Heated Rivalry Sparks Conversation Around LGBTQ Inclusion in Hockey

The hit TV show has raised questions about the NHL's relationship with the LGBTQ community and the challenges facing queer athletes in professional sports

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The fictional TV show 'Heated Rivalry' has become a surprise hit, amassing over 600 million minutes of streaming. The show follows two rival professional hockey players, one Canadian and one Russian, who secretly fall in love despite having to keep their relationship hidden. The show's success has sparked a broader conversation about LGBTQ representation and inclusion in the NHL, an league that has yet to have an openly gay player. Julian McKenzie, who covers the NHL for The Athletic, discusses the cultural impact of the show and the challenges facing queer athletes in hockey. Meanwhile, Harrison Browne, the first openly transgender professional hockey player, shares his personal experiences coming out and the importance of visibility for LGBTQ individuals in sports.

Why it matters

The lack of openly LGBTQ players in the NHL, despite the league's efforts to be inclusive, highlights the challenges queer athletes still face in professional sports. 'Heated Rivalry' provides a rare glimpse into the struggles of maintaining a secret relationship as a gay athlete, raising awareness of the need for more acceptance and support. The show's popularity also demonstrates the public's appetite for diverse, authentic LGBTQ stories in media.

The details

The fictional TV show 'Heated Rivalry' follows the secret romance between two rival professional hockey players, one Canadian and one Russian. The show has become a surprise hit, amassing over 600 million minutes of streaming. Meanwhile, the NHL has faced criticism for its relationship with the LGBTQ community, with players sometimes opting out of wearing Pride Night jerseys and the league's locker room culture still seen as unwelcoming to queer athletes. Harrison Browne, the first openly transgender professional hockey player, shares his experiences of coming out and the importance of visibility for LGBTQ individuals in sports.

  • The first season of 'Heated Rivalry' premiered on HBO Max in December 2025.
  • In February 2026, the show's lead actors carried the torch at the opening ceremony for the Winter Olympics in Milan.

The players

Heated Rivalry

A fictional TV show that follows the secret romance between two rival professional hockey players, one Canadian and one Russian.

Julian McKenzie

A journalist who covers the NHL for The Athletic and has written about the cultural impact of 'Heated Rivalry'.

Harrison Browne

The first openly transgender professional hockey player, who had a role in 'Heated Rivalry' and has advocated for LGBTQ inclusion in sports.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Instinct-wise, there are many players in the closet that do not feel safe to come out, do not feel like they would be able to have a career within hockey.”

— Harrison Browne, Retired professional hockey player (Sports in America)

“Because it's sexy.”

— Harrison Browne, Retired professional hockey player (Sports in America)

What’s next

The NHL will need to take tangible steps to demonstrate its commitment to LGBTQ inclusion, beyond just public relations efforts, in order to create a more welcoming environment for queer athletes.

The takeaway

The success of 'Heated Rivalry' highlights the public's desire for diverse, authentic LGBTQ representation in media, while also shining a light on the challenges facing queer athletes in professional sports. The NHL must address its own culture and policies to foster true acceptance and support for LGBTQ players.