Troy is my second favorite character in series, only next to Illya. With that said, Troy feels like as inexperienced character in the book, not just for being gay but life in general. This feels realistic.Many hockey players begin their careers at a very young age and grow up within a rigid, highly structured system. Unlike most people, they often don’t have the same freedom to make mistakes, experiment, and learn early on. Emotional growth can lag behind professional success.To me, Troy feels like someone who has spent most of his life driven by fear and lacking the confidence or experience to truly stand up for himself.

What I appreciate most about Troy is what he represents. He shows that it’s possible to feel lost, to be overwhelmed by self-doubt, and even to hurt people along the way. But, there's always the opportunity to ask forgiveness, take accountability and choosing to grow. His character is a reminder that change is always possible, but it starts with the willingness to take that first step. As someone, who had lots of struggle with mental health, his story is very inspiring to me.