The Graham Effect

Six years after the prologue, hockey icons Garrett Graham and Jake Connelly convene on their show, Hockey Kings, to dissect the world of college hockey. Their focus today is the merger between Briar University and Eastwood College. Amid their discussion, they delve into the challenges Coach Chad Jensen faces while blending the once bitter rivals—both Division 1 hockey teams—into a unified entity.

In the last week of the off-season, 21-year-old Gigi practices alone until her coach, Tom Adley, interrupts, worried she is overdoing it. Gigi brushes off his concern, reflecting on her Olympic aspirations and frustration with being compared to her father. Adley reveals he is helping Coach Jensen with training camp, which is closed to outsiders, leading Gigi and her teammates to watch discreetly.

Reflecting on Eastwood College’s bankruptcy and merger with Briar University, Gigi observes the men’s team, including her ex-boyfriend, Case Colson. Rumors circulate about Luke Ryder, known for injuring a teammate in the World Juniors. A fight erupts during practice, stopped by Ryder, and Jensen ends practice early. Outside, Gigi encounters Ryder, exchanging sarcastic jabs reminiscent of their past encounter.

In the media room, Jensen addresses the men’s team, warning against internal conflicts and emphasizing unity within the newly merged Briar team. He outlines the need to reduce the 60-person team by half through a week of intense practice. Jensen calls for two interim team captains—one from Briar and one from Eastwood—and Colson and Ryder are selected. Jensen sets ground rules and divides the team for practice based on behavior.

Jensen privately questions Ryder’s leadership abilities, citing past concerns about team unity.

Later, the former Eastwood team meets at Ryder’s apartment, expressing worry about the new roster and their future. They discuss concerns about integrating with Briar players.

Garrett calls Gigi to discuss concerns about her twin brother, Wyatt, and arrange a family gathering. During their conversation, Garrett inquires about the men’s team, expresses frustration over Ryder’s attitude issues, and subtly attempts to reunite Gigi with Case.

Shortly after, Case unexpectedly appears at Gigi’s doorstep, hoping to reignite their relationship. Gigi confronts him about his past infidelity, reminding him of the time he kissed another girl. She also expresses lingering hurt over his delayed declaration of love, which only came after the cheating incident.

Gigi emphasizes that while they remain friends, they are no longer together.

Gigi consoles her twin brother, Wyatt, who is upset over their mother’s critique of his latest song. Later, she meets her friend Diana Dixon, a top cheerleader at Briar University, who seeks Gigi’s advice on choosing among three boyfriends.

Despite facing criticism for maintaining ties with Case’s friends, Gigi meets up with Will Larsen, her and Case’s mutual friend, at a restaurant. Will complains about the Eastwood players and invites Gigi to a farewell party for Miller Shulick, a Briar player who is leaving due to tough competition post-merger. Notably, Eastwood players are not invited. During their conversation, Will probes Gigi about her relationship with Case, leading to her frustration. As she rises to grab some ketchup, she accidentally bumps into Ryder.

Ryder and Gigi exchange verbal jabs before Ryder departs with his food, reflecting on the contrast between industrial Eastwood and picturesque Hastings. Meanwhile, Beckett, Ryder’s friend and roommate, invites some neighbors over, and Ryder, seeking stress relief, accepts the advances of Carma, one of the neighbors.

Ryder oversleeps for practice, because Carma tampered with his alarm. Struggling with his malfunctioning Jeep, Ryder relies on Carma for a ride to practice. Pressured by her for a kiss goodbye, Ryder reluctantly complies to save time. Witnessing the scene, Garrett Graham admonishes Ryder for his irresponsibility.

Garrett watches practice, searching for a player to assist with coaching at his summer camp, which includes one-on-one training with him. Despite Ryder’s attempts to explain his situation, Garrett remains unimpressed, and Ryder’s chances seem slim.

Ryder’s roommates, Beckett and Shane, engage in a heated debate about time travel, a topic of interest for Beckett. Despite their suggestion that Ryder ask Gigi for assistance in fixing Ryder’s relationship with Garrett, Ryder declines. However, he finds himself intrigued by footage of Gigi’s hockey skills. Shane interrupts with news of a women’s exhibition game that evening, urging Ryder to attend and seize the chance to speak with Gigi.

Confused by the intensity of the exhibition game, Gigi learns that Team USA coaches are present, prompting her to elevate her performance and score a goal. Briar ultimately wins the game in a shootout. However, Gigi’s elation turns to dismay upon discovering that the new head coach for Team USA is Brad Fairlee, whose daughter, Emma, previously caused trouble for Gigi in high school.

Approaching Fairlee, Gigi hopes for a chance at Team USA but receives noncommittal feedback, with Fairlee highlighting her struggles behind the net.

Later, Ryder approaches Gigi and critiques her performance, then expresses his desire for her to put in a good word with Garrett. Angered by his request, Gigi clashes with Ryder, who suggests that Gigi’s position at Briar is a result of nepotism.

Gigi discovers her roommate, Mya Bell, has returned from summer vacation. She confides in Mya about Emma Fairlee’s persistent social media attacks over the past three years, expressing her frustration. Mya suggests that Gigi’s mood might be partly due to her lack of sexual activity.

Later, Case calls and proposes to come over, tempting Gigi, but she ultimately declines. The following morning, after her run, Gigi is surprised to find Ryder waiting outside her dorm with a bouquet of daisies.