If you haven’t heard the name “Hollonov” yet, you’re probably not on the internet—or near a television. Heated Rivalry, the Crave/HBO adaptation of Rachel Reid’s novels, has officially transcended from the “niche” label to become a full blown cultural phenomenon. As the show dominates social media, late night talk shows, and journalism of all kinds, it’s doing more than just conjuring up views; it’s breaking the ice of one of the most traditionally masculine spaces in the world: professional hockey.
At its core, the show follows the almost decade long secret romance, or “situationship” between Canadian golden boy Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) and his Russian enemy Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie). While the show’s steamy nature has conjured up thousands of fan edits on TikTok, Instagram, and X, the erotic scenes are merely the entry point of this shows’ message. What Heated Rivalry has mastered is presenting a world where being a calloused, elite athlete and a sensitive, queer man, aren’t mutually exclusive. This sense of representation isn’t just aesthetically integrative, it’s potentially life changing.
Last month, NHL hockey player Jesse Kortuem went viral after expressing that the show inspired him to come out publicly. “Never in my life did I think something so positive and loving could come from such a masculine sport,” Kortuem shared, echoing the sentiments that he says many closted athletes have felt for a long time. When a fictional show encourages a real-life athlete to be proud of his identity, the story takes on a life of its own.
Jesse Korteum isn’t the only hockey professional paying attention to the show. In a move that would have been unheard of a decade ago, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman recently admitted to “binging the whole series in one night” acknowledging the show as a “unique driver for creating new fans.” Being the head of a major sports league with millions of fans, Bettman amplified the conversation of inclusivity in sports turns from a whisper to a roar.
Of course, the show isn’t without its critics. Some argue that it leans too heavily into the “smut” of its source material. While the show does explore scenes of both sensual and sexual natures, that frankness is exactly why it resonates so much with its viewers. By treating queer desire as something visceral and athletic, rather than desexualized and “safe,” Heated Rivalry gives its characters the dignity of a true human experience.
Heated Rivalry is more than just a horny hockey drama. It’s a mirror held up to a sport in transition. It’s a haven for fans that have long been ignored, and a catalyst for players who have long been silenced. Whether you’re here for the actors, the high stakes games, or the heartbreaking romance, one thing is clear; the ice is melting, and it’s about time.
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