Two fresh faces are set to join the upcoming Season 2 of the popular hockey drama series, “Heated Rivalry,” on Crave. Canadian actor Daniel Diemer, recognized for his role as Tyson in the TV series “Percy Jackson and the Olympians,” will take on the character of hockey player Ryan Price. Welsh actor Shaheen Jafargholi, who is also slated to appear in the HBO show “War,” will portray his love interest, musician Fabian Salah.
The characters Ryan and Fabian are the central figures in the third installment of Rachel Reid’s acclaimed hockey romance series, “Game Changers,” titled “Tough Guy.” The narrative delves into the story of professional hockey enforcer Ryan, who, upon being traded to the Toronto team, eagerly explores the city’s gay village. During his exploration, Ryan reconnects with Fabian, an aspiring musician with whom he shared a nearly intimate moment in high school. Despite the passage of time, their undeniable chemistry resurfaces. However, a potential future together may require Ryan to bid farewell to his hockey career.
In a press statement, writer Jacob Tierney and producer Brendan Brady praised the energy that Diemer and Jafargholi bring to the world created by Rachel Reid. They emphasized the bold, intricate, and captivating nature of the characters, highlighting the actors’ ability to embody these multifaceted roles with confidence and emotional depth. Season 1 of the series adapted the first two books in Reid’s series, “Game Changer” and “Heated Rivalry.”
Crave has confirmed that Season 2 of “Heated Rivalry” will continue to follow the evolving relationship between hockey rivals-turned-lovers Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, from Reid’s novel “The Long Game.” Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie will reprise their lead roles in the TV series adaptation.
The upcoming season will also incorporate the storylines of Troy Barrett, a hockey player traded to Ilya’s new team, and Harris Dover, a social media manager, from the fifth novel in the book series, “Role Model.” Justice Smith has been cast as Harris, while Charlie Gillespie, known for his role in “Julie and the Phantoms,” will portray Troy. Additional cast members include Emily Hampshire from “Schitt’s Creek” and drag queen Priyanka.
“Heated Rivalry” Season 2, featuring the new cast additions, is scheduled to premiere in spring 2027.