Heated Rivalry wrapped its first season with a soft (and very meaningful) landing after six episodes. The hockey romance drama ended with a brief dedication in the end credits that stopped many viewers in their tracks. Beneath the special thanks section, a line read: “In loving memory of Sam Willetts.”For fans of Shane and Ilya, the dedication made them wonder who Sam Willetts was. And why did the finale feel especially intimate thereby?Heated Rivalry Season 1 finale end-credits The tribute appears during the final credits of Season 1, Episode 6. We see professional hockey rivals-turned-lovers Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie) as they retreat to Shane’s cottage. View this post on Instagram Instagram PostThe episode ends with a summer sequence filmed from the backseat of Shane’s car as the couple drives away from his parents’ home.It’s beneath that reflective imagery that the dedication appears. Sam Willetts' name was placed where viewers who stayed through the credits would see.As reported by Show Snob, Sam Willetts was a lighting technician who worked on the series. And this makes sense as TV productions often reserve end-credit dedications for people whose absence is felt by cast and crew.Lighting technicians are part of an industry built on collaboration. They shape mood and tone, which surely matters in a show like Heated Rivalry. The tribute suggests Willetts was someone the show will carry forward.Who was Sam Willetts beyond Heated Rivalry?According to his obituary on Dignity Memorial, Samuel Robert Willetts was born on September 25, 1996, in Toronto and grew up in Ottawa. View this post on Instagram Instagram PostHe attended First Avenue, Hopewell Avenue, and Glebe Collegiate Institute before graduating from York University’s film production program in 2019.Sam Willetts then worked in lighting departments across multiple productions and dreamt of becoming a cinematographer. Personally speaking, though he was known for a gentle temperament, a love of the outdoors, and drawing, painting, writing, music, and photography. On his Instagram, he documented travels and quiet moments.Willetts passed away on July 31, 2025. The 28-year-old had gotten into a cycling accident while on his way to work. His mother announced the same on Instagram on August 7, and a memorial ride was held in September 2025.Willetts was an organ donor, too. And in that context, Heated Rivalry’s dedication is an acknowledgment of a young filmmaker who had his life ahead of him and whose work literally helped light the stories others got to tell.Heated Rivalry Season 1 is streaming on Crave and HBO Max, and Season 2 has already been confirmed as of December 12, 2025. NEXT UP: Creator teases the premiere of Season 2