Actor François Arnaud, known for his role in the popular Canadian series “Heated Rivalry,” has expressed a desire for the NHL to prioritize genuine diversity on the ice rather than solely leveraging the show’s success for promotional purposes. “Heated Rivalry,” a romantic drama depicting the love story between two fictional professional male hockey players, has garnered significant attention since its debut on Bell Media’s streaming platform, Crave, and on HBO Max in the U.S. Arnaud, a Montreal native and openly bisexual individual, portrays Scott Hunter, the closeted captain of the New York Admirals in the fictional Major League Hockey.
The show revolves around the intense on-ice rivalry and passionate off-ice relationship between Hunter and his fellow players, Ilya Rozonov and Shane Hollander. Throughout the first season, Hunter navigates a relationship with Kip, an openly gay character, ultimately choosing to publicly come out at a crucial moment. As “Heated Rivalry” gains popularity, Arnaud has fielded inquiries regarding the reactions of hockey enthusiasts and the broader hockey community to the show.
Arnaud recently expressed his views on the NHL’s response to the show during an interview with Andy Cohen on SiriusXM, highlighting the league’s ability to capitalize on its success. He cited a social media post by the Boston Bruins referencing the show, emphasizing the importance of the league authentically embracing diversity beyond promotional gestures. Arnaud stressed the need for the NHL to uphold inclusivity in real-life actions, not just in symbolic references to shows like “Heated Rivalry.”
Acknowledging the show’s impact, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman praised “Heated Rivalry” as a compelling narrative that has drawn attention from fans, albeit noting that its content might be considered bold for certain audiences. The league has emphasized its commitment to promoting inclusivity, evidenced by initiatives such as Pride Nights and the annual Pride Cup, which showcases players from local 2SLGBTQ+ leagues.
“Game Changers” author Rachel Reid, whose book series inspired “Heated Rivalry,” underlined the show’s reflection of real-world reactions to 2SLGBTQ+ issues within the hockey community. She highlighted the challenges faced by queer individuals in hockey spaces and the importance of fostering a welcoming environment for all participants. Beyond the fictional portrayal in “Heated Rivalry,” real-life figures in the hockey world advocate for greater inclusivity and support for LGBTQ+ individuals in the sport.
