"That now includes Heated Rivalry a gay hockey romance TV series in which two players from opposing teams carry out a secret, long-term relationship. The steamy connection between the characters Canadian Shane Hollander and Russian Ilya Rozanov has attracted fans to both the show and the sport itself, with the NHL seeing a boost in ticket sales by one estimate. The show's impact was evident long before the Milan Cortina Olympics when co-stars Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie carried the Olympic flame. And it hasn't stopped there."
"Athletes recognize the phenomenon Zach Werenski, a defenseman on the U.S. team who plays for the NHL's Columbus Blue Jackets, said the show has come up in conversation in the locker room. Everyone is saying how great it is, I just haven't seen it yet, Werenski told The Associated Press after a 5-1 victory over Latvia. 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."
Heated Rivalry centers on a secret, long-term relationship between two opposing hockey players, Canadian Shane Hollander and Russian Ilya Rozanov. The steamy connection has drawn viewers to both the show and the sport, and one estimate credits the series with boosting NHL ticket sales. Co-stars Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie carried the Olympic flame at Milan Cortina, signaling cultural crossover into the Olympics. Athletes and fans in Canada and the U.S. report heightened engagement. U.S. defenseman Zach Werenski noted locker-room conversations and called the show good for hockey and inclusivity. Jake Sanderson referenced Luke Prokop as a milestone in NHL representation.
Read at www.mercurynews.com
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