Heated Rivalry Inspires Real-Life Ice Hockey Pro To Come Out As Gay

Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie in Heated Rivalry

Whether or not you’ve got round to watching it yet, you’ll still probably have Heated Rivalry on your radar thanks to its very public status as 2026’s first palpable TV hit – albeit a surprise one.

The series centres on two male professional ice hockey rivals who start a secret steamy relationship as they simultaneously tussle on the ice to be the best at their sport. 

Off the back of the show’s success, an American pro ice hockey player...