Heated Rivalry's sixth and final episode, The Cottage, is set to be released on Crave in Canada and on HBO Max in the USA on December 26, 2025. The show has been a huge success ever since it first premiered on November 28, due to its portrayal of a slow-burning love story, closeted characters finally finding the courage and comfort to embrace their se*uality, and the sheer vulnerability shown by both protagonists, Shane and Ilya.The final episode of Heated Rivalry will show us Shane and Ilya meeting at Shane's cottage. At the end of episode 5, Scott Hunter won the MLH Cup and kissed the man he loves, Kip, publicly. That inspired Shane and Ilya, who were both watching the match live, and Ilya decided to take up on Shane's previous offer of spending time together at his cottage. The first look at the upcoming episode has been released.First look at Shane and Ilya in Heated Rivalry season finale revealedWhile hockey is a widely popular sport, it isn't a big supporter of the queer community, and a professional player being gay isn't seen in a good light. That reality exists in Heated Rivalry's world as well and is one of the reasons why Shane and Ilya chose not to deepen their relationship and kept it strictly se*ual for a long time. But seeing Scott and Kio announce their love publicly made them realize that maybe their careers won't be absolutely ruined if they embrace their feelings or even come out.Episode 6 is titled The Cottage, and it is a very meaningful title because Ilya decided to go to Shane's cottage, and the next episode could show them finally confessing their love to each other. While an official teaser trailer for the season finale hasn't been released yet, Buzzing Pop (@BuzzingPop) has revealed the first look at Shane and Ilya in the upcoming episode with the caption,First look at ‘Heated Rivalry’ Episode 6.Out tomorrow night.The image shows us Shane and Ilya outside in a Range Rover, with Shane in the driver's seat and Ilya sitting in the passenger seat beside him. They are both dressed in casuals and wearing shades. It is likely a moment from their time at the cottage, and perhaps they have gone out to buy something or just roam around. Either way, it will be the first time they will be seen together in public outside of a professional setting. That can mean that the couple finally comes out or chooses not to care about what the press or others say.The first look is a very simple picture, and while it could mean a lot, we can't predict what will happen in the season finale for sure. There will definitely be some vulnerable moments shared between Shane and Ilya when they spend time in the cottage, but since the show has been confirmed to return for Season 2, we might not see them come out publicly yet. Either way, the upcoming episode will likely be an important milestone for them and allow them to grow closer. View this post on Instagram Instagram PostHeated Rivalry episode 6, The Cottage, comes out on HBO Max on December 26, 2025.For more articles like this, follow Soapcentral.