Hot New (Gay) Hockey Series on CRAVE

[dutchal]

Just to show how much attention this thing is getting, there appeared not one but two major articles in the same print edition of the NY Times on Christmas day:

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/19/books/heated-rivalry-rachel-reid-hockey-romance.html

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/23/arts/television/heated-rivalry-connor-storrie-hudson-williams.html

 

:

 

[+ Gar1eth]

Spoiler Episode 6

 

 

 

 

 

When Shane went out to talk to his mother -geez I'm tearing up now thinking about it  (but I tear up a lot lately at the stupidest things). 

Shane says, " I tried."  He's obviously talking about he tried to be straight. That really hit me. I personally never really tried because I didn't have it in me. But I wished with all my heart I was straight.  
 

When I came out to my siblings 13 years ago, I did it by email. It was after a major reversal in my life that still has repercussions to this day. But I couldn't face telling my mother. My sister offered to. And I gratefully accepted. When I saw my mother shortly after that, she immediately hugged me.

 

I've still never publicly said anything to my adult nieces and nephews or my cousins. I doubt they care. But I do have one very conservative niece-in-law. I've never had a significant other. I wonder if I ever do have one whether that's going to throw a monkey wrench into family gatherings. 
 

At the time I came out to my siblings, my father was still alive. But he had fairly severe Alzheimer's dementia. We weren't sure if he would have understood. If he understood, whether or not it would have made him angry . And whether if we told him one day, whether he'd remember the next. So we made a decision not to tell him. That did hurt. I wasn't close-close to my father-but he loved me. And I loved him.  But it was my own fault for being such a chickensh*t over the years. At the point I partially came out, as regards my father, what was best for him was vastly more important than my needs. 
 

As of today,  I'm more accepting of my being gay than I ever  thought I'd be. Maybe someday I'll be totally accepting. But that statement of Shane's definitely struck right through to my heart. 
 

PS: It would probably help a lot on my accepting if I had either Connor Storrie or Hudson Williams as a boyfriend. 

[TonyDown]

3 hours ago, Gar1eth said:

Spoiler Episode 6

 

 

 

 

 

When Shane went out to talk to his mother -geez I'm tearing up now thinking about it  (but I tear up a lot lately at the stupidest things). 

Shane says, " I tried."  He's obviously talking about he tried to be straight. That really hit me. I personally never really tried because I didn't have it in me. But I wished with all my heart I was straight.  
 

When I came out to my siblings 13 years ago, I did it by email. It was after a major reversal in my life that still has repercussions to this day. But I couldn't face telling my mother. My sister offered to. And I gratefully accepted. When I saw my mother shortly after that, she immediately hugged me.

 

I've still never publicly said anything to my adult nieces and nephews or my cousins. I doubt they care. But I do have one very conservative niece-in-law. I've never had a significant other. I wonder if I ever do have one whether that's going to throw a monkey wrench into family gatherings. 
 

At the time I came out to my siblings, my father was still alive. But he had fairly severe Alzheimer's dementia. We weren't sure if he would have understood. If he understood, whether or not it would have made him angry . And whether if we told him one day, whether he'd remember the next. So we made a decision not to tell him. That did hurt. I wasn't close-close to my father-but he loved me. And I loved him.  But it was my own fault for being such a chickensh*t over the years. At the point I partially came out, as regards my father, what was best for him was vastly more important than my needs. 
 

As of today,  I'm more accepting of my being gay than I ever  thought I'd be. Maybe someday I'll be totally accepting. But that statement of Shane's definitely struck right through to my heart. 
 

PS: It would probably help a lot on my accepting if I had either Connor Storrie or Hudson Williams as a boyfriend. 

 

+++++++++SPOILER++++++++

Yes, that was a nice scene, with his mom.

People get busy making content, such as this clip, below, which added their own choice of music.

It made me think how it was Ilya that encouraged Shane to immediately go see his parents, after being discovered by his dad.   

Ilya 's perspective had to be affected by having lost both of his parents.

 

 

Edited Friday at 09:48 PM by TonyDown

[MikeBiDude]

Well I had a busy Christmas Day so avoided this topic until I watched Ep6 today. Call me very satisfied! Where will it go? Producers/writers often amaze me with the creativity they can take and run with. They also often amaze me how quick they can “jump the shark” fingers crossed 🤞🏻 they do justice to this story in future stories. Because this season was really good 👍🏻 

[samhexum]

10 hours ago, Gar1eth said:

I tear up a lot lately at the stupidest things

It's probably menopause.

[riowanderer]

Thank the massive financial global success of "pure queer joy" HEARTSTOPPER for bankrolling the production of this far more adult "pure queer joy" sexxy-time series on Crave Canada!:) And you can bet the massive $$$ success of "Heated Rivalry" will now spawn additional copycat "pure queer joy" adult series because Hollywood investors always love to milk the latest entertainment genre cash-cow genre!!:)

Edited Saturday at 05:12 AM by riowanderer

[+ purplekow]

First variation could be Bear Durham where the older career minor leaguer has an ongoing relationship with the minor league male groupie.  The rising star is elevated to Triple A and immediately has feeling for the career Triple A player and also hooks up with the team groupie.  Of course the career minor leaguer is a pitcher and the upcoming star is a switch hitting power catcher.  Ultimately the pitcher and the catcher get together only to have the catcher brought up to the major leagues.  

The story writes itself based on the movie.     The pitcher of course as in the movie has to wear the underwear of the groupie which allows him to relax and achieve his potential.  

Based on a fellow I have knowledge of who was a gay professinal umpire who was umpiring in the major leagues, the minor league version could cast the umpire in a more negative role as his long time crush on the career minor leaguer is  thwarted by the upcoming star.    Hell I could write six episodes this week without ever mentioning the words balls.  

Edited Saturday at 08:54 AM by purplekow

[+ SirBillybob]

This has been in development limbo for decades.

 

Edited Saturday at 02:47 PM by SirBillybob

[+ Gar1eth]

22 hours ago, Gar1eth said:

but I tear up a lot lately at the stupidest things). 

 

11 hours ago, samhexum said:

It's probably menopause.

It had definitely occurred to me. 

[+ Gar1eth]

1 hour ago, SirBillybob said:

This has been in development limbo for decades.

 

I haven't read this. But doesn't it have a rather sad ending? Heated Rivalry seems more uplifting. 

[+ SirBillybob]

2 hours ago, Gar1eth said:

I haven't read this. But doesn't it have a rather sad ending? Heated Rivalry seems more uplifting. 

I’m not saying it should be developed and it might fall into the same complications as the shelved ‘The Savant’. I also don’t need a happy ending. I would prefer that story with a revised ending, the narrative truncated at a finishing line with the future imagined by viewers simply because it’s otherwise too controversial, to dragging out ‘Heated Rivalry’. The latter already has a sense of completion and I’m fine with leaving well enough alone. 

[samhexum]

There's been a lot of "give them all the Emmys!" chatter on social media, but since "Heated Rivalry" is a Canadian production, it's sadly ineligible for consideration. 

TVLine's Performers Of The Week: Connor Storrie And Hudson Williams - TVLine

WWW.TVLINE.COM

---

Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams were incredible as Shane and Ilya got closer in the Heated Rivalry finale — see why they're...

 

[Merboy]

Wonderful new show with outstanding performances, and Connor Storrie (Ilya) definitely deserves the Emmy for his performance.  They both do really, but the monologue in Russian was enough to give it to him.  The secondary storyline with the hockey player in NYC and the barista was adorable, and would be great to see more of those two as well in Season 2!

[samhexum]

Heated Rivalry: The 10 Best Moments From Season 1 - TVLine

WWW.TVLINE.COM

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While you wait for Season 2 of Heated Rivalry to hit HBO Max, relive 10 of the best moments from the first season of HBO Max's hockey romance...

 

[+ Gar1eth]

18 hours ago, Merboy said:

Wonderful new show with outstanding performances, and Connor Storrie (Ilya) definitely deserves the Emmy for his performance.  They both do really, but the monologue in Russian was enough to give it to him.  The secondary storyline with the hockey player in NYC and the barista was adorable, and would be great to see more of those two as well in Season 2!

I agree about Connor's Russian soliloquy.
 

Does anyone here on the Message Center speak Russian?  I was wondering how well he is speaking it. 
 

SPOILER:

 

 

 

But also the scene in Episode 6 of Shane and his mother talking outside the parents' cottage really broke me. 

Edited Sunday at 10:23 PM by Gar1eth

[TonyDown]

Award shows are such an enigma.     

But if you do care that the most popular show in the States right now wins an award, then yes, Heated Rivalry qualifies for these.

 

 

 

With all the fame they've already won, winning awards isn't a must, IMO.  

[handiacefailure]

Can't wait for season two.   I loved episode six where it was becoming more of a romance story than just two guys hooking up.    

[d.anders]

On 12/28/2025 at 5:18 PM, Gar1eth said:

Russian?  I was wondering how well he is speaking it. 

I heard there are TikToks of Russian-speakers offering translation, and criticizing his Russian. Some say his accent is good, but his full-on Russian, not so much.

[dutchal]

Google's AI says:

Ilya's Russian in Heated Rivalry, spoken by actor Connor Storrie, is considered exceptionally good, even by native speakers, with viewers praising his authentic accent, flawless pronunciation, and emotional delivery in monologues, making it a highlight of the show. He's noted for learning the language quickly and delivering heartfelt, convincing lines that deeply impact the audience. 

Key Highlights of Ilya's Russian:

• Authenticity: Many Slavic/Russian-speaking viewers found his accent and delivery surprisingly accurate, even better than some emigrant kids.
• Emotional Impact: His Russian monologues, particularly when expressing vulnerability or love, are described as heartbreaking and a "masterclass" in emotion.
• Impressive Skill: He learned the language rapidly for the role, adding depth to his portrayal of Ilya Rozanov.
• Memorable Moments: Specific lines, like saying "I love you" in Russian with a fragile voice, are cited as standout moments in the series. 

In short, Connor Storrie's portrayal of Ilya's Russian is a major strength of Heated Rivalry, earning significant praise for its realism and emotional power. 

Here's one endorsement:

https://www.tiktok.com/@such.polina/video/7581851665087696150

[dutchal]

On 12/27/2025 at 2:35 PM, samhexum said:

There's been a lot of "give them all the Emmys!" chatter on social media, but since "Heated Rivalry" is a Canadian production, it's sadly ineligible for consideration. 

TVLine's Performers Of The Week: Connor Storrie And Hudson Williams - TVLine

WWW.TVLINE.COM

---

Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams were incredible as Shane and Ilya got closer in the Heated Rivalry finale — see why they're...

 

https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/sorry-heated-rivalry-fans-heres-why-smash-hit-wont-eligible-emmys-1766953

https://www.attitude.co.uk/culture/film-tv/why-heated-rivalry-not-eligible-emmy-awards-507666/

[dutchal]

On 12/24/2025 at 2:56 PM, d.anders said:

I guess I'm a little worried about oversaturation, and the too-fast, all-consuming publicity grab. I realize as actors you have to strike when the iron is hot, but these guys are everywhere, all-the-time, responding to the most inane interviewers, and being asked the most ridiculous questions. Enough already. Be careful what you wish for.

Apparently, backlash has already started because Connor Storrie refuses to answer questions about his private sexual preferences, and Kit Connor from Heartstopper has already spoken out about it, given what happened to him in social media.

From mad, obsessive love usually comes hate. America's infatuation with pop stuff can change on a dime. I wish these guy's handlers would cut back a bit on the social media shithole.

Maybe it's just me.

The two stars have their next booking:

https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/connor-storrie-hudson-williams-erotic-romantasy-quinn-heated-rivalry-1236618044/

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lifestyle/arts/hudson-williams-connor-quinn-audio-romance-ember-and-ice-1236460184/

Never heard of Quinn before this, but looks interesting.