Fans Clamor for 'Heated Rivalry' Fleece Jacket

The Canadian-made jacket worn by character Shane Hollander has sparked a viral #releasethefleece campaign.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 6:07pm

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Fans of the hit Canadian TV series 'Heated Rivalry' have been desperately searching for the white zip-up fleece jacket with 'Canada' emblazoned on the back that was worn by character Shane Hollander in a key scene. Despite the jacket not being official Team Canada merchandise, the demand for it has led the show's creators to partner with a Canadian company to make it available to the public, with a portion of proceeds going to an LGBTQ+ charity.

Why it matters

The fleece jacket has struck a chord with fans, both Canadian and American, as a symbol of Canadian pride and cultural identity. The show's strong Canadian roots, including the Canadian-born cast and crew, have resonated with viewers and made the fleece a must-have item. The release of the jacket also comes at an opportune time ahead of the 2026 Olympics, when Canadians will be looking for patriotic merchandise to wear.

The details

The fleece jacket first caught fans' attention in the second episode of 'Heated Rivalry' when character Shane Hollander wore it during a scene set at the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, Russia. Viewers immediately began searching online to purchase the jacket, only to find it was not official Team Canada merchandise but rather a custom piece made for the show. This sparked a viral #releasethefleece campaign, including a Change.org petition that garnered over 6,000 signatures. After two months, the show's creators announced they were working with Canadian company Province of Canada to make the fleece available to the public, with a portion of proceeds going to an LGBTQ+ charity.

  • The 'Heated Rivalry' episode featuring the fleece jacket aired on November 28.
  • The #releasethefleece campaign began shortly after the episode aired.
  • The fleece jacket release was announced in January 2026, about two months after the initial fan demand.

The players

Jacob Tierney

The creator of the TV series 'Heated Rivalry'.

Brendan Brady

An executive producer of 'Heated Rivalry'.

Hanna Puley

The costume designer for 'Heated Rivalry'.

Mark Carney

The Prime Minister of Canada and a self-described 'Heated Rivalry' superfan.

Hudson Williams

The Canadian actor who portrays the character Shane Hollander on 'Heated Rivalry'.

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What’s next

The creators of 'Heated Rivalry' have announced they are working with Canadian company Province of Canada to make the fleece jacket worn by character Shane Hollander available for purchase, with a portion of proceeds going to an LGBTQ+ charity. However, they have not yet announced a specific release date or price for the jacket.

The takeaway

The fervent fan demand for the 'Heated Rivalry' fleece jacket has highlighted the show's strong Canadian roots and cultural identity, resonating with both Canadian and American viewers. The release of the jacket ahead of the 2026 Olympics presents an opportunity for Canadians and fans worldwide to show their patriotism and support for the inclusive, heartwarming story at the center of the hit series.