The worlds of professional hockey and high-quality TV are colliding, and NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has given a strong endorsement to the hit HBO Max series, Heated Rivalry.
In a recent interview with The Hockey News, the 73-year-old executive shared that he was completely engrossed in the new queer hockey drama, watching the entire first season in one go. He recognized the show dealt with mature topics but ultimately praised it as a heartwarming story that truly embodies the essence of hockey.
Commissioner Bettman was struck by how closely the show’s story reflected actual NHL history, pointing out frequent allusions to well-known league events. He described the storyline as “very compelling” and added that he enjoyed seeing how the show drew inspiration from past league decisions and moments, like events in Sochi and the All-Star Game in Tampa.
He really liked the storyline, but he did mention one small concern: the show’s content might be a bit mature for younger viewers, so it’s important to consider that when promoting it.
Since its release in November 2025, the show – based on Rachel Reid’s popular Game Changer novels – has quickly become a fan favorite. The story follows the developing, hidden relationship between hockey players Shane Hollander (played by Hudson Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (played by Connor Storrie). Audiences have connected with their depiction of a secret romance between rivals, and HBO Max has already renewed the series for a second season to continue their story.
The show’s incredible popularity has quickly made its stars famous worldwide, much faster than usual for Hollywood actors. This became clear on Sunday when Williams and Storrie were honored by participating in the Olympic torch relay for the 2026 Milano Cortina games in Feltre, Italy.
After appearing at the Golden Globes – where they presented and were accompanied to the stage by UFC fighters – they then attended the relay event.
Hudson Williams is quickly becoming a major presence in the fashion world, going straight from award shows to Milan Fashion Week. He walked the runway for Dsquared2 and attended a Giorgio Armani event, solidifying his reputation as a style leader. This fast-paced rise to fame has required the young actor to adjust to his new life very quickly.
Heading into its second season, “Heated Rivalry” continues to appeal to both sports fans and lovers of dramatic stories. Backed by the NHL’s leaders and with a celebrated cast, the show has become a significant part of today’s television scene. It’s become known for successfully blending real hockey history with a compelling love story, making it a standout in sports-based television.
What’s your take on the NHL commissioner publicly supporting this daring new series?
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2026-01-26 13:14