‘There’s room in hockey for all of us’: Hockey star Jesse Kortuem comes out as gay, part-inspired by 'Heated Rivalry'
Professional hockey player Jesse Kortuem has publicly come out as gay, sharing that his decision was inspired in part by the popular romance novel Heated Rivalry.
Kortuem made the announcement in a personal statement released on Tuesday, saying he wanted to be open about his identity after years of keeping that part of his life private. “I’ve reached a point where honesty feels more important than fear,” he wrote. “Reading Heated Rivalry helped me see that there are stories about hockey players like me, and that those stories deserve to be told in real life too.”
Heated Rivalry, written by Canadian author Rachel Reid, centres on a secret relationship between two rival professional hockey players and has become widely known for its exploration of sexuality, masculinity and the pressures of elite sport. Kortuem said the novel resonated with him because it reflected the emotional isolation many players feel within a traditionally conservative sporting culture.
The novel’s impact has been amplified by its recent television adaptation - a six-episode romantic drama that premiered in North America in late 2025 and landed on Sky and streaming service NOW in the UK and Ireland from 10 January. The series stars Hudson Williams as Shane Hollander and Connor Storrie as Ilya Rozanov, bringing the emotional story to life for a broader audience.
I love this game, and I want it to be a place where everyone can be themselves without worrying about how they’ll be treated.
In his statement, Kortuem acknowledged the lack of openly gay male athletes in top-level men’s hockey and described his hope that speaking out might make the sport more welcoming. “Hockey has given me everything,” he said. “I love this game, and I want it to be a place where everyone can be themselves without worrying about how they’ll be treated.”
Messages of support quickly followed from fans, fellow players and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, many praising Kortuem’s courage and highlighting the importance of visible role models in professional sport. Several commentators noted that while women’s hockey has seen greater LGBTQ+ representation, men’s professional hockey has been slower to change.
Kortuem said he is aware that coming out may bring challenges, but added that the response so far has reinforced his decision. “If one person feels less alone because I spoke up,” he wrote, “then it’s been worth it.”
He concluded by encouraging others to share their stories when they feel ready, adding: “There’s room in hockey for all of us.”
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