"The NHL is currently facing the opportunity of a lifetime. The Canadian smash-hit queer hockey romance Heated Rivalry,streaming on HBO Max in the U.S., has the eyes of millions across the globe, and as a result real hockey players have a new relevance (in a Winter Olympics year, no less!). Unfortunately, the NHL couldn't be less ready for the moment - this is a league that doesn't even allow teams to wear any sort of Pride Night uniform or stick tape on the ice."
"though it requires zero familiarity with the source material to enjoy (I speak from experience here) nor a deep-rooted preexisting well of hockey knowledge. Showrun by and starring Jared Keeso as the titular hockey lunk, Shoresy follows the exploits of the Sudbury Bulldogs (or technically the Sudbury Blueberry Bulldogs), the bottom-ranked team in Ontario's fictional NOSHO (Northern Ontario Senior Hockey Organization), a rough-and-tumble minor league full of has-beens, failed young prospects,"
The NHL faces a major fan-engagement moment as Heated Rivalry attracts global attention and connects mainstream audiences to real hockey players. The league currently restricts visible expressions like Pride Night uniforms and stick tape, limiting hospitality toward queer fandom. Fans can still enjoy Heated Rivalry at games or turn to Shoresy for more hockey-centric gratification. Shoresy, directed early on by Jacob Tierney, conveys authentic locker-room culture and on-ice shooting that resonate with viewers. Shoresy is a Letterkenny spinoff starring Jared Keeso and follows the Sudbury Bulldogs, a bottom-ranked NOSHO team in a rough minor-league populated by has-beens and failed prospects.
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