Two fresh faces are set to join the cast of the upcoming Season 2 of the popular hockey drama series, “Heated Rivalry,” airing on Crave. Canadian actor Daniel Diemer, recognized for his role as Tyson in the television series “Percy Jackson and the Olympians,” will take on the character of hockey player Ryan Price. Welsh actor Shaheen Jafargholi, known for his upcoming appearance in the HBO series “War,” will portray his love interest, musician Fabian Salah.
The duo will embody the lead characters from Rachel Reid’s renowned hockey romance series, “Game Changers,” specifically the third novel titled “Tough Guy.” This installment delves into the story of pro hockey enforcer Ryan, who, upon being traded to the Toronto team, encounters Fabian in the city’s gay village. Sparks fly between the two as they reconnect after sharing an almost-kiss in high school. However, pursuing a future together may require Ryan to make a life-altering decision regarding his hockey career.
Writer Jacob Tierney and producer Brendan Brady expressed their excitement about the addition of Diemer and Jafargholi to the series, emphasizing the depth and complexity they bring to the characters. Season 1 of the show adapted the first two books from Reid’s series, “Game Changer” and “Heated Rivalry.”
The upcoming Season 2 of “Heated Rivalry” will continue the saga of hockey rivals-turned-lovers Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov from Reid’s novel “The Long Game,” with Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie reprising their roles. Additionally, the new season will incorporate the narratives of Troy Barrett, a hockey player traded to Ilya’s team, and Harris Dover, a social media manager, from the fifth novel, “Role Model.”
The casting announcement for Season 2 has sparked some backlash from fans regarding body diversity. Justice Smith will take on the role of Harris, while Charlie Gillespie, known for his role in “Julie and the Phantoms,” will portray Troy. Noteworthy additions to the cast include Emily Hampshire from “Schitt’s Creek” and drag queen Priyanka.
The highly anticipated Season 2 of “Heated Rivalry” is scheduled to premiere in the spring of 2027.