The National Hockey League (NHL) has weighed in on the viral phenomenon that is Heated Rivalry.
Over the past few weeks, the gay hockey romance series starring Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams has dominated the pop culture conversation.
Based on Rachel Reid’s hit novel, Heated Rivalry follows Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, two elite professional hockey players who navigate a passionate, secret romance while maintaining a fierce rivalry on the ice.
“What begins as a secret fling between confused teenagers at 17 evolves into a years-long journey of love, denial and self-discovery. Over the next eight years, as they chase glory on the ice, they struggle to navigate their feelings off it,” the official synopsis reads.
“Torn between the sport they live for and the love they can’t ignore, Shane and Ilya must decide if there’s room in their fiercely competitive world for something as fragile – and powerful – as real love.”
Since its two-episode premiere on 28 November, Heated Rivalry has become both a viral sensation and a critical darling, with fans and critics praising its faithful adaptation of the source material, Williams and Storrie’s undeniable chemistry, and its bold, boundary-pushing sex scenes.
Now, the Heated Rivalry gospel has even reached one of the world’s most prominent hockey leagues: the NHL.
In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, a league representative acknowledged the show’s success and its unexpected role in attracting new fans to the sport.
“There are so many ways to get hooked on hockey and, in the NHL’s 108-year history, this might be the most unique driver for creating new fans,” they said. “See you all at the rink.”
The NHL isn’t the only part of the professional hockey world to recognize Heated Rivalry’s impact.
Earlier this month, former NHL player Sean Avery — who suited up for the Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings, New York Rangers, and Dallas Stars — told Rolling Stone that the show’s success “should open the door for the first gay NHL player, if there is one.”
He admitted that he doesn’t “know firsthand of any gay players past or present,” though he speculated, “I must have had a gay, closeted teammate at some point in my career.”
“I love Heated Rivalry. It’s the worst hockey show ever made, but the most incredible gay hockey show ever made. Sometimes I look away from the TV, it’s pretty graphic,” he added.
After five weeks of romance, heartbreak, and unapologetic gay passion, Heated Rivalry’s season one era is set to conclude on 26 December.
Titled ‘The Cottage’, the highly anticipated finale follows Shane and Ilya as they “get away from the spotlight for a rare moment of freedom.”
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The official synopsis adds: “But when the outside world intrudes, they have to face some tough decisions that could change everything about their future and what it means to build a life together.”
Fortunately, the surely iconic finale won’t be the end of Heated Rivalry, with the show having recently secured a second-season renewal from Crave and HBO Max.
UK and Ireland fans will also finally get to dive into the critically acclaimed series, with its premiere set for 10 January on Sky and NOW TV.
For more Heated Rivalry content, click here.
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