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“Heated Rivalry” has been in the spotlight since its November debut and US streaming release.
After the Bruins’ 4-3 win over the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday, Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy addressed the series’ impact on hockey and inclusivity in the sport.
“I think it’s growing, I think the league has done great things,” McAvoy said, referring to the NHL’s progress in terms of inclusion. He also emphasized the Bruins’ commitment to creating a welcoming environment. “Here in our room, we’ve also tried to do things to reiterate that message and to make everyone feel safe and comfortable in the game. That’s very important.”
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Charlie McAvoy (73) of the Boston Bruins waits for a face-off during the game against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place on December 19, 2024 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Leila Devlin/Getty Images)
“I haven’t seen it, but from what I’ve heard about that show, it’s grown the game a lot and in support of that community, so it’s all great. It’s great for hockey. It’s great for just for everybody. So I’m happy that tonight, that we won this night. And hopefully a lot of people feel the support of the Bruins.”
McAvoy added: “I’ve heard so much support from people in these communities that it means a lot to them. So it’s the least we can do to show our support and show that we’re all on the same team.”
The sports drama series is a TV adaptation of Rachel Reid’s novel series “Game Changers”. It follows an off-ice romance between Shane Hollander, a fictional Canadian hockey star, and Ilya Rozanov, a fictional Russian pro.
Logo on an NHL puck during warmups before the game between the Philadelphia Flyers and the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Center on April 5, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. (Eric Bolte/Imagn Images)
The series even won over NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, who said he attended and praised its storytelling.
“I watched all six episodes. I did it in one night,” Bettman said last week at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC
‘HEATED RIVALRY’ ACTORS GET OLYMPIC ROLE AS PATCHBEARERS FOR MILANO CORTINA OLYMPICS
“I thought the story was very compelling and very funny because I could (see) where they chose things that we had in the past, whether it was the (Olympics) in Sochi or the All-Star Game in Tampa. It was very well done.”
Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams, the stars of the sports romance TV series, have been chosen as torchbearers for the 2026 Winter Olympics. After portraying Olympic-level rivals on screen, Storrie and Williams will have the opportunity to play a part in the real Games.
Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams attend the premiere of “Heated Rivalry” at TIFF Lightbox on November 24, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario. (Harold Feng/Getty Images)
Although none of the actors will actually compete on the ice at the Olympics, they will get another moment in the spotlight during the Olympic torch relay. When and where Storrie and Williams will be involved in the relay has yet to be revealed.
As of Thursday, the torch was in Trieste, Italy, with 13 cities remaining on the route to Milan. The 2026 Winter Games will run from February 6 to February 22.
“Heated Rivalry” has been renewed for a second season.
The Bruins remain at home on Saturday for a matchup with the Montreal Canadiens.
