Crave's Heated Rivalry is a Canadian romance series based on Rachel Reid's Game Changers book series. The six-part series, created by Jacob Tierney, follows a decades-spanning relationship between two ice hockey players, the Canadian-born Shane Hollander and the Russian-born Ilya Rozanov.Heated Rivalry is the second installment in Rachel Reid's gay hockey romance book series and the most popular one. In November 2025, HBO acquired the show's rights and it was simultaneously released in Canada (on Crave) and in the US (on HBO) on November 28.The two-part premiere is already taking the Internet by storm and fans can't stop gushing over emerging stars Hudson Williams (Shane) and Connor Storrie (Ilya), who bring the lead couple's story to life.More on this in our story.Who plays Shane Hollander in Heated Rivalry? View this post on Instagram Instagram PostShane Hollander is a Canadian-born Ice hockey player and the captain of his team, the Montreal Metros. Seasoned Rachel Reid fans, who have read the book, can confirm how Hudson Williams brilliantly brings Shane's golden retriever-perfectionist personality on screen. The shy and introverted hockey player is as passionate for the sport on the ice as he is with Ilya behind closed doors.Hudson Williams’ sharp performance may easily convince viewers he’s a seasoned star, but this marks his first major project as a leading actor. However, the Korean-Canadian Heated Rivalry star has appeared in many Canadian short films like Over the Edge, Off Objective and Devil Makes Three. Additionally, Hudson Williams has also appeared in the Canadian spy series Allegiance and the CBS' action series Tracker.According to Williams' IMDB page, the rising star is also set to appear in Tristan C. Pina's 2026 mystery thriller film Encore.Who plays Ilya Rozanov in Heated Rivalry? View this post on Instagram Instagram PostFor every bit of ice-cool composure Shane carries, Ilya Rozanov meets him with an equal and unmistakable blaze. Ilya Rozanov's no-nonsense energy is perfectly portrayed on-screen by American actor Connor Storrie. The actor's sharp and rolling Russian cadence might fool some fans but Storrie is American. However, fans are shocked to see him effortlessly switch between American and Russian accents in interviews.Like his Heated Rivalry co-star, this latest HBO series also marks his first lead project. Connor Storrie is best known for playing the inmate who killed Joaquin Phoenix‘s Arthur Fleck in Joker: Folie à Deux. Additionally, Storrie has appeared in an episode of Hulu's psychological thriller miniseries Tiny Beautiful Things, the LGBTQ+ coming-of-age film Riley and the recently released sci-fi movie April X, directed by Michel K. Parandi.Connor Storrie has also appeared in short films such as A Letter on Loss, Twenty Two, Watch and Guide and The Internet Kills.What is Heated Rivalry about? View this post on Instagram Instagram PostRachel Reid's best-selling book follows Shane and Ilya's complicated, decades-spanning relationship, which begins in their rookie years. Both Shane and Ilya are the top players in Major League Hockey and are pitted against each other by their respective fans and the media. While Shane and Ilya's ambition and competitive streak mark their professional equation in the game, they feel an irresistible pull towards each other outside the ring.The two-part premiere of Heated Rivalry saw Shane and Ilya giving in to their carnal desire for one another and starting a secret fling that is slowly transforming into a meaningful yet complicated relationship.Both Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie are being highly praised by fans and critics alike for their on-screen chemistry. The young stars are already making all heads turn and keeping their fans entertained with behind-the-scenes videos, fun TikToks and interviews.Heated Rivalry releases weekly episodes on HBO every Friday.For the latest scoops on your favorite TV shows and movies, follow SoapCentral.