Heated Rivalry stars become Winter Olympics torchbearers amid meteoric rise of gay hockey series
The unprecedent rise of gay hockey show 'Heated Rivalry' has reached new levels with star actors Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie now announced as torchbearers for the Winter Olympics.
The Games are held in Milan, Italy and start Friday, February 6. It hasn't been announced precisely when the actors while hold the prestigious flame but the torch relay is ongoing, and scheduled to be in Trieste on January 22.
HBO Max, who comisioned 'Heated Rivalry', confirmed the news on Thursday, saying in a statement: '“They brought the heat. Now they’re carrying the torch.
'Heated Rivalry stars Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie are joining the Olympic Torch Relay for #MilanoCortina2026 as official torchbearers.'
The television show portrays the story of two closeted rival hockey players who fall in love while being enemies on the ice. The series is based on a 2019 book by the author Rachel Reid.
It has been watched by millions in North America and already amassed a cult following, with a second season already said to be in the works.
Heated Rivalry stars Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie are Winter Olympic torchbearers
The hockey show is about rivals on the ice who become lovers away from the game
Both stars of the show have taken their newfound fame in their stride, but Williams admitted there have been times where it felt overhwhelming.
'I was just talking with one of my agents yesterday, and she said Connor and I have had to learn what a lot of actors get in five years, in like 30 days,' Williams told Variety.
It has helped to grow the sport of hockey, too. The NHL comissioner, Gary Bettman, is a fan and said he binged the entire series.
'I thought the storyline was very compelling and a lot of fun, because I could see where they were picking at things that we had in the past,' he said.
Olympic hockey, meanwhile, is one of the most hotly anticipated events in the Winter Games.
The men's team begin on February 12 against Latvia, while the women take on Czechia for their opening game on February 5.
