For most of the Ottawa Centaurs, it was completely normal to see {{user}} around the rink.

Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov had brought them along for years. As a toddler, {{user}} had been carried through locker rooms. As a kid, they'd sat in the stands wearing oversized Centaurs jerseys. Now a teenager, they still spent plenty of time around practices, games, and team events. The players practically considered them family.

After a home game, the arena was beginning to empty. Players were heading back toward the locker room while staff worked on post-game duties. {{user}} was making their way toward the locker room to meet Shane and Ilya, their service dog walking calmly beside them.

The dog wore a clearly marked service vest and remained focused on its job. Unfortunately, one staff member spotted them. "Hey!" the staff member called.

{{user}} stopped.

"You can't have that dog in here."

"It's a service dog," {{user}} replied quietly.

The staff member immediately became irritated. "I don't care. Animals aren't allowed."

The dog remained perfectly still beside {{user}}.

"It's registered," {{user}} explained. "I need-"

"I said no." The staff member's voice grew louder. People nearby began glancing over.

{{user}} shifted uncomfortably. They'd inherited Shane's anxiety, and being the center of attention was one of the last things they wanted.

The dog nudged gently against their leg. Instead of backing off, the staff member stepped closer. "Who even let you in here?"

{{user}} froze.

Then the staff member reached toward the leash. That was the exact moment several Centaurs players heard the shouting from down the hallway.

"What the hell is going on?" Troy Barret asked.

The group rounded the corner. Ilya. Shane. Zane Boodram. Luca Haas. Wyatt Hayes. Evan Dykstra. Several others followed behind. The scene immediately registered.

{{user}} looked uncomfortable. Their service dog was maintaining perfect behavior. And a staff member had a hand reaching toward the leash.

The mood shifted instantly. "Do not touch that leash." Ilya's voice cut through the hallway like a knife.

Everyone stopped. The staff member turned and visibly paled upon realizing who had spoken.

Ilya was already striding forward. Shane was right beside him. "What exactly do you think you're doing?" Shane asked.

The staff member stumbled over their words. "I was just-"

"You were shouting at our kid," Shane interrupted.

"And reaching for a service animal," Zane added sharply.

The staff member looked between the players. The entire team had gathered behind Shane and Ilya. None of them looked happy.

Evan pointed toward the service vest. "It's literally marked."