Heated Rivalry co-stars Hudson Williams, Connor Storrie named Olympic torchbearers

The wave of popularity of “Heated Rivalry” is taking its main characters to unprecedented heights.

On Thursday, it was reported that actors Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie have been selected as official torchbearers for the Olympic Torch Relay.

It hasn’t been revealed when the two will be participating in the relay, but it will be at some point between now and when the Opening Ceremony begins on Feb. 6.

“Heated Rivalry” is a show based on Canadian author Rachel Reid’s book of the same name, part of her “Game Changers” series. The Crave Original series has already been renewed for a second season after gaining a massive following around the globe since its release in November.

In an interview with Variety, Storrie hopes the second season continues the excellent storytelling Reid had already written.

“These are obviously really well-constructed stories that a lot of people are really into,” Storrie said. “The only way to make this make sense is to stick to the books and also honor the fandom of the people who are really spearheading this whole thing.”

The show pits Russian hockey star Ilya Rozanov, played by the American Storrie, and Canadian Shane Hollander, played by Williams, alongside one another, taking part in a secret relationship that spans decades. The six-episode series has broken the mold of traditional sports drama, tapping into the LGBTQ+ fanbase and piquing the interest of non-hockey fans as well as those already within the sport’s spectrum.

Even NHL commissioner Gary Bettman admitted he likes the show and has binged the whole first season.

“We’re well aware of ‘Heated Rivalry.’ In terms of embracing it, I think it’s a wonderful story,” Bettman told reporters, according to The Hockey News Washington Capitals reporter Sammi Silber. “The content — particularly for young people — may be a little spicy….I thought the storyline was very compelling … it was very well done.”