If you’re a hockey fan or someone who knows nothing about it, if you’re chronically online or offline, by now, it’s a sure thing you’ve heard of Crave’s smash hit Heated Rivalry.
The series focuses on two rival hockey players on opposing teams pitted against each other, who form a secret, deeper connection off of the ice. Based on a series of hockey romance books by Rachel Reid, this particular story stars Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams, Tracker) and Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie, Joker: Folie à Deux), two names in hockey that are frequently seen in the same sentence – not just in this review, but throughout the series. Things between the pair are not just heated, but rather hot and cold, as they begin a private, enemies with benefits relationship that turns into something more.
Heated Rivalry takes a moment to hit its stride. The first two episodes skip through the timeline almost too quickly, and it might be hard to catch up. You have to fill in the blanks a little bit, and, like this writer, you may wish for a bit more of a slow burn in the beginning, especially if you’re a fan of the enemies to lovers trope. Also, it wouldn’t hurt to see a few more hockey scenes sprinkled in to add to the tension, as we don’t see very many of them in this season. Though the start feels rushed, the show delivers on its promises. Part of the magic of the timeline skipping is seeing how their relationship evolves from start to finish.
Episode 3 and beyond is when it really picks up, and the world of Heated Rivalry becomes fully built out. We see new characters, more developed plotlines and a deeper focus on both Shane and Ilya, allowing the viewers to get to know them a bit more beyond exchanged text messages and short hockey clips.
Episodes 4 and 5 are highlights for Shane and Ilya’s relationship. The viewers see so much more of their actual relationship; of course, their physical chemistry is there, but these episodes open up more of their personal and emotional connection. When “All The Things She Said” by t.A.T.u. plays – followed by a new version of the same song by Harrison – while the duo are in the club at the end of Episode 4, it’s impossible to not feel the pull between the two of them. The tension is thick and tangible in the room as they lock eyes and their thoughts are written on their faces. In Episode 5, one standout moment is when Ilya speaks in Russian to Shane on the phone. The emotion in Storrie’s voice will tug at your heartstrings and make it clear how he has felt about Shane this whole time. The end of Episode 5 and 6 contain additional beautiful moments of queer joy worth celebrating.
HBO Max picking up Heated Rivalry is one of their greatest successes, as the whole internet is buzzing about Hollanov, the ship name for the show’s main couple. However, the storyline focuses on others beyond just the main characters. In particular, episode three centers on another hockey player Scott Hunter (François Arnaud, The Borgias) and his romance with smoothie bar employee Kip (Robbie G.K., Overcompensating). This episode is delightful to watch, and features a number of compelling friendships and dynamics.
We’re also introduced to actress Rose Landry (Sophie Nélisse, Yellowjackets) – a thinly veiled version of Jennifer Lawrence – and see more of Ilya’s friend Svetlana (Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova, Robyn Hood). Rose and Svetlana are also such interesting characters, and have close friendships with Shane and Ilya, respectively. Here’s to hoping we see more of them in the future. Some fans have even begun shipping the pair together, and this writer is here for it!
Heated Rivalry being such a hit speaks volumes and hopefully opens the door up to more queer shows of this caliber. It’s certain that the actors will have many more opportunities coming their way, and the audience will be seated. Season two is already confirmed, so more Hollanov is certainly on the way. As for predictions? Heated Rivalry will still have fans hooked and will only get popular with the release of Season 2.
