As a BL fan, the success of Heated Rivalry is a dream come true! With record-breaking ratings and a 98% score, it proves how BL stories are dominating the mainstream.
As a BL fan, watching the global success of Heated Rivalry has been a source of immense pride! Adapted from Rachel Reid’s beloved world, this series—with its flawless 98% score on Rotten Tomatoes and record-breaking IMDb ratings—has shown everyone that it’s more than just a sports drama. It is a testament to how BL stories can truly thrive in the mainstream.
The nominations and viewership records it has earned prove that BL is no longer just a ‘cute niche.’ It has demonstrated to the world that these stories can compete in the same league as big-budget mainstream dramas. The rules of the game have changed, and we are officially entering a new era where this genre finally receives the recognition it deserves.
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Heated Rivalry Information
- Episodes: 6
- Aired: Nov 28, 2025 – Dec 26, 2025 (Fridays)
- Duration: ~45 min.
Original Network (Canada): 👉 Watch on Crave
International Streaming: 👉 Available on Max (HBO Max) and Prime Video
ℹ️ Note: Crave is the official original broadcaster in Canada, while Max distributes the series internationally. Availability may vary depending on your country, so be sure to check which platform works for you.
About the Game Changers Series
This book series is set in the professional hockey world and consists of independent stories, all within the same universe, that explore the theme of M/M romance. Heated Rivalry is the most beloved and popular story within this series. The Long Game (Book 6) is the sequel to Heated Rivalry.
Heated Rivalry Cast
Characters
Hudson Williams as Shane Hollander
Shane Hollander, born on May 10, 1991, is the captain of the Montreal Voyageurs team. He is known for his half-Canadian, half-Japanese heritage and is recognized as the “good Canadian boy”—an honest and loyal figure with an immaculate reputation. Behind this flawless professional stance lies a complex relationship with his fierce rival, Ilya Rozanov, which is shrouded in secrecy, passion, and rivalry. Fearing the risk to his career and public image, Shane is a deep character caught between his emotions and his responsibilities as captain.
Hudson Williams is a Korean-Canadian actor, born on February 13th, 2001. He is playing the lead role of Shane Hollander in the “Heated Rivalry” series, having previously appeared in episodic roles in shows like Allegiance and Tracker since starting his acting career in 2024.
Hudson Williams 📸 @HudsonWilliamsOfficial
Connor Storrie as Ilya Rozanov
Ilya Rozanov, born on June 15, 1991, is recognized as an ambitious, talented, and undisputed star on the ice. He is a Russian player who serves as the captain of the Boston Raiders team. Behind his seemingly cold and reserved professional image lies a complex and profound character who hides a secret and passionate relationship, spanning years, with his fierce rival, Shane Hollander.
Connor Storrie is an American actor, born on February 22nd, 2000, who plays the lead role of Ilya Rozanov in the “Heated Rivalry” series. Before this role, Storrie appeared in the 2024 film Joker: Folie à Deux and the 2023 series Tiny Beautiful Things, demonstrating his versatile acting skills.
Connor Storrie 📸 @connorstorrieofficial
Heated Rivalry Summary
Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov are two of the brightest stars in Major League Hockey, destined to be rivals in every sense of the word. The crowds see them as enemies; their families and teams only fuel the rivalry.
Yet the fire that burns on the ice slowly becomes the biggest secret they carry off of it.
The pull between them grows quietly, turning into a hidden closeness neither of them expected. For eight years, they chase championships while simultaneously running from their own hearts. Suppressing their feelings is as difficult as accepting them.
In the unforgiving world of competitive sports, Shane and Ilya must confront one question: can real love survive in a place built on rivalry?
Heated Rivalry Official Trailer
✨ My Review
If you are looking for a series that delivers everything you’ve been craving and more, you’ve found it in this BL. Heated Rivalry is a breath of fresh air, featuring talented actors who truly know how to act. It’s a perfect blend of enemies-to-lovers, freaking tension, and electric chemistry. This isn’t a “happily-ever-after” fairy tale; it’s a story of internal conflict and realistic characters navigating a world that isn’t always kind. With its masterfully executed slow-burn and high-stakes NC scenes, if you are considering watching it, don’t wait another second.
Before we go any further, please note that the following contains spoilers for those who haven’t finished the season yet.
While the frequent time jumps might feel a bit confusing at first, by the time the season concludes, you realize this story couldn’t have been told any other way. Years pass, teams change, and trophies are won—but that magnetic attraction from the first glance never fades. On the contrary, seeing how Shane’s shy and gentle nature slowly touched Ilya’s love-starved heart was nothing short of mesmerizing. Shane eventually became the “only safe harbor” in Ilya’s chaotic life. This is especially poignant given Ilya’s background; the immense pressure from his family and the heartbreaking reality of his situation in Russia make Shane’s presence his only true sanctuary.
When Shane and Ilya feel like they are the “first and only” ones going through this in the brutal world of professional sports, the presence of Scott and Kip provides a vital vision. They prove to both the characters and the audience that they are not alone. Scott’s bold move after winning the championship serves as a lighthouse for Shane and Ilya. Scott and Kip prove that even in such a harsh environment, a secret life can be built and love can survive. This story of two people choosing each other against all global pressures is filled with regrets, jealousy, and the long-awaited confessions we’ve been dying for. Every emotion was so perfectly balanced and human that by the end of Episode 6, I found myself taking a deep breath at the screen. They are no longer just rivals; they are each other’s refuge.
The actors were so incredible that I feel like I’ve known them for years. It didn’t feel like I was watching a drama; it felt like I was witnessing the real lives of Ilya and Shane. Making a story about rivals-to-lovers feel this sincere, realistic, and heart-fluttering is a massive achievement. I honestly cannot get enough of this series. Can we get Season 2 right now?! The way their love was handled—so raw and genuine—has left me wanting so much more. Ilya and Shane aren’t just characters; they feel real.
