Two ice hockey players hide their blossoming romance as they go head-to-head in rival teams. Only on Sky Atlantic and NOW.

Set in December 2008, Russia’s Ilya Rosanov and Canada’s Shane Hollander become fierce rivals as they sign on to opposing ice hockey teams. Both showing promise, they have the potential to become two of the biggest players in the game.

But off the hockey pitch, the pair’s simmering tension is turning into romance, and in the eight years that follow, their desire to keep things secret sparks new problems as pressures from family and their beloved sport begin to take their toll.

With neither able to deny their magnetic pull for each other, but their ambition to succeed being their long-standing driving force, can they find a way to be the players they want to be, with the person they love?

Here’s how season one played out…

All episodes of Heated Rivalry are now available on Sky Atlantic.

You can also watch the series on demand via Sky Go or by streaming on NOW.

Heated Rivalry’s first season is six, 45-minute episodes long, and starts in 2008, when Shane and Ilya go head-to-head on the ice as rising stars of the game.

In 2008, Shane Hollander of Canada and Ilya Rozanov of Russia, keep crossing paths on the international stage as their careers take off.

A late-night encounter sparks an unexpected connection, and a steamy moment sets off a string of meet ups during their rookie seasons, but at the Major League Hockey Awards, the unresolved tension between them boils over, leaving them both unsure of what is to come next.

Read more about ‘Rookies’

As the seasons change and their careers reach defining moments, Ilya and Shane continue their secret fling. In the run up to the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, their deepening connection is tested by mounting personal and professional pressures, especially for Ilya, who faces intense scrutiny on home turf.

Read more about ‘Olympians’

Scott, the near flawless captain of the New York Admirals, has a life changing encounter when buying a smoothie ahead of a home game. With a new superstition to drink one before every game, he bonds with barista Kip, triggering feelings that challenge both his carefully crafted public image and the private life he's fought hard to protect.

Read more about ‘Hunter’

As more hockey seasons come and go, Ilya is up to his old antics on and off the ice, while Shane continues to thrive in his game and career. After a night together, Ilya lets his guard down, sending Shane into a panic. Meanwhile, Shane's budding relationship with a movie star only intensifies the turmoil between them.

Read more about ‘Rose’

Rose and Shane have a long overdue conversation. Meanwhile, the hockey world buzzes about the upcoming All-Star Game in Tampa, and a much anticipated first time pairing on the ice. Shane comes to a new understanding about himself and his relationship with Ilya. But as the walls begin to fall, new obstacles emerge, testing the strength of their bond. Facing the unknown, daring decisions are made that could change everything.

Read more about ‘I’ll Believe in Anything’

Shane and Ilya get away from the spotlight for a rare moment of freedom, but when the outside world intrudes, they must face some tough decisions that could change everything about their future and what it means to build a life together.

Read more about ‘The Cottage’