The Canadian television series "Heated Rivalry," based on Rachel Reid's novels, has achieved success on Crave and HBO Max, leading to discussions about LGBTQ+ representation and inclusivity within professional hockey and broader sports culture. The show depicts a romance between two professional hockey players on opposing teams and has been observed to influence fan engagement and prompt personal reflections among athletes.
Series Overview and Reception
"Heated Rivalry" is an adaptation of Rachel Reid's "Game Changers" book series. The show, which portrays a fictional romance between professional hockey players Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, has become Crave's most successful original series debut and has been renewed for a second season. It is available on Crave and HBO Max. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman stated he watched all six episodes, describing it as a "wonderful story" that brings new audiences to hockey.
Impact on Individuals and Athletes
The series has resonated with individuals and athletes, eliciting personal responses and encouraging engagement with inclusive sports initiatives.
- Matt Kenny, a former competitive hockey player who is gay, reported experiencing a panic attack after watching the series. He stated the show evoked feelings of fear, joy, and the secrecy associated with love that he felt was not accepted in the sport, which led him to leave hockey in his late teens. Kenny shared his experience on Instagram, detailing a secret teenage relationship with a fellow hockey player, and reported receiving positive responses from hundreds of individuals, including athletes and parents of closeted children. He expressed the belief that "Heated Rivalry" will contribute to changing lives by normalizing LGBTQ+ identities in sports and attracting new fans.
- Brock McGillis, a former professional hockey player who is openly gay, stated that the series resonated with his own experiences. McGillis is currently engaged in a cross-Canada tour, sponsored by the NHL, aimed at challenging traditional hockey culture and encouraging broader discussions among players. He suggested the NHL leverage the show's popularity to promote inclusivity within the sport.
- Closeted Athletes: Hudson Williams, an actor from the series, stated that "Heated Rivalry" has prompted closeted professional athletes, including hockey players, to privately contact author Rachel Reid.
- Luke Prokop, a defenseman currently with the American Hockey League's Bakersfield Condors, publicly came out as gay in July 2021 while under contract with the NHL's Nashville Predators. No openly gay players have played in the NHL.
- Fan Engagement: The show has been associated with increased attendance at NHL games in North America and a reported spike in interest in Australia. Kade Matthews, founder of Southern Lights Ice Hockey in Melbourne, indicated that the series provides individuals with the courage to engage with inclusive sports initiatives by presenting a version of sport that represents them. The show's popularity among demographics often labeled "sports haters," such as young women, suggests an underserved market for diverse content.
Influence on Sports Culture and Organizations
The series has spurred discussions about inclusivity and existing cultural challenges within professional sports, particularly hockey.
- Challenging Culture: "Heated Rivalry" explores themes of queer love and acceptance within men's professional sports, which can involve hypermasculine cultures where homophobia has been observed. Dr. Ryan Storr, a diversity and inclusion expert, stated that the show highlights the private lives of athletes and the daily struggles faced by closeted individuals, which can lead to negative mental health outcomes. Dr. Kyle Rich, an associate professor of sport management at Brock University, described Canadian hockey culture as having systemic problems, including toxic masculinity and misogyny.
- Calls for Inclusivity: Actor François Arnaud, from "Heated Rivalry," publicly called upon the National Hockey League (NHL) to improve its engagement with the LGBTQ+ community. Dr. Storr suggested that Australian sport can adopt more inclusive practices, noting existing initiatives like pride rounds and inclusive policies for trans and gender diverse athletes. He also stated that the show demonstrates a strong market for LGBTIQA+ inclusive practices, benefiting these communities and the wider sports fandom. Sporting organizations are encouraged to support existing volunteer-led clubs that promote inclusivity.
National Hockey League's Engagement
The NHL has issued statements regarding "Heated Rivalry" and its approach to LGBTQ+ inclusivity.
- NHL Response: Jon Weinstein, the NHL's chief communications officer, stated that the league welcomes new fans attracted by the show. Commissioner Gary Bettman acknowledged the series' role in drawing new audiences to hockey.
- Past Actions and Initiatives: Arnaud highlighted the NHL's historical record regarding diversity, referencing the league's brief ban on rainbow hockey tape in October 2023, which was later reversed after a player defied it. He also noted the league's continuing prohibition of Pride jerseys and other specialty attire during warmups and games. Commissioner Bettman referenced various league initiatives, including Pride Nights at games and collaborations with the LGBTQ+ organization You Can Play.