The Canadian television series "Heated Rivalry," an adaptation of a novel by Rachel Reid, has become a significant success for Crave, achieving the most successful debut among its original series to date. The show depicts a romance between two professional hockey players on opposing teams.
Matt Kenny, a former competitive hockey player, reported experiencing a panic attack for five days after watching "Heated Rivalry." Kenny, who is gay, stated that the show evoked feelings of fear, joy, and the secrecy associated with love that he felt was not accepted in the sport, leading him to leave hockey in his late teens. He shared his experience on Instagram, detailing a secret teenage relationship with a fellow hockey player, and reported an overwhelmingly positive response from hundreds of individuals, including athletes and parents of closeted children.
Brock McGillis, a former professional hockey player who is openly gay, stated that "Heated Rivalry" resonated with his own experiences. McGillis is currently engaged in a cross-Canada tour, sponsored by the NHL, to challenge traditional hockey culture and encourage players to discuss a broader range of topics beyond conventional locker room subjects. He expressed that the NHL should leverage the popularity of the series to promote inclusivity within the sport.
The NHL previously implemented a brief ban on rainbow hockey tape in October 2023, which was later reversed after a player defied the ban. Jon Weinstein, the NHL's chief communications officer, stated that the league welcomes new fans attracted by the show. Kenny believes that "Heated Rivalry" will not only attract new fans but also contribute to changing lives by normalizing LGBTQ+ identities in sports.