Heated Rivalry has certainly taken the world by storm with ice hockey archrivals beginning a love story that spans eight years.

Based on the book Game Changers by Rachel Reid, Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov are building their careers as opposing captains of two formidable ice hockey teams. But no one knows that behind the scenes, their pent-up energy has given way to romance.

But with outside pressure putting a halt to their relationship, Shane and Ilya need to navigate their careers, domineering parents, and expectations way beyond their control.

Will love prove to be the true winner in the end?

Ahead of watching the show, here are the key players of the story, and who plays them.

Played by: Hudson Williams (Allegiance, Tracker)

Hailing from Ottawa, Shane Hollander is the phenomenally talented captain of the legendary Montréal Metros. Known for his incredible talent and passion, Shane has earned a reputation as one of the league's best players. Shane keeps things practical and lives a disciplined, organised life.

Supported by his parents, David and Yuna, Shane maintains a quiet social presence and is determined to protect his flawless public image and career. But beneath his “hockey first” mentality, he wrestles with vulnerability and an unspoken pull towards his longtime rival, Ilya Rozanov.

Played by: Connor Storrie (Joker: Folie á Deux, April X)

Born in Russia, Ilya Rozanov is the cocky captain of the equally legendary Boston Raiders and Sean Hollander’s longtime rival. He's as quick with the puck as he is with his taunting wit, bringing intensity and a touch of chaos on and off the ice.

But behind his swagger and carefree persona, Ilya carries grief and the heavy burden of a domineering father, a manipulative brother and the crushing expectations of his homeland. Perceptive and deeply observant, Ilya craves intimacy and connection, especially when it comes to his complicated feelings of shame.

Played by: Francois Arnaud (The Borgias, Yellowjackets)

Scott Hunter is the star centre and longtime captain of the New York Admirals and is widely regarded as the best of the best. He is exceptionally talented, handsome and kind. He's built a remarkable career while fiercely guarding his privacy and keeping a vital path to himself hidden off the ice.

Scott leads a quiet and isolated life until a chance encounter with Kip Grady begins to unravel the emotional walls he spent years building. As the relationship begins, Scott is forced to confront the high cost of living in secrecy and what it might take to finally live freely and fully.

Played by: Robbie G.K. (Overcompensating, Utopia Falls)

Kip Grady is sweet, warm and just a little bit lost. Working as a barista at Straw+Berry - a smoothie bar in Brooklyn - he's been putting off grad school applications, uncertain about what he really wants from life. When Scott Hunter walks in and orders a blueberry smoothie, the spark is immediate. Kip is a proudly out gay man with a tight knit circle of friends and a supportive family. He initially believes he can handle dating someone like Scott, but as their friendship deepens, he finds himself caught between compassion for Scott's fears and the need to stay true to himself.

Played by: Christina Chang (The Good Doctor, Unstable)

Yuna Hollander is Shane's supportive mum and is the driving force behind his hockey career. A lifelong fan with an encyclopaedic knowledge of the game, she takes a hands-on approach to managing Shane's career, brand deals and public image. To Yuna, hockey is more than just a passion. It's a core part of her identity. Her love for the sport started in childhood, watching Saturday night games with her father, which helped her shape her sense of being Canadian.

Played by: Dylan Walsh (Nip/Tuck, Superman & Lois)

David Hollander is a loving dad who's always there for Shane, never missing a game and cheering him on from the stands. Unlike his wife's full hands-on approach to Shane's career, David takes a more laid-back stance. He's proud of Shane's success, but what matters most to him is that his son is happy.

Played by: Sophie Nélesse (Yellowjackets, The Rest of Us)

Rose Landry is a movie star in every sense of the word. She's gorgeous, charismatic and always has a mischievous twinkle in her eye. She meets Shane Hollander at a party in Montréal, where she takes an immediate liking to his warm but shy personality. What begins as a chance meeting soon grows into a connection and a high-profile relationship. Rose is one of the few people who truly sees Shane for who he is.

Played by: Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova (Downsizing, Robyn Hood)

Svetlana is Ilya's strikingly beautiful, laid back, no strings attached situationship - or that's what they both want you to believe. In reality, they have been friends since childhood, and she is Ilya's closest confidant outside of Shane. She's the daughter of a Russian minister, a former hockey goalkeeper, and has an impressive understanding of the game.