Particle.news
Download on the App Store

‘Heated Rivalry’ Charts Season 2 as NHL Embrace Faces New Critique

Viewers and critics are treating the series as a milestone for joyful queer representation in sports culture.

Overview

  • Actor François Arnaud questioned the NHL’s promotional embrace of the show, saying the league is “using” its popularity and urging real change for players.
  • Former NHL player Sean Avery told Rolling Stone the hit could help open the door for an openly gay NHL player, as writers caution the league’s support may be performative.
  • Season 2 is confirmed with creator Jacob Tierney adapting Rachel Reid’s The Long Game, and coverage reports an early 2027 return is expected rather than this year.
  • The breakout has fueled a surge in the source material, with Libby reporting a 698% jump in reader activity and the novel reaching the New York Times bestseller list.
  • The series continues to climb in cultural profile with strong reviews and global streaming momentum on Crave and HBO Max, while book-derived speculation about future storylines circulates.