The girls, gays and hockey romance obsessives can finally breathe again: Heated Rivalry season two is edging closer to reality, with new reports suggesting filming is expected to begin in Canada very soon.
The hugely popular queer hockey drama is reportedly only weeks away from starting production across Toronto and Montreal, with the series currently listed as being in pre-production.
Based on Rachel Reid’s much-loved Game Changers novels, Heated Rivalry became one of the internet’s biggest unexpected queer TV fixations when it arrived last year. Almost overnight, “I’m coming to the cottage” entered the common gay lexicon and emotionally destroyed everyone with a Wi-Fi connection.
For anyone who has somehow avoided the obsession, season one followed rival hockey stars Shane Hollander, played by Hudson Williams, and Ilya Rozanov, played by Connor Storrie. Their intense on-ice rivalry slowly developed into a secret, years-long romance involving hookups, queer repression, international hockey tournaments and a truly heroic amount of yearning. There was also plenty of staring longingly at each other across nightclubs, because apparently, hockey men contain multitudes.
Season two is expected to adapt The Long Game, the sequel novel that follows Shane and Ilya as they attempt to navigate a more public relationship while dealing with career pressure, mental health struggles, media attention and the small problem of professional hockey not exactly being famous for embracing gay players. Which is to say: not at all.
Naturally, fans are already deep in detective mode over possible casting.
One of the biggest names being discussed online is Canadian actor Jack Innanen, who recently confirmed he had held “conversations” about joining season two after fans began campaigning for him to play either Troy Barrett or Wyatt Hayes.
“I’ve had some… conversations. We’ve chatted,” he told Entertainment Tonight.
“I think I’m perfect for the show because I am down for anything and I played hockey. I got some mini sticks, I’ve been practising, I’ve been working on my stick handling. I’ve been working on my hip mobility.”
Still, Innanen stopped short of confirming anything, adding: “Who knows?”
There has also been ongoing chatter around alleged leaked casting calls for new characters, including Ryan Price, Fabian Salah, Eric Bennett, Harris Drover, Troy Barrett, Dallas Kent, Wyatt Hayes, Lucas Haas and Dr Galina Molchalina.
However, not everyone is convinced. Plenty of fans have been treating the supposed leaks with caution, with some dismissing them as “fan fiction” rather than genuine production documents.
The show’s leads, Storrie and Williams, have quickly become breakout stars since season one, with both actors landing major new roles.
But Heated Rivalry fans will need to practise patience. While season two appears to be moving forward, the internet’s favourite emotionally tortured hockey boyfriends are not expected back on screens until 2027.
