Just finished a reread of 'Blindsided' by Victoria Denault, which focuses on rival hockey players turned unlikely allies (and more). The key characters are pretty clearly defined as a tight cast. You've got Tate Tanley, the veteran defenseman known for his rough play and quiet demeanor, a real 'defense-first' guy whose career is maybe winding down a bit. Then there's Felix Gagnon, the flashy, younger, offensive superstar forward with a big personality and a lot of media buzz. Their rivalry is the engine of the first part of the book.
The supporting cast is smaller but crucial. Tate's sister, Winnie, has a significant role as his supportive but worried family, offering a glimpse into his life off the ice. Felix's agent, Alan, pushes certain agendas. The team's coach and some teammates round out the hockey world. But really, the book lives and dies with Tate and Felix. Their dynamic shift from bitter rivals on ice to secret lovers, navigating the intense homophobia and pressure of professional sports, is the entire heart of the story. You get deeply into both their perspectives, their fears about coming out, and what a relationship would cost them in that world. The other characters mostly serve to highlight the pressures on the main duo.