By Treena Orchard and Anthony Colonello

A screen adaptation of romance author Rachel Reid’s novel by the same name, the hit series Heated Rivalry follows a blooming bromance between two hockey players, Shane and Ilya. Rivals from opposing hockey-fanatic countries, Canada and Russia, the first season traces their relationship from their rookie season through to their professional careers. Spoiler: They don’t stay enemies for long.

Queer and straight fans alike connect with the show on multiple levels. Heated Rivalry celebrates the joy of queer desire, diverse queer identities (Shane is gay, Ilya is bisexual), and the importance of supportive friends as well as parents during the coming-out process. Our post focuses on Shane’s coming out in Episode 6 (“The Cottage”), but it's just one example depicted in the show.

In Episode 5, another hockey player (Scott Hunter) comes out very publicly after winning “the Cup,” and this act of public courage sets the stage for our central duo. In fact, it’s right after Scott kisses his boyfriend Kip on the ice that Ilya tells Shane, who invited him to his cottage, “I’m coming to the cottage.” In anticipation of Episode 6—the season finale—fans blasted social media with endless memes and exhilarating reels about going to the cottage or waiting to go to the cottage.

Is this hype just a momentary show of cultural fireworks? Or is there something more lasting in Heated Rivalry that can help young queer people, including those in sport, feel safer or more equipped to come out? What lessons might Episode 6........

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