NHL Star Jake Sanderson Believes Players Would Be Accepting of Openly Gay Teammates

Sanderson said he hadn't yet watched 'Heated Rivalry,' but said the show could "instill some confidence" in people

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Ottawa Senators player Jake Sanderson, who is competing for Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics, believes that LGBTQ+ teammates would be welcomed with open arms in the NHL. While he hadn't watched the LGBTQ+ hockey series "Heated Rivalry," Sanderson said the show could "instill some confidence in some people."

Why it matters

The comments from Sanderson come in the aftermath of the popular LGBTQ+ hockey series "Heated Rivalry" and amid ongoing discussions about inclusion and representation in professional sports leagues like the NHL.

The details

Sanderson, 23, said he thought openly gay players would be embraced by their teammates, stating: "I don't think we would treat them any differently. They're our teammate, we love them no matter what, and obviously embrace them, absolutely." He referenced the case of Luke Prokop, who came out as gay in 2021 while under contract with the Nashville Predators but has not yet played in an NHL game.

  • Sanderson made these comments in an interview with The Associated Press during the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.

The players

Jake Sanderson

A 23-year-old defenseman for the Ottawa Senators who is competing for Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Luke Prokop

A 23-year-old hockey player who came out as gay in July 2021 while under contract with the Nashville Predators, making him the first out athlete with an NHL contract.

Zach Werenski

A 28-year-old defenseman for the Columbus Blue Jackets who is also on Team USA's hockey team at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Hudson Williams

The 25-year-old actor who plays Shane Hollander in the popular LGBTQ+ hockey series "Heated Rivalry" on Crave.

Rachel Reid

The author of the "Game Changers" book series, on which the "Heated Rivalry" TV show is based.

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What they’re saying

“You never know if that show [will] instill some confidence in some people.”

— Jake Sanderson, NHL Player (The Associated Press)

“I don't think we would treat them any differently. They're our teammate, we love them no matter what, and obviously embrace them, absolutely.”

— Jake Sanderson, NHL Player (The Associated Press)

“It's definitely good for the sport of hockey. Whenever you can add more eyes to the game and have people talk about the game and talk about inclusivity, I think it's just great for the sport.”

— Zach Werenski, NHL Player (The Associated Press)

“Hockey players, football players, basketball players, yeah. So, then they're reaching out to Rachel, our author, who will then kind of relay these lovely anonymous emails. And sometimes they're just reaching out privately through, like, Instagram.”

— Hudson Williams, Actor (Sirius XM's Andy Cohen Live)

“And those ones are the ones that really just kind of hit you and go, 'Oh, so this is a fun show, and it's celebratory, but also sometimes it's just hitting people right in the nerve.'”

— Hudson Williams, Actor (Sirius XM's Andy Cohen Live)

What’s next

The NHL and its teams will likely continue to have discussions and take steps to promote inclusion and support LGBTQ+ players, as the league aims to create a welcoming environment for athletes of all sexual orientations.

The takeaway

Sanderson's comments suggest a growing acceptance of LGBTQ+ athletes in professional sports, particularly in the NHL, where players appear willing to embrace and support their openly gay teammates. The popularity of shows like "Heated Rivalry" also indicates a broader cultural shift towards greater LGBTQ+ representation and inclusion in sports.