Two fresh faces have been revealed for the upcoming Season 2 of Crave’s popular hockey-themed series “Heated Rivalry.” Daniel Diemer, a well-known 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. Joining him is Welsh actor Shaheen Jafargholi, known for his appearance in the HBO series “War,” who will portray musician Fabian Salah, the love interest of Ryan in the third novel of Rachel Reid’s acclaimed “Game Changers” hockey romance series, titled “Tough Guy.”
The storyline revolves around Ryan, a professional hockey enforcer, who finds himself traded to the Toronto team, excited to explore the city’s gay village. While navigating the city, he unexpectedly reunites with Fabian, an aspiring musician with whom he shared a near-kiss in high school. Despite the years that have passed, their undeniable chemistry reignites. However, the possibility of a future together may require Ryan to make a difficult choice between love and his hockey career.
Jacob Tierney and Brendan Brady, the writer and producer of the show, expressed their excitement about the casting decisions, praising Daniel and Shaheen for their ability to embody the complex and captivating characters of Fabian and Ryan. Season 1 of the series adapted the first two books of Reid’s series, “Game Changer” and “Heated Rivalry.”
Season 2 of “Heated Rivalry” will continue to follow the evolving relationship between hockey rivals-turned-lovers Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov from Reid’s novel “The Long Game,” with Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie reprising their lead roles in the television adaptation. Additionally, the upcoming season will incorporate the narratives of Troy Barrett, a hockey player traded to Ilya’s new team, and Harris Dover, a social media manager, from the fifth novel “Role Model” of the book series.
New additions to the cast include Justice Smith as Harris and Charlie Gillespie, known for his role in “Julie and the Phantoms,” as Troy. The ensemble also features Emily Hampshire from “Schitt’s Creek” and drag queen Priyanka. “Heated Rivalry” Season 2 is scheduled to debut in spring 2027.