‘Heated Rivalry’ TV Series Boosts Hockey’s Popularity & Inclusivity at Olympics

MILAN (AP) — The Milan Cortina Winter Olympics are proving to be more than just a showcase of athletic prowess; they’re also providing a surprising platform for a burgeoning cultural phenomenon. The HBO Max (and Crave in Canada) series “Heated Rivalry,” a gay hockey romance, is resonating with athletes, fans, and even sparking conversations about inclusivity within the traditionally masculine world of professional hockey.

The show centers on the secret, long-term relationship between Shane Hollander, a Canadian player, and Ilya Rozanov, a Russian player on opposing teams. Its steamy depiction of forbidden love has captivated audiences, and, according to data from ticketing platform SeatGeek, contributed to a more than 20% rise in weekly NHL ticket sales following its late November debut. While a direct causal link is difficult to establish, the timing is notable.

The impact of “Heated Rivalry” extended beyond viewership and ticket sales, becoming a visible presence at the Olympics themselves. Co-stars Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie carried the Olympic flame, a symbolic gesture that highlighted the show’s growing cultural relevance. Athletes from both Canada and the United States have openly expressed their appreciation for the series.

Zach Werenski, a defenseman for the U.S. Team and the Columbus Blue Jackets, acknowledged the show’s presence in locker room conversations. “Everyone is saying how great it is, I just haven’t seen it yet,” Werenski told The Associated Press after a 5-1 victory over Latvia. “It’s definitely good for the sport of hockey. Whenever you can add more eyes to the game and have people talk about the game and talk about inclusivity, I think it’s just great for the sport.”

The show’s influence is also prompting reflection on representation within the NHL. Jake Sanderson, another U.S. Defenseman playing for the Ottawa Senators, referenced Luke Prokop, a Nashville Predators prospect who came out as gay in 2021, as a potential catalyst for further change. Sanderson believes that “Heated Rivalry” could instill confidence in other athletes who may be struggling with their identity. “You never know if that show (will) instill some confidence in some people,” he said, adding that any openly gay player would be fully accepted by their teammates.

Originally developed for the Canadian streaming service Crave, “Heated Rivalry” quickly became the top-rated series on HBO Max in its first season. The show’s success has led to a renewal for a second season, signaling continued demand for LGBTQ+ representation in sports narratives.

The enthusiasm for the show isn’t limited to the athletes themselves. Fans attending Olympic events are also demonstrating their support. Kim Sweet of Calgary, Alberta, described herself as a “huge hockey fan” and said she was intrigued by the show. Angie Campos, a California resident, was spotted wearing a sweatshirt featuring the jerseys of the show’s main characters, indicating a newfound fandom sparked by the series.

The cultural impact of “Heated Rivalry” extends beyond North America. Despite Russia’s well-documented anti-LGBTQ+ crackdowns, the show has reportedly found a surprising audience there, a testament to the universal appeal of a compelling love story. However, due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, only a limited number of Russian athletes are competing at the Milan Cortina Games as neutral individuals.

Even outside the arena, the show’s influence is apparent. Members of the Canadian delegation have playfully named their Olympic-gifted potted plants “Shane” or “Ilya,” a nod to the show’s central characters. Canadian Alpine skier Kiki Alexander took the fandom a step further, declaring on TikTok that the village’s Canadian moose has been christened “Shane.”

Adam van Koeverden, Canada’s secretary of state for sport and a 2004 Olympic champion in kayaking, has also publicly expressed his support for the show. “We’re the perfect country to be having the conversation and be putting that art out there that I think is advancing the conversation on diversity in hockey,” van Koeverden told the AP. “Hockey is for everyone and ‘Heated Rivalry’ makes it clear.”

The show’s success comes at a time when the NHL has yet to see an openly gay player in its century-plus history. While “Heated Rivalry” doesn’t directly address this absence, it’s fostering a climate of acceptance and sparking conversations about the importance of representation. Jesse Kortuem, a former Vancouver hockey player who came out as gay on Instagram in January, credited the show with inspiring his decision to share his story, writing, “Something has sparked in me (ok — yes credit to #HeatedRivalry).”

As the Milan Cortina Olympics continue, “Heated Rivalry” stands as a compelling example of how entertainment can intersect with sports to promote inclusivity and broaden the appeal of traditionally male-dominated arenas. The show’s impact is being felt not only by fans and athletes but also by those within the hockey world who are beginning to recognize the power of representation.