Overview
- Kortuem announced he is gay in a detailed Facebook statement on Tuesday, describing years of concealing his identity in hockey.
- He credits the TV drama Heated Rivalry with prompting him to speak publicly after its recent cultural impact.
- He thanked The Cutting Edges Hockey Club for hosting him at their Winter Classic in Sun Peaks, British Columbia, where he wore a jersey reflecting both his sport and community.
- He recalls leaving his high-school team at 17 and identifies the 2017 Sin City Classic tournament as a turning point after meeting other gay players.
- Coverage notes that Heated Rivalry is based on the Game Changers novels, stars Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie, and has been renewed for Season 2 on Crave and HBO Max.