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'Heated Rivalry' Trailer Debuts: Crave's Gay Hockey Romance Series Brings Steamy Forbidden Love Story to Screen
READ TIME: 16 MIN.
Canadian streaming service Crave released the highly anticipated first trailer for 'Heated Rivalry' on October 9, 2025, offering viewers their first look at the television adaptation of Rachel Reid's popular romance novel about two professional hockey players navigating a secret relationship while competing as on-ice rivals .
The series stars Hudson Williams, known for his work on "Tracker," as Shane Hollander of the Montreal Meteors, and Connor Storrie, who appeared in "Joker: Folie à Deux," as Ilya Rozanov of the Boston Raiders . The trailer reveals a compelling narrative of two athletes at the pinnacle of their careers who must conceal their romantic connection in a sport that remains largely unwelcoming to openly LGBTQ+ players.
The trailer opens by establishing the characters as fierce competitors, first meeting during a Canada-Russia final where they are described as "the two most talked about prospects in the world" . Their initial interaction shows Ilya giving Shane the cold shoulder, with Shane attempting to introduce himself only to be met with Ilya's confident assertion about his hockey prowess: "Very good at hockey. The best probably" .
As the footage progresses, the rivalry transforms into undeniable attraction. The trailer showcases several intimate moments between the two men, including scenes in locker rooms, bedrooms, and showers that emphasize both the physical chemistry and emotional connection developing between them . One particularly charged scene features Ilya, wearing only a towel, approaching Shane in a locker room while Shane sits at eye level with Ilya's torso, the sexual tension palpable between them .
A central theme explored in the trailer is the pressure these athletes face to keep their relationship hidden from the public eye and the professional hockey world. The footage reveals that Ilya takes extensive precautions to maintain secrecy, including saving Shane's contact information under the female name "Jane" in his phone . This detail becomes a point of curiosity for Ilya's assistant Svetlana, played by Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova, who questions whether he and "Jane" are together since they have been "texting for years" .
The series directly addresses the absence of openly gay players in professional hockey through a conversation between Shane and actress Rose Landry, portrayed by Sophie Nélisse. When Rose asks Shane, "Are there any gay hockey players?" he responds matter-of-factly: "None that have said it publicly" . This exchange immediately precedes footage of Shane and Ilya wrestling shirtless in a dark bedroom, underscoring the stark contrast between their public personas and private reality .
The emotional toll of living this double life becomes evident when a reporter asks Shane about pressure from fans and the hockey world, to which he admits: "I find it hard to be so high profile" . The trailer suggests that both characters dream of being able to publicly acknowledge their connection beyond the ice rink .
"Heated Rivalry" is produced by Accent Aigu Entertainment and directed by Jacob Tierney, known for his work on the Canadian comedy series "Letterkenny." The series will consist of six episodes in its first season .
Beyond the two leads, the cast includes François Arnaud as Scott Hunter, Dylan Walsh as David Hollander, Christina Chang as Yuna Hollander, Robbie G.K. as Kip Grady, and Harrison Browne as Connors . According to the official synopsis, the series follows "two rival hockey stars at the top of their game face an unexpected challenge when they develop feelings for each other, complicating their careers" .
The television adaptation is based on Rachel Reid's novel of the same name, part of the Canadian romance author's popular "Game Changers" series that explores LGBTQ+ relationships in professional hockey . The book series has developed a dedicated following for its portrayal of gay athletes navigating romance in a traditionally masculine sports environment.
The adaptation arrives two years after the successful film version of Casey McQuiston's "Red, White & Royal Blue," which similarly told a queer enemies-to-lovers story featuring Prince Henry, heir to the British throne played by Nicholas Galitzine, and Alex Claremont-Diaz, son of the U.S. president portrayed by Taylor Zakhar Perez . That romantic comedy became a worldwide phenomenon, claiming the top position on Prime Video's weekly rankings of most-watched films upon its August 2023 release .
"Heated Rivalry" arrives at a moment when conversations about LGBTQ+ visibility in professional sports continue to evolve. The series' premise directly engages with the real-world challenges faced by queer athletes in traditionally heteronormative sports environments, where coming out publicly can carry significant professional and personal risks.
By centering a romance between two men in the hyper-masculine world of professional hockey, the series contributes to growing media representation of LGBTQ+ athletes. The show's focus on the emotional and psychological dimensions of maintaining a closeted relationship while living in the public eye offers a nuanced exploration of the intersection between personal identity and professional obligation.
The series is scheduled to premiere exclusively on Crave, the Canadian streaming platform that offers HBO, STARZ, and film content, on Friday, November 28, 2025 . The premiere will feature two episodes released simultaneously .
Since the trailer's release on October 9, it has generated significant attention on social media platforms. The Instagram post from Crave's official account received 7,680 likes and 1,018 comments within the first day . Media coverage has described the series as "the hottest queer show of the fall," with particular emphasis on the chemistry between the two lead actors and the steamy nature of their on-screen relationship .
The show's IMDb page indicates it has been added to watchlists by 1,200 users, suggesting strong anticipation for the series ahead of its November premiere .
As "Heated Rivalry" prepares for its late November debut, it joins a growing catalog of television series exploring LGBTQ+ relationships with depth and authenticity. The combination of compelling source material, an experienced director, and two charismatic leads positions the show to make a significant impact in the landscape of queer television programming.
For viewers interested in stories that examine the challenges of living authentically while navigating professional expectations, "Heated Rivalry" promises to deliver both emotional resonance and visual appeal. The series' exploration of forbidden love in the world of professional hockey offers a fresh perspective on familiar themes of identity, secrecy, and the courage required to live honestly in environments that may not yet be ready to fully embrace LGBTQ+ visibility.
The two-episode premiere of Heated Rivalry will be available exclusively on Crave beginning November 28, 2025, with subsequent episodes released according to the platform's schedule.
