Heated Rivalry isn’t just about on-ice rivalries or steamy romance; it also showcases promising actors who bring the characters vividly to life.
Crave and HBO Max’s hockey romance Heated Rivalry has barreled straight into fandom territory, sparking a wave of fan edits, reaction videos, and collectively unhinged online enthusiasm. Clearly, the internet has picked a side—and it’s feelings.
Adapted from Rachel Reid’s Game Changers novels, the series centers on elite hockey players Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie). On the ice, they clash like sworn enemies.
Off it, they carry on a secret relationship that complicates everything. The show comes from Jacob Tierney of Letterkenny fame, whom some may also remember from his early acting days on Are You Afraid of the Dark? in the early ’90s.
As the buzz grows louder with each episode, a second season feels less like a possibility and more like an inevitability. So, before Shane and Ilya skate into their next chapter, it’s the perfect time to meet the cast members who brought this LGBTQ love story to life.
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Disclaimer: This article might include some spoilers about the series. You are advised to read with caution.
Hudson Williams as Shane Hollander in Heated Rivalry
This marks the 24-year-old actor’s first time leading a television series, but he is no stranger to the screen. Before Heated Rivalry, Williams appeared in Nobody Dumps My Daughter, All I Need for Christmas, and Tracker, along with several short films. More recently, he signed with Creative Artists Agency, a move that signals even bigger projects ahead.
In the series, Williams plays Shane Hollander, an Asian-Canadian hockey star who starts off as a classic rule-following good guy. That image slowly unravels after he crosses paths with Ilya Rozanov. What begins as a fierce rivalry soon turns into an enemies-to-lovers situation—one made even more complicated by fame, pressure, and constant public attention
Connor Storrie as Shane Rozanov in Heated Rivalry
The Texas-born actor first caught wider attention in Joker: Folie à Deux, where he played a young inmate opposite Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga. The DC sequel premiered in 2024, arriving just a year before his breakout role in Heated Rivalry. Before that, he appeared in Tiny Beautiful Things and April X, steadily building his résumé.
In the series, he takes on the role of Ilya Rozanov, a Russian hockey star and captain of the Boston Raiders. Ilya is brilliant on the ice, but that success comes with heavy pressure. He carries the weight of representing his country, which often puts him at odds with his family—especially his fiercely patriotic father.
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François Arnaud as Scott Hunter
François Arnaud is a Montreal-born actor and producer with a long list of standout roles. At 40, he is widely known for playing Cesare Borgia in The Borgias and Sammy in Twinless. Over the years, he has also appeared in Schitt’s Creek and Yellowjackets. Up next, he is set to star in ALICE, a joint series by HBO Max and France Télévision that focuses on trailblazing filmmaker Alice Guy Blanché.
In Heated Rivalry, Arnaud steps into the role of Scott Hunter, who first appears in episode 3 through a series of flashbacks. Scott plays for the New York Admirals and lives a carefully guarded life. Struggling to accept his sexuality, he keeps everything tightly controlled, both on the ice and behind closed doors.
Robbie G.K. as Kip Grady
Canadian actor Robbie G.K. first caught attention for his role as Temp in Utopia Falls. Since then, he has continued to build his résumé, most recently appearing as Riley in Overcompensating, which also premiered this year on Peacock.
In Heated Rivalry, he plays Kip Grady, a smoothie shop barista who crosses paths with Scott Hunter early on. Kip is instantly drawn to Scott, even though he is unsure where the hockey star stands. Over time, Kip becomes more than just a crush—he turns into Scott’s emotional anchor and, yes, his unofficial good luck charm.
Nadine Bhabha as Elena Rygg
Elena Rygg serves as Kip Grady’s closest friend in Heated Rivalry, and she never sugarcoats the truth. That honesty becomes especially important when it comes to “Skip,” the fan-favorite ship for Scott and Kip.
Played by Nadine Bhabha, the character earned plenty of praise for saying what needed to be said. Elena calls out the issues head-on and delivers the reality check both Kip and Scott avoid. And honestly, she’s right—the relationship simply isn’t working at that point.
Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova as Svetlana Vetrova
Svetlana Vetrova, portrayed by Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova, plays a key role in Ilya’s life as both a close friend and, at times, a lover. In many ways, she represents the simpler path he could choose. She shares his Russian background, values her independence, and has no issue with his bisexuality. Being with Svetlana would mean less risk and far fewer complications.
Kharlamova brings solid experience to the role. Her past projects include Robyn Hood, The Boys, Downsizing, and A Very Jonas Christmas Movie, among others.
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Sophie Nélisse as Rose Landry
Episode 4 of Heated Rivalry introduces Rose Landry, an up-and-coming actress shooting the action film X-Squad. She soon finds herself dating Montreal Metros captain and hockey golden boy Shane Hollander, played by Hudson Williams.
Naturally, fans aren’t exactly cheering for Rose, mostly because she stands between Shane and Ilya’s slow-burn love story. Still, Sophie Nélisse gives the role real depth and charm. She’s best known for playing teenage Shauna on Yellowjackets, along with standout roles in The Rest of Us and L’Indétectable. Even as the “obstacle,” Rose feels human, not hollow—and that makes her hard to ignore.
Other Characters from Heated Rivalry
Christina Chang as Yuna Hollander — Chang plays Yuna Hollander, Shane’s supportive but sometimes overbearing mother and manager.
Dylan Walsh as David Hollander — Shane’s father, whose quiet demeanor and habits become a playful point of teasing between Shane and Ilya.
Matt Gordon as George Grady — Kip’s supportive and caring father.
Kaden Connors as Sasha — Ilya’s flirtatious former hookup in Russia.
Yaroslav Poverlo as Grigori Rozanov — Ilya’s father who was suffering from memory loss.
Slavic Rogozine as Alexei Rozanov — Ilya’s demanding brother who frequently asks for money.
Bianca Nugara as Maria — Kip’s supportive co-worker in the smoothie shop.
Devante Senior as Miles — Rose’s flirtatious best friend who constantly teases Shane.
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Heated Rivalry has captured the hearts of viewers with its perfect mix of steamy romance, heartfelt storytelling, and relatable LGBTQ+ themes. From the sizzling on-ice rivalry between Shane and Ilya to the heartfelt side stories of Scott and Kip, every character adds depth and emotion to the series.
The show’s strong performances, engaging plotlines, and visual storytelling make it a must-watch for fans of sports dramas and contemporary romance alike.
You can catch all six episodes of Heated Rivalry on Crave and HBO Max. And for those already invested in the story, keep your eyes peeled—Crave has officially announced a second season, promising even more drama, romance, and unforgettable moments.
Don’t miss the next chapter in Shane and Ilya’s journey.
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Source: Crave, HBO Max, Crave (X)
