In a cultural twist as unexpected as a breakaway goal, the city of Ottawa finds itself at the centre of an international streaming sensation. The Crave original series "Heated Rivalry," a gay hockey romance that has captivated audiences in Canada and the United States via HBO Max, has improbably cast Canada's capital in a starring role, transforming its reputation for bureaucratic sobriety into a playful narrative device.
From Fan Fiction to Streaming Phenomenon
Created by Montreal-native Jacob Tierney, "Heated Rivalry" debuted its first season in late 2025, with its finale released on December 26. The series, which is based on a popular book series by Halifax author Rachel Reid, follows the secret, intensely passionate, and on-again-off-again relationship between two fictional top-ranked professional hockey players: Shane Hollander, played by Hudson William from Kamloops, B.C., and Ilya Rozanov, portrayed by American actor Connor Storrie.
The story originated as online fan fiction inspired by the legendary on-ice rivalry between NHL superstars Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin. It has since evolved into a sexually explicit and critically acclaimed show that subverts traditional sports narratives while offering sharp commentary on hockey culture and politics.
Ottawa's Boring Reputation Takes Centre Ice
The series' unique connection to Ottawa is a major plot point and a source of fan delight. Shane Hollander's character is explicitly from Ottawa, making the show potentially the only international hit series to feature a lead from the city. The season one finale strongly hinted that the second season would be set in the nation's capital, a revelation that ignited social media platforms like Threads with celebratory posts from local fans.
A recurring and humorous theme in the dialogue involves Rozanov teasing Hollander for being dull, with fans quickly drawing a parallel to Ottawa's stereotypical reputation. "Oh my God, Hollander, you are so boring," Rozanov quips in one exchange. In another, he probes the source of Hollander's personality, asking about his parents: "And your dad is what — boring? Is that where you get your boring from?" Hollander's defensive reply, "He's normal, OK? He works for the Treasury Board of Canada," perfectly encapsulates the show's witty, self-aware jab at Ottawa's civil service image.
A Subversive Hit with Global Appeal
Beyond its central romance, "Heated Rivalry" is celebrated for its playful subversion of expectations. It creates an alternate reality within professional sports where a gay relationship between rival athletes is the spicy core of the story. The show has spawned popular memes and fan merchandise, including phrases like "stupid Canadian wolf bird"—Rozanov's reaction to hearing a loon for the first time at a Canadian cottage.
The success of the series demonstrates a shifting landscape in entertainment, where niche stories from specific Canadian contexts can achieve mainstream, cross-border appeal. By embracing and humorously critiquing Ottawa's identity, "Heated Rivalry" has turned the city into an unlikely but beloved character in its own right, proving that even a "boring" setting can be the backdrop for a supercharged, culturally resonant drama.
