophobia. Graham's defenses begin to crack as he witnesses Rikker's strength and vulnerability. The two men share moments of genuine connection, but the fear of discovery keeps them from fully embracing what they feel. The journey is both literal and metaphorical, as they navigate the terrain of forgiveness, desire, and the possibility of a future together.

The Saint B's Showdown

A game against Rikker's former team, Saint B's, becomes a crucible of hate and resilience. The Saint B's players unleash a torrent of homophobic slurs and targeted violence, testing the Harkness team's unity and Rikker's resolve. Graham, witnessing the abuse, is forced to confront his own complicity and fear. The game devolves into chaos, culminating in a brutal hit on Rikker and a bench-clearing brawl. The aftermath leaves the team shaken, Rikker suspended, and Graham reeling from guilt and helplessness. The experience is a turning point, exposing the cost of silence and the necessity of standing up—for oneself and for others.

Breaking Points

The fallout from the Saint B's game is devastating. Rikker is isolated, his teammates unsure how to support him, and Graham spirals into self-destruction. The media descends, turning Rikker into an unwilling symbol, while Graham's drinking and avoidance reach dangerous levels. Bella, caught in the crossfire, tries to help both men but is herself wounded by Graham's secrets. The pressure mounts until a night of tequila and vulnerability leads to a passionate, reckless encounter between Graham and Rikker. The aftermath is raw—desire collides with shame, and the old cycle of longing and retreat threatens to repeat itself. Both men are forced to confront what they truly want, and what they are willing to risk.

Tequila and Truths

A night of drinking strips away the last of Graham's defenses. In a haze of longing and pain, he seeks out Rikker, and the two finally give in to the passion that has simmered for years. Their encounter is intense, cathartic, and deeply emotional—an affirmation of love and a reckoning with the past. But the morning brings fear and regret, as Graham's shame resurfaces and he flees, leaving Rikker alone and wounded. The cycle of secrecy and self-loathing seems unbreakable, but the truth of their connection is undeniable. Both men are left to grapple with the consequences of their choices, and the possibility of something more.

Hidden Love, Open Pain

Despite the risks, Graham and Rikker begin a secret relationship, stealing moments of intimacy in the darkness while maintaining the façade of teammates by day. Their love is both a refuge and a source of pain—Graham's fear of exposure keeps them hidden, while Rikker's longing for authenticity grows. Bella's discovery of their relationship is a shock, leading to heartbreak and a painful reckoning. The team's suspicions mount, and the pressure of living a double life takes its toll on both men. Yet, in the quiet moments, their love deepens, offering hope that honesty and courage might one day win out over fear.

Concussion and Confession

A brutal hit leaves Graham with a concussion and retrograde amnesia, shattering his carefully constructed defenses. In his confusion, he repeatedly calls out for Rikker, exposing the depth of their bond to the team and to Bella. The hospital becomes a crucible of vulnerability, as Graham's mother arrives and the truth can no longer be denied. The experience is both terrifying and liberating—Graham is forced to confront his fears, and Rikker is finally able to care for him openly, if only for a moment. The crisis becomes a catalyst for confession, forgiveness, and the possibility of a new beginning.

Facing the Team

The aftermath of Graham's injury brings the truth into the open. The team, once divided, begins to rally around both men, their loyalty tested and ultimately affirmed. Hartley, the captain, becomes an unexpected ally, and even the most resistant teammates are forced to confront their own biases. Bella, hurt but compassionate, finds a way to forgive. Graham, with the support of his mother and Rikker, begins to accept himself and the love he has always denied. The locker room, once a place of fear and secrecy, becomes a space of tentative acceptance and new beginnings.

Family, Forgiveness, and Fallout

Graham's journey toward self-acceptance reaches a turning point as he comes out to his mother, and eventually to his father. The process is painful, marked by tears, fear, and the weight of years of secrecy. Yet, his family's love endures, and the act of honesty brings a sense of relief and possibility. Rikker, too, faces his own family's rejection and the solace of his grandmother's unconditional love. The two men, scarred but resilient, find strength in each other and in the chosen family they build. The fallout is real, but so is the hope for healing and a future together.

Vermont Healing

A trip to Vermont offers both men a chance to heal. Rikker's grandmother, the anchor of his life, provides a safe haven and a model of acceptance. Graham, away from the pressures of school and team, is able to relax and imagine a life lived openly. The two men reconnect with old friends, dance at a guerrilla gay bar, and share moments of joy and vulnerability. The experience is transformative—Graham begins to see that happiness is possible, and Rikker is reminded of the power of love and community. The past is not erased, but it is integrated, and the path forward becomes clearer.

Claiming Each Other

Back at Harkness, Graham and Rikker begin to live more openly, claiming each other in small but significant ways. The team's success on the ice mirrors their growing confidence off it. Graham's decision to come out to his mother, and eventually to the team, is a watershed moment—painful, but ultimately freeing. Rikker, once isolated, finds belonging and support. Their relationship, once hidden in the shadows, becomes a source of strength and joy. The journey is not without setbacks, but together they face the challenges of love, identity, and the courage to be seen.

The Final Game

The hockey season culminates in a run to the Frozen Four, a testament to the team's resilience and unity. On the ice, Graham and Rikker play their hearts out, their partnership a symbol of what is possible when fear gives way to trust. Off the ice, they navigate the complexities of family, friendship, and the future. The loss of the championship is bittersweet, but the real victory is in the lives they have reclaimed. The season ends, but a new chapter begins—one defined by honesty, love, and the promise of a life lived on their own terms.

Choosing Love, Choosing Self

In the aftermath of the season, Graham makes a pivotal choice—to step away from hockey and pursue his own dreams, no longer defined by fear or the expectations of others. Rikker, too, embraces the life he wants, grounded in love and authenticity. Together, they imagine a future of shared adventures, open affection, and the freedom to be themselves. The journey has been painful, marked by loss and struggle, but it has also been redemptive. In choosing each other, they choose themselves, and the possibility of happiness—hard-won, but real.

Characters

Michael Graham

Graham is a talented, physically imposing hockey player whose life is defined by secrets and shame. His relationship with Rikker in their teens ended in trauma—an alleyway attack and his own panicked flight—leaving him wracked with guilt and self-loathing. Graham's fear of exposure shapes every aspect of his life: he drinks to numb his anxiety, pursues empty hookups to prove his straightness, and keeps even his closest friends at arm's length. His friendship with Bella is deep but complicated by his inability to be honest. Graham's psychological journey is one of self-forgiveness and the slow, painful acceptance of his sexuality. His love for Rikker is both his greatest fear and his salvation, and his eventual coming out is a hard-won act of courage that transforms his relationships and his sense of self.

Johnny Rikker

Rikker is a gifted winger whose life has been shaped by both love and rejection. Outed against his will and expelled from Saint B's, he arrives at Harkness determined to play hockey and live authentically, despite the risks. Rikker's openness is both a shield and a vulnerability—he endures slurs, isolation, and the constant threat of violence, but refuses to hide. His relationship with Graham is the emotional core of his life, a source of both pain and hope. Rikker's resilience is rooted in his grandmother's unconditional love and his own hard-won self-acceptance. He longs for connection and belonging, and his journey is one of claiming his right to love and be loved, even in the face of adversity.

Bella

Bella is the team's irrepressible manager, a passionate hockey fan, and Graham's closest confidante. Her sexuality is fluid and unapologetic, and her loyalty to her friends is unwavering. Bella's flirtation with Rikker leads to a deep friendship, and her discovery of Graham and Rikker's relationship is both a shock and a heartbreak. She is wounded by Graham's secrecy, feeling betrayed by his inability to trust her with the truth. Yet, her compassion and strength allow her to forgive and support both men. Bella is a catalyst for change, challenging the team's prejudices and advocating for acceptance. Her journey is one of self-respect, resilience, and the courage to love without apology.

Adam Hartley

Hartley is the team's captain, a natural leader whose empathy and integrity set the tone for the locker room. He is quick to support Rikker, offering friendship and protection in the face of hostility. Hartley's relationship with Graham is one of mutual respect, and his quiet acceptance becomes a model for the team. He is perceptive, recognizing the undercurrents of pain and longing between Graham and Rikker, and offers support without judgment. Hartley's presence is a stabilizing force, and his willingness to stand up for what is right helps shift the team's culture toward acceptance and unity.

Coach James

Coach James is a tough, old-school hockey coach whose bark is worse than his bite. Beneath his gruff exterior lies a deep commitment to his players' well-being. He is pragmatic about Rikker's transfer, valuing talent and teamwork over prejudice. When faced with homophobia and media scrutiny, Coach stands firm, supporting Rikker and challenging the team to rise above pettiness and hate. His wisdom and experience provide guidance in moments of crisis, and his belief in second chances helps both Graham and Rikker find their footing. Coach's role is that of a reluctant but effective ally, pushing his players to be their best selves on and off the ice.

Big-D

Big-D is a defenseman whose casual homophobia and bullying represent the darker side of team culture. He is quick with slurs and slow to accept change, serving as a foil to the team's evolving attitudes. His antagonism toward Rikker and, by extension, Graham, is both a source of conflict and a catalyst for growth. Big-D's presence forces the team to confront their own prejudices and the cost of silence. While he never fully redeems himself, his role is essential in highlighting the challenges of creating an inclusive environment in a traditionally macho world.

Skippy

Skippy is Rikker's ex-boyfriend and a vibrant presence in his life. Outgoing, flamboyant, and fiercely loyal, Skippy provides both comic relief and emotional support. His relationship with Rikker is rooted in shared history and mutual respect, and his new partnership with Ross is a model of queer joy and resilience. Skippy's willingness to stand up to Rikker's family and support him in crisis underscores the importance of chosen family. He is a reminder that love and acceptance can be found outside traditional structures, and his presence helps both Rikker and Graham envision a future beyond fear.

Mrs. Graham

Graham's mother is a source of unconditional love and support, even as she struggles to understand her son's pain. Her willingness to care for Graham during his concussion, and her gentle encouragement to be honest, are pivotal in his journey toward self-acceptance. Her reaction to his coming out is compassionate and affirming, providing a model of parental love that contrasts sharply with Rikker's experience. Mrs. Graham's presence is a balm, helping to heal old wounds and build a foundation for a more honest, open life.

Rikker's Grandmother

Rikker's grandmother is his safe haven, the one family member who offers unwavering support and acceptance. Her home in Vermont is a sanctuary, a place where Rikker and, eventually, Graham can be themselves without fear. Her wisdom, humor, and resilience are a source of strength for both men. Her stroke is a crisis that brings the characters together and forces them to confront what truly matters. She embodies the power of chosen family and the importance of unconditional love.

Trevi

Trevi is a forward whose quiet acceptance and willingness to help mark him as an ally. He is not outspoken, but his actions—offering rides, standing up to Big-D, and treating Rikker with respect—speak volumes. Trevi represents the possibility of change within the team, and his presence helps shift the culture toward greater inclusion. He is a reminder that support can come from unexpected places, and that small acts of kindness can have a profound impact.

Plot Devices

Dual Narration and Shifting Perspectives

The novel alternates between Graham and Rikker's points of view, allowing readers intimate access to both men's inner worlds. This structure deepens the emotional impact, highlighting the contrast between Graham's fear and Rikker's resilience, and illuminating the misunderstandings and longing that keep them apart. The dual narration also serves to humanize both characters, making their struggles and growth feel immediate and real.

Sports as Metaphor and Arena

Hockey is more than a backdrop—it is a crucible for identity, masculinity, and belonging. The rituals, language, and physicality of the sport mirror the characters' internal battles. The locker room is both a site of camaraderie and a minefield of prejudice. Games become metaphors for confrontation, resilience, and the fight for acceptance. The team's journey from division to unity parallels Graham and Rikker's path from secrecy to love.

Flashbacks and Trauma

The use of flashbacks to Graham and Rikker's teenage romance and the violent attack that ended it provides essential context for their current fears and desires. Trauma is not just a backstory—it is a living force, shaping behavior, relationships, and self-perception. The novel explores the long shadow of violence and the slow, nonlinear process of healing.

Foreshadowing and Symbolism

Recurring motifs—such as the hockey helmet, the act of skating, and the rituals of the locker room—serve as symbols of protection, vulnerability, and the search for belonging. Early hints of Graham's drinking and avoidance foreshadow his eventual crisis. The gradual shift in team dynamics, from hostility to acceptance, is seeded in small acts of kindness and courage.

Coming Out as Climax and Resolution

The narrative builds toward moments of confession—first to friends, then to family, and finally to the team. Each coming out is both a crisis and a liberation, forcing characters to confront their fears and the possibility of rejection. The act of honesty is portrayed as both terrifying and transformative, a necessary step toward love, healing, and self-acceptance.

Analysis

The Understatement of the Year is a powerful exploration of love, trauma, and the courage it takes to live authentically in a world that often punishes difference. Through the lens of college hockey—a hyper-masculine, tradition-bound arena—Sarina Bowen crafts a story that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. The novel interrogates the costs of secrecy, the corrosive effects of shame, and the redemptive power of vulnerability. Graham and Rikker's journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, the necessity of chosen family, and the possibility of healing even the deepest wounds. The book challenges readers to consider the ways in which culture, community, and personal history shape our identities, and to imagine a world in which love—honest, messy, and brave—can flourish. In an era where LGBTQ+ rights remain contested, The Understatement of the Year offers both a mirror and a beacon, reminding us that the path to happiness is paved with truth, forgiveness, and the willingness to be seen.

Last updated: December 1, 2025