First look at sizzling gay ice hockey drama Heated Rivalry
– 1 min read
The highly anticipated gay ice hockey series Heated Rivalry, starring Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie, has unveiled its first official look - and fans are already fired up. Based on Rachel Reid’s bestselling novel of the same name, the six-part drama is set to premiere this November on Crave, promising a sizzling blend of sports, secrecy, and slow-burning romance.
Williams and Storie portray Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, rival captains of the Montreal Voyageurs and Boston Bears respectively. On the ice, they’re fierce competitors. Off it, they share a secret love affair that spans years - a storyline that has captivated readers and now looks set to do the same on screen.
Producer Jacob Tierney, known for Letterkenny and Shoresy, praised the depth of the source material: “Their connection feels so real, as Rachel allowed for this complicated dynamic that grows over seven years,” he told Deadline.
The series is part of Reid’s Game Changer book series, with Heated Rivalry and its sequel The Long Game focusing on Shane and Ilya’s evolving relationship. The adaptation is already drawing comparisons to Red, White & Royal Blue, though fans expect Heated Rivalry to be even spicier, given the novel’s reputation for steamy scenes and emotional intensity.
Joining Williams and Storie in the cast are François Arnaud, Robbie GK, Sophie Nélisse, Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova, Dylan Walsh and Christina Chang. With its mix of high-stakes sport and heartfelt drama, Heated Rivalry is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about LGBTQ+ series of the year.
