Two fresh faces are joining the lineup for the upcoming Season 2 of the popular hockey series, “Heated Rivalry,” on Crave. Daniel Diemer, a Canadian actor recognized for his role as Tyson in “Percy Jackson and the Olympians,” will take on the character of hockey player Ryan Price. Meanwhile, Welsh actor Shaheen Jafargholi, also set to appear in the HBO show “War,” will portray musician Fabian Salah, Ryan’s love interest.
The duo of Ryan and Fabian, central figures in the third installment of Rachel Reid’s acclaimed “Game Changers” hockey romance series titled “Tough Guy,” is a tale of professional hockey enforcer Ryan. Upon his transfer to the Toronto team, Ryan is eager to explore the city’s gay district, where he unexpectedly encounters Fabian, a budding musician with whom he shared a near-kiss in high school. Despite the passage of time, their chemistry reignites, but a future together may require Ryan to bid farewell to his hockey career.
According to a press release by writer Jacob Tierney and producer Brendan Brady, “Fabian and Ryan infuse a unique vibrancy into Rachel Reid’s universe. They are complex, bold, and profoundly intriguing characters, and selecting actors who could embody all these facets was crucial. Daniel and Shaheen bring a sense of assurance and emotional authenticity to their roles. We are excited for audiences to witness their portrayal of Fabian and Ryan and how they breathe life into these characters.”
Season 1 of the series was an adaptation of the initial two books from Reid’s series, “Game Changer” and “Heated Rivalry.” Crave has confirmed that Season 2 of “Heated Rivalry” will delve further into the narrative of hockey rivals-turned-lovers Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov from Reid’s book “The Long Game,” with Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie reprising their leading roles in the TV rendition.
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 book of the series, “Role Model.” The casting announcements have stirred some controversy among fans, particularly regarding body diversity. Justice Smith is set to portray Harris, while Charlie Gillespie, known for his role in “Julie and the Phantoms,” will take on the character of Troy. Additionally, new additions to the cast include Emily Hampshire from “Schitt’s Creek” and drag queen Priyanka.
Season 2 of “Heated Rivalry” is scheduled to premiere in the spring of 2027.
