New Fans Drawn to Ice Hockey by Popular TV Drama
Fans of the streaming hit series Heated Rivalry have developed a newfound enthusiasm for the fast-paced sport featured prominently in the show.
The six-part drama focuses on the secret relationship between two professional ice hockey players: Shane Hollander from Canada, portrayed by Hudson Williams, and Ilya Rozanov from Russia, played by Connor Storrie.
Since its UK release on 11 January, the series has inspired a significant influx of first-time spectators to ice rinks across Scotland, from Dumfries to Glasgow.
Local Fans Discover the Sport
Nichola McCabe, a 23-year-old from Hamilton, shared how the show quickly captivated her interest.
The on-screen drama sparked her curiosity about ice hockey, and she was surprised to learn that one of Scotland's major teams plays at a nearby shopping centre.
"When we found out the rink was inside Braehead Shopping Centre we could not believe it,"
"It's literally on our doorstep."
Nichola and her friend Maddy Brew purchased tickets for the next Glasgow Clan home game.
"When we first stepped into the arena it was incredible,"
"We had such a good time we asked our friends to go to the next game which was the Pride night but we couldn't even get four tickets together.
"It just shows you how popular it is."
Pride Nights in ice hockey are themed events designed to promote inclusivity and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, ensuring the sport is welcoming to all. These occasions typically include rainbow-coloured branding, special warm-up jerseys, and community partnerships.
Origins and Impact of Heated Rivalry
Heated Rivalry is adapted from a 2019 gay sports romance novel by Canadian author Rachel Reid, who is an avid ice hockey fan. Reid began writing fan fiction in the sport romance genre before her works became bestsellers.
Laura McCloskey from Renfrewshire discovered the books last year and started attending ice hockey matches in September. Since then, she has not missed a Paisley Pirates home game.
"Turns out I really like watching men smash each other up on the ice.
"When I read the books it really enticed me to want to go.
"My first game was so surreal, because I couldn't see the players properly.
"I imagined they were my own characters on the ice which was quite fun."
Laura said the experience exceeded her expectations.
"I didn't expect to fall in love with the sport but going to ice hockey and supporting the Paisley Pirates has become a weekly ritual,"
At Braehead Arena near Glasgow, Laura has noticed many new fans, mostly women, wearing Heated Rivalry merchandise.
"I have an Ilya Rosanov jumper that I wear to the games,"
"My book club has just read Heated Rivalry too and they are interested in taking everyone along to a game.
"The hype is definitely growing. I have even started learning to ice skate after all of this."
Representation and Community Engagement
The show has also been praised for its positive portrayal of LGBTQ+ athletes. While no players in the American National Hockey League (NHL) are openly gay, the sport has more elite LGBTQ+ representation at other levels compared to many other sports.
Georgia Grainger, who manages a popular TikTok account, organized watch parties for the series. Her first live game was a match between the Caledonia Steel Queens and the Solway Shark Ladies during a Pride Night on 25 January at Murrayfield Ice Arena in Edinburgh.
"I'm not that sporty but I grew up in a rugby family, so I think I was attracted to the full impact aspects of ice hockey - like the fights between players."
Georgia began hosting streaming events at the Three Sisters pub in Edinburgh, which led to a group forming that now attends ice hockey games together.
"Everyone has been looking for something positive to focus on,"
"I'm so pleased it has transformed into people supporting their local teams and brought so many people together."
Clubs Respond to Growing Interest
Rebecca Thompson, media manager for the Kirkcaldy-based Fife Flyers, has observed an increase in fans inspired by the show.
"Anecdotally, we've noticed on TikTok that a number of fans have been posting about attending ice hockey games for the first time after watching Heated Rivalry,"
The club recently issued an apology after deciding not to wear specially designed rainbow jerseys for an LGBTQ+ community match. They stated the Pride-themed jerseys would only be worn during warm-ups to respect players' beliefs. The following day, the team acknowledged the "hurt and disappointment" caused by this decision.
The Paisley Pirates, also based at Braehead Arena, noted a "really nice" coincidence between the rise in new fans and the popularity of Heated Rivalry.
Calum Wilson, the club's commercial manager, told BBC Scotland News:
"There's been a noticeable uptick in first-time attendees who are clearly discovering the sport through the show and book series.
"We've also spotted fans at games wearing Heated Rivalry–related merch, which has been a bit of a giveaway and a great conversation starter.
"It's been brilliant to see that crossover happening so visibly in the stands."
Glasgow Clan has embraced the show's popularity by playing music from Heated Rivalry during games. Enthusiastic fans have shared their first-time game experiences on TikTok.
The club reported a "small increase" in female spectators over the festive period.
Marketing manager Laura Paterson commented:
"They keep coming back because the Clan offers a safe, inclusive environment, and because live ice hockey is actually pretty amazing to watch."
