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The last few years have been revelatory for the MLH. First with Scott Hunter coming out on the ice after winning the cup, then Troy Berret coming out on Pride night in Ottawa. These, followed closely by the disclosure of Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov’s concealed relationship (For full details, read the full exposé, Fanmail Uncovered: How one Fan Betrayed The Famous Rivals).
Since their relationship was unfortunately uncovered against their wishes, the couple has seemed to embrace their new ability to be more open in public. What used to be a smattering of occasional appearances together for charity-related business has now become a regular influx of everyday activities. From jogging to grocery shopping, they have been spotted all over Ottawa together. Even when apart, they seem to bring something of the other with them, often spotted in similar clothing.
In 2018, I wrote an almost prophetic article in which I noted several occurrences where the then-rivals wore matching clothing. In hindsight, it’s fair to assume that those were in fact the same articles that they were sharing. Hiding in plain sight indeed. Since then, I have kept an eye on their style choices, but the similarities had stopped at that time. Perhaps they read my article and decided to keep the closet swap behind closed doors.
However, since their relationship is now public, it seems all bets are off. I have collected for your attention several clothing swap moments, from matching outfits to others that are undeniably the same article of clothing. I even threw in a few from some of the other boyfriends and husbands of hockey.
1. IC3PEAK Crop Top
Rozanov was seen leaving a grocery store in a cropped IC3PEAK shirt in early September. The politically-charged Russian electronic duo face censorship in Russia, but have gained popularity in the west where their music has a large audience. Notably, Rozanov had just received his official Canadian citizenship days prior after marrying Hollander that summer. Later that same month, Shane wore the same crop top while jogging.
2. Korean Wide-Legged Pleated Trousers
Shane Hollander wore these heather grey Korean-style wide-legged pleated trousers paired with a cream cashmere sweater to a Charity Event for the Irina Foundation. Later that same season, Rozanov wore the same trousers paired with a black tee and blazer, entering their home game against Boston.
3. Mesh Floral Summer Button Down
Rozanov was seen exiting a club in Vegas after the MLH awards in this breezy cream mesh short sleeve with floral embroidery details. Shane and Ilya were presenting the Rookie of the Year award just hours before they were both pictured here. Shane was then seen in the same shirt a week later in LA with Rose Landry, entering a spa.
4. PWHL Ottawa Jerseys
Hollander and Rozanov attended the inaugural PWHL Ottawa home game against Montreal wearing matching PWHL Ottawa Jerseys. They were seen cheering on the women, welcoming the athletes to their city. They were in attendance at the inaugural game after-party, where they were seen chatting with the players.
5. The Olympic Fleece
Who can forget this positively adorable Canadian Winter Olympic Fleece from 2014? Here you see Shane wearing it around the Olympic Village in Sochi. It seems that Rozanov hasn’t forgotten either. He was spotted walking his dog, Anya, while wearing the iconic Fleece last March. Seems he’s embracing his new home country in more ways than one.
6. Stars and Stripes
Speaking of Olympic wear, here you see Scott Hunter in the dark blue denim jacket with embroidered Stars from the same Sochi Olympics. It must be comfortable, because Kip Grady was spotted wearing it at a 4th of July celebration in New York after the sun went down, and before the fireworks.
7. Drover Cider Fest
Troy Barrett and boyfriend Harris Drover are pictured here in matching Drover Cider Fest shirts. They were spotted at the Fest helping serve guests and tending to the orchards during the U-pick seasonal peak. This was the tenth annual Drover Cider Fest held at Harris’s family apple orchards located just outside Ottawa.
8. Sleeveless Flannel Cutoff
Retired Goalie Eric Bennett is pictured here in a cutoff sleeveless red and blue flannel over a black shirt, exiting a yoga studio. This seemingly belongs to his bartender boyfriend, Kyle Swift, as seen in this photo taken in the Kingfisher bar, this time worn over a Kingfisher shirt.