Two fresh faces are set to join the upcoming Season 2 of the popular hockey drama series, “Heated Rivalry,” on Crave. Daniel Diemer, a Canadian actor recognized for his role as Tyson in the TV series “Percy Jackson and the Olympians,” will take on the character of hockey player Ryan Price. Welsh actor Shaheen Jafargholi, known for his appearance in the HBO show “War,” will portray musician Fabian Salah, Ryan’s love interest in the series.
The characters Ryan and Fabian are the central figures in the third book of Rachel Reid’s successful hockey romance series, “Game Changers,” titled “Tough Guy.” The novel narrates the story of pro hockey enforcer Ryan, who, after being traded to the Toronto team, encounters Fabian in the city’s gay village. Despite a near-kiss in high school, their chemistry reignites, presenting a dilemma for Ryan between pursuing a future with Fabian or continuing his hockey career.
Writer Jacob Tierney and producer Brendan Brady expressed their excitement over the addition of Daniel and Shaheen to the cast, emphasizing the actors’ ability to embody the complex and captivating qualities of the characters. Season 1 of the show adapted the first two books in Reid’s series, “Game Changer” and “Heated Rivalry.”
The upcoming Season 2 of “Heated Rivalry” will delve deeper into the story of Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, former hockey rivals turned lovers from Reid’s novel “The Long Game.” Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie will reprise their roles in the TV adaptation. 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 book in the series, “Role Model.”
The casting announcements for Season 2 have sparked various reactions, with Justice Smith cast as Harris and Charlie Gillespie, known for his role in “Julie and the Phantoms,” playing Troy. Notable new 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.