A bitter ice hockey rivalry proves a sticking point for a growing romance in steamy new drama, Heated Rivalry.

Based on the book series Game Changers by Rachel Reid, Heated Rivalry follows Asian-Canadian player Shane Hollander and Russian player Ilya Rozanov – two rising stars in Major League Hockey playing on teams with a long-standing rivalry.

But their ambition to succeed in their careers and the hatred on the ice hides a secret romance between the pair of them that started while they were rookies and they are desperate to keep under wraps.

Starting in December 2008, Heated Rivalry tracks the eight years that follow their first meeting, as the pair find themselves on their own personal journeys as they become torn between their love of hockey and each other.

With outside forces working against them – including the conservative Russian government, overbearing parental figures and the ultra-masculine world of ice hockey itself – can love prevail between them?

First launching on Canadian streaming service Crave in November 2025, Heated Rivalry quickly became an internet smash-hit as people fell in love with Shane and Ilya’s story.

Critics and viewers alike praised the show, with the series earning 95% critics score on RottenTomatoes.

RogerEbert.com noted in their review: “Heated Rivalry stands out in a wasteland of recent queer television that plays it too safe. ... But, beyond its importance and its inevitable legacy, the show is also one of this year’s most enjoyable.”

The central cast members of Heated Rivalry are:

• Hudson Williams (Allegiance, Tracker) as Shane Hollander

• Connor Storrie (Joker: Folie á Deux, April X) as Ilya Rozanov

• François Arnaud (The Borgias, Yellowjackets) as Scott Hunter

• Callan Potter (The Other Kingdom, Working Moms) as Hayden Pike

• Nadine Bhabha (Letterkenny, One More Time) as Elena

• Robbie G.K. (Overcompensating, Utopia Falls) as Kip Grady

• Franco Lo Presti (Bad Blood, Chucky) as Cliff Marleau

• Christina Chang (The Good Doctor, Unstable) as Yuna Hollander

• Dylan Walsh (Nip/Tuck, Superman & Lois) as David Hollander

• Sophie Nélisse (Yellowjackets, The Rest of Us) as Rose Landry

• Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova (Downsizing, Robyn Hood) as Svetlana Vetrova

What is the age rating of Heated Rivalry?

Heated Rivalry has been certified 15 – meaning the series is considered unsuitable for younger audiences.

Reasons for this rating is due to the show containing:

• Scenes of a sexual nature

• Discussions and depictions of sexual acts

• Visuals of male and female nudity

• Use of profanity

• Emotionally intense scenes some may find upsetting

• Discussions of underage alcohol and drug use

• Minor scenes of violence – mostly in an ice hockey game setting.

Yes! In December 2025, it was confirmed Heated Rivalry will return for a second season.

In a statement, show creator Jaco Tierney and executive producer Brendan Brady told Deadline: “Watching our show become an international phenomenon has been extraordinary. We’re profoundly grateful to everyone that has been on this journey with us.

“Being renewed for a second season so early is a true honor, and we can’t wait to bring you even more of what you love.”

Heated Rivalry will be available to watch on Sky from January 10th.

It will also be available to stream on service, NOW.

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