Actor François Arnaud, a key cast member of the popular Canadian series “Heated Rivalry,” has expressed his desire for the NHL to focus more on promoting real diversity within the sport rather than just leveraging the success of the show for marketing purposes. Arnaud, who hails from Montreal and is openly bisexual, portrays Scott Hunter, the closeted captain of the New York Admirals in the fictional Major League Hockey, where he engages in both on-ice rivalry and off-ice romance with fellow players Ilya Rozonov and Shane Hollander.
“Heated Rivalry,” a romantic drama depicting the love story between two fictional professional male hockey players, has garnered significant attention and has been renewed for a second season after its debut on Bell Media’s streaming platform, Crave, and HBO Max in the U.S. Throughout the first season, the storyline follows Hunter’s journey of self-acceptance and public coming out, particularly in his relationship with openly gay character Kip.
Arnaud has been fielding inquiries about the reception of the show within the hockey community. He emphasized that while the NHL has acknowledged the series, he hopes for tangible actions to support diversity and inclusivity in real life, beyond mere nods to the program. The Ottawa Senators recently began retailing jerseys featuring characters from “Heated Rivalry,” prompting Arnaud to call for substantive backing from the league to match these references.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman acknowledged being well-informed about “Heated Rivalry,” citing its popularity and impact in attracting new fans to the sport. While recognizing the show’s positive aspects, Bettman also acknowledged the potentially controversial content and urged a balanced approach in engaging with it, particularly concerning younger audiences.
The NHL has been proactive in fostering inclusivity, organizing Pride Nights and supporting the Pride Cup, an annual competition involving players from local 2SLGBTQ+ leagues. Despite some past criticisms regarding the league’s commitment to diversity, initiatives like the Pride Cup and Pride Nights demonstrate ongoing efforts to create a more inclusive environment within the sport.
The series, based on Rachel Reid’s “Game Changers” book series, delves into real-world 2SLGBTQ+ issues, reflecting the challenges and prejudices faced by LGBTQ+ individuals within the hockey community. There is a growing recognition within the sport that more needs to be done to ensure that hockey remains a welcoming space for everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation.
Ultimately, “Heated Rivalry” serves as a catalyst for discussions on diversity and inclusion in hockey, prompting both fans and industry stakeholders to reflect on the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all individuals involved in the sport.