Heated Rivalry concludes with six episodes, following Ilya and Shane’s official boyfriend era—what happened at the cottage will remain iconic. And Shane coming out? Total cinema.
The finale episode of Heated Rivalry aired on December 26, 2025 via HBO Max and Crave. Episode 6, titled The Cottage, follows Shane and Ilya’s little escapade at Shane’s cottage. However, while they are busy spending time together, Shane’s father sees them kissing and leaves. This moment pushes Shane to come out to his parents, with Ilya by his side.
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Disclaimer: This article contains major spoilers about the series. Read at your own risk.
The Quiet Escape of Shane and Ilya in Heated Rivalry Episode 6
Heated Rivalry finale opens with Scott taking home the Most Valuable Player award at the MLH Awards. During his speech, he openly acknowledges his sexuality and speaks about the power of choosing love without hiding. He wraps it up by thanking his team and giving a heartfelt nod to Kip, who watches proudly from a bar.
The story then jumps to July, where Shane picks up Ilya at the Ottawa airport. On the drive to the cottage, Shane promises peace, privacy, and enough food to last them through the retreat. More than anything, he wants uninterrupted time with Ilya, far from the noise of the outside world. To make it happen, he tells his parents he is attending a silent retreat—a lie that Ilya finds both ridiculous and amusing.
What Happens at the Cottage?
Once they arrive at the cottage, Ilya immediately pokes fun at Shane’s obvious obsession with real estate. The teasing quickly turns heated, and they fall into each other, only to realise neither of them has been with anyone else since they last parted months ago. Shane feels caught off guard, especially since they never agreed to exclusivity. Ilya, however, seems more than ready to move forward.
Before disappearing into the bedroom, they promise honesty during the two weeks they will spend living together. Inside, Ilya insists on keeping the curtains open, and the night unfolds without restraint. Over the next few days, they slip into an easy rhythm. Slowly, Ilya begins to talk about his past, including his mother’s suicide, while Shane listens without trying to fix anything.
In turn, Shane opens up about his own family. He admits he is still afraid to come out to his parents, and Ilya gently pushes him toward honesty. Their conversations also circle back to Rose. Ilya’s jealousy is impossible to hide, yet Shane reassures him every time. As the days pass, their feelings deepen, even though neither of them is brave enough to say it outright.
What’s Next for Ilya and Shane’s Relationship?
Eventually, Ilya raises the idea of marrying Svetlana to secure a passport. The thought devastates Shane, and his reaction makes everything clear. Ilya quickly explains that his feelings are with Shane, not Svetlana. In response, Shane asks for time, hoping they can find another way. Earlier, Ilya had mentioned the possibility of joining a Canadian team, and that idea refuses to leave Shane’s mind.
That night, Shane lies awake, piecing together a future. He wakes Ilya and suggests transferring to Ottawa. While they would remain rivals, the tension would soften. With Shane in Montreal, they could see each other more often. More importantly, it would open a path toward Canadian citizenship for Ilya. Shane even imagines launching a charity to reshape the narrative around their rivalry. One day, he hopes, they could be public about their relationship after retirement.
As Shane admits how deeply he has been thinking about their future, emotion overtakes him. Ilya responds with a quiet confession in Russian before repeating it in English. Shane finally says it back. The next morning, they watch the sunrise together, spending the day wrapped in each other.
Shane later suggests starting a hockey school and supporting mental health organisations focused on suicide prevention. The idea moves Ilya, who says his mother would have loved Shane as much as he does. Later, while swimming in the lake, they give in to another heated moment. Unfortunately, Shane’s father walks in, silently turns away, and leaves.
Panic sets in as Shane spirals, unsure how to face his parents. Ilya stays by his side, urging him to tell the truth—and promising he will be there when he does.
How Did Shane’s Parents React in Heated Rivalry Finale?
Instead of reacting to Shane’s sexuality, his parents are more stunned that he is dating Ilya—and by how long the relationship has actually been going on. After the initial surprise, they quickly come around and welcome both Shane and Ilya with open arms.
Shane then shares a quiet, heartfelt moment with Yuna. She hugs him and apologises for not making him feel safe enough to come out sooner. From there, Yuna flips the switch and fully steps into momager mode, ready to protect and champion her son at all costs.
Heated Rivalry closes on a warm note, with Shane, Ilya, Yuna, and David sharing lunch together. Shane feels overwhelmed as Yuna enthusiastically lays out a master plan to protect their careers once they come out publicly. Meanwhile, Ilya casually seizes the moment to label what they are. No ambiguity, no panic—just clarity. They are officially boyfriends.
Afterward, they even make dinner plans, with Yuna and David set to visit Shane’s place. The final moments show Shane and Ilya driving back to the cottage, content and smiling, finally moving forward together with no secrets and no detours left.
Heated Rivalry Ending Explained and Review
We finally made it to the cottage—and somehow managed to ugly cry our way through it. Shane and Ilya’s road has been long, messy, and emotionally taxing, which makes it incredibly satisfying to see them reach this stage of their lives. The payoff feels earned, not rushed.
Most of the finale unfolds in the cottage, which quickly becomes their safe little bubble. Away from the noise of the world, they allow themselves to be fully honest and emotionally exposed. More importantly, this is where they stop fantasising and start planning. Their conversations make it clear they are no longer winging it. They are thinking long-term, even if the path ahead still looks complicated.
Connor and Hudson do some of their best work here. Their faces carry the emotional weight of the episode without the need for heavy dialogue. Shane tearing up at the thought of Ilya marrying Svetlana says everything. The same goes for Ilya’s confession, the quiet sunrise moment, and several understated exchanges throughout the episode. The performances, paired with the intimacy of the cottage setting, give the story its emotional punch.
The scene between Shane and Yuna deserves special mention. You can almost see her heart crack as she realises what her son has been carrying alone. Her immediate support deepens the emotional impact of the finale. Likewise, watching Shane’s parents accept both him and Ilya so quickly feels healing rather than convenient.
And just like that, season one comes to an end. It’s bittersweet, but what a cinematic ride it was. Jacob and Rachel made the right call by respecting the source material, while still shaping it for television. The cast delivered across the board. If there’s one complaint, it’s this: six episodes were nowhere near enough.
For those planning to watch—or rewatch—the series, all episodes are now streaming on HBO Max and Crave.
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Source: Crave, HBO Max, Crave (X)
