Warning: This article contains spoilers!
HBO’s latest series, ‘Heated Rivalry’, has been a topic of discussion for many students across campus. The show follows two hockey stars, Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, as they take on the ice and navigate rivalry, fame, and their attraction to each other. They both agree to keep their relationship a secret, considering the prevalent homophobia in the world of hockey.
However, there is a shift when one episode tells the story of hockey captain Scott Hunter, and a barista, Kip Grady, whom he falls for. After winning the championship, Scott publicly comes out by kissing Kip on the ice. When Shane and Ilya see the news, it inspires them to become truer to their love. Shane’s dad sees the two kissing, and they both confirm their relationship to Shane’s parents. Luckily, they receive support and acceptance from them, and the first season comes to an end.
Viewers of Heated Rivalry have been obsessed with the series due to its powerful script, acting, and visuals. It is a political statement that challenges homophobia in the hockey community worldwide. “It was interesting to see two hockey players navigate their sexuality despite homophobia in hockey,” stated Union staff member Julissa Boyer-Perez.
‘Hockey Canada’ states that there were 312 reported incidents of homophobia or sexism during the 2021-2022 hockey season: an alarming number, especially considering that incidents of this nature often go unreported.
Diving into a specific instance, hockey player Richard Coffey, who had been playing the sport for years, realized that he was gay, and felt terrified because of his previous experiences overhearing his teammates crack homophobic jokes and yell slurs in the locker room. This emotion is not lost among other queer people in hockey.
Ever since ‘Heated Rivalry’ started streaming, there have been many necessary conversations about homophobia across hockey. Sophomore Rayna Swann claimed that “it shows how many enjoy queer media, given the political climate we’re in.”
Adam Davies from ‘The Conversation’ reported a statement from the NHL claiming that it hopes that the show will act as a “unique driver for creating new fans.” Given the history of homophobia in hockey, this statement could be the start to a safer and more accepting community. ‘Out’ Magazine shared that the show actually inspired a professional hockey player to come out as gay.
‘Heated Rivalry’ is definitely a start to changing how sexuality is talked about in hockey. Fans hope to see a change in homophobic mentality in hockey as well as in the world. This may be the start of a new era. However, it is a long journey, and anything may happen.
