Heated Rivalry: First 3 episodes hit HBO Max on Feb 13

A fierce on-ice rivalry turns into a secret romance: Heated Rivalry premieres on HBO Max on Feb 13 with three episodes, then wraps on Feb 20.

In Brazil, Crave’s original series Heated Rivalry arrives on HBO Max in two drops. The first three episodes premiere on February 13. The final three episodes land on February 20, completing a six-episode season.

From the rink to a secret: Shane and Ilya’s story

Starring Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie, the series follows rival hockey players Shane Hollander (Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (Storrie), two of Major League Hockey’s biggest names. Driven by ambition and rivalry, they’re pulled together by an intense attraction neither fully understands.

What starts as a secret romance between two young rookies grows into a relationship that unfolds over years. Over eight years, Shane and Ilya chase glory on the ice while confronting denial and self-discovery off it. Caught between the sport that defines them and a love they can’t ignore, they must decide whether there’s room for something so fragile—and so powerful—as true love.

From page to screen: Jacob Tierney adapts Game Changers

Heated Rivalry is based on the acclaimed Game Changers book saga by author Rachel Reid. The TV adaptation is created by award-winning Canadian writer-director-producer Jacob Tierney (“Letterkenny,” “Shoresy”), leaning into romantic drama and the tension between career, identity, and desire.

Cast and production

Alongside Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie, the cast includes François Arnaud, Robbie G.K., Christina Chang, Dylan Walsh, Sophie Nélisse, and Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova.

The series is produced by Accent Aigu Entertainment in partnership with Crave (Bell Media) and is internationally distributed by Sphere Abacus.

Heated Rivalry release dates on HBO Max

February 13: Episodes 1–3

February 20: Episodes 4–6

Photo: Publicity