Two fresh faces have been introduced for the upcoming Season 2 of Crave’s popular hockey series, “Heated Rivalry.” Daniel Diemer, a Canadian actor recognized for his role as Tyson in the TV show “Percy Jackson and the Olympians,” will take on the character of hockey player Ryan Price. Joining him is Welsh actor Shaheen Jafargholi, who will portray musician Fabian Salah, also set to feature in the HBO series “War.”
The central characters, Ryan and Fabian, are the focal points of the third book in Rachel Reid’s acclaimed hockey romance series, “Game Changers,” titled “Tough Guy.” The narrative revolves around pro hockey enforcer Ryan, who, upon being traded to the Toronto team, eagerly explores the city’s gay village. There, he unexpectedly reunites with Fabian, an aspiring musician with whom he shared a nearly intimate moment in high school. Despite the passage of time, their undeniable chemistry resurfaces, yet a potential future together may necessitate Ryan’s departure from professional hockey.
According to writer Jacob Tierney and producer Brendan Brady in a recent press release, “Fabian and Ryan inject a unique vitality into Rachel Reid’s universe.” The duo expressed their enthusiasm for the characters’ complexity and depth, highlighting the importance of finding actors capable of embodying these multifaceted personalities. Daniel and Shaheen were praised for their confident and emotionally authentic portrayals, with high expectations for their interpretation of Fabian and Ryan.
Season 1 of the series covered the first two books in Reid’s series, “Game Changer” and “Heated Rivalry.” The upcoming Season 2 of “Heated Rivalry” will continue to follow the evolving relationship between former hockey rivals turned lovers, Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, based on Reid’s novel “The Long Game.” Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie are set to reprise their lead roles in the television adaptation.
In addition to the continuing storyline, Season 2 will integrate the narratives of Troy Barrett, a hockey player traded to Ilya’s new team, and Harris Dover, a social media manager, from the fifth book in the series, “Role Model.” Justice Smith has been cast as Harris, while Charlie Gillespie, best known for his role in “Julie and the Phantoms,” will portray Troy. Notable additions to the cast also 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.