The frenzy over Shane Hollander’s Team Canada zip-up fleece, featured in Crave’s popular hockey romance series “Heated Rivalry,” has stirred up excitement among fans ever since its on-screen debut alongside Canadian actor Hudson Williams. Although the fleece is not an official Team Canada product, fans have been clamoring for the chance to purchase it. Now, in response to the demand, the show’s creators have collaborated with a Canadian apparel company, Province of Canada, to make the fleece available for purchase.
Province of Canada announced on its website and social media that they will be producing the jacket. Details regarding pricing and the official release date are yet to be disclosed but will be shared once finalized.
Executive producers and co-presidents of Accent Aigu Entertainment, Jacob Tierney, and Brendan Brady, expressed gratitude to fans for their enthusiasm, acknowledging that the fleece jacket has been a top request from viewers. The jacket will be manufactured and distributed by the Toronto-based clothing brand.
“Heated Rivalry,” a captivating series based on Nova Scotia author Rachel Reid’s “Game Changers” hockey romance novels, has garnered immense popularity since its premiere. Bell Media reports a 400% increase in viewership on Crave, making it the platform’s most successful debut show to date. Moreover, outside Canada, the show has achieved record-breaking success, becoming the highest-rated non-animated series acquired by HBO Max.
Recently, it was revealed that the show’s lead actors, Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie, will participate as torchbearers for the Milano-Cortina Winter Games. The hype surrounding the Team Canada fleece even caught the attention of the official Team Canada account, prompting playful interactions with fans who expressed their excitement over the iconic garment.
A Change.org petition advocating for the fleece to be made official Team Canada merchandise has received attention, with supporters viewing it as a way to make the sport more inclusive. While the upcoming release is not an official Team Canada item, fans will have the opportunity to purchase a version of the fleece, marking a victory for those who supported the petition.