Alberta (Canada) rural farm-boy Sheldon Kennedy feels abused by dad when punished for poor performances compared to big brother Troy. Being recruited for professional ice-hockey at age 14 seems an ideal way out, straight to a party animal's good life. Yet after a Vegas marriage with Jana and hearing she's pregnant, Sheldon breaks down and tells her what's been eating at him for years: coach Graham James, who arranged for him to be transferred each time James was, sexually abused Sheldon, who fears to be laughed away as a queer and lose his only career avenue if he goes public.