François Arnaud, the lead actor in Heated Rivalry, hopes the show’s success will encourage positive changes within the National Hockey League.
The league has been highlighting the success of Heated Rivalry by sharing clips and interacting with fans online. While this is a positive step, Scott Hunter, played by Arnaud, hopes the industry will go beyond simply benefiting from the show’s popularity.
Speaking on SiriusXM’s Radio Andy, the actor expressed hope that the recent attention on the NHL will lead to real and lasting support for LGBTQ+ inclusion, both in sports and beyond. He also noted that his project, Heated Rivalry, was even acknowledged by prominent teams like the Boston Bruins, highlighting how teams with large followings can be powerful advocates for diversity.
Sales seem to be increasing, and the Boston Bruins shared our content online, which is generating a lot of positive attention. I’m optimistic this will translate into genuine commitment to diversity.
Arnaud also pointed out what he sees as a contradiction in the NHL’s behavior. He understands that increased attention to the sport is good for teams and will likely boost their profits. However, he believes it’s wrong to benefit from something while simultaneously working against it.
Arnaud stated that the league prohibited players from wearing Pride bands. He believes while the show can entertain fans, it’s misleading to do so without taking steps to address the potential damage caused by the league’s decision. He also feels the NHL shouldn’t benefit from the show’s popularity until they actively work towards positive change.
I remember a few years back, they wouldn’t let players wear Pride bands, and honestly, it really bothered me. If you’re going to associate yourself with us and benefit from our support, you need to actually show you stand with our community in meaningful ways, not just with words.
The series Heated Rivalry centers on the developing romance between professional hockey players Shane Hollander, played by Hudson Williams, and Ilya Rozanov, played by Connor Storrie. It’s adapted from the novel Game Changers by Rachel Reid.
You can now watch season 1 of Heated Rivalry on HBO Max. A second season is planned, but we don’t know when it will be released yet.
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2026-01-18 06:18