Sleeman Centre draws Heated Rivalry fans to Guelph for selfies

Fans of the Crave series Heated Rivalry are visiting Guelph’s Sleeman Centre, where on-ice and locker room scenes were filmed, and city tourism staff report increased selfies and public-skate attendance.

The Sleeman Centre in Guelph has become a frequent stop for fans of the TV series Heated Rivalry. The six-episode Canadian series filmed its on-ice and locker room scenes at the arena. Crave reported the show had the platform's most-watched original series debut in its first week, and a second season was announced last month. City tourism staff say visitors have been stopping for selfies and coming to public skates and local games. Key points: - Heated Rivalry filmed on-ice and locker room scenes at Guelph's Sleeman Centre. - Alex Jaworiwsky, Guelph's manager of tourism and destination development, said a couple hundred people have been taking selfies outside the arena and public-skate attendance has risen. - Crave reported the series was its most-watched original debut in the first week, and a second season was approved last month. - Other filming locations in Hamilton, Toronto, Ottawa and Muskoka have also drawn attention from fans and local tourism groups. - Local organizations and a University of Guelph academic say the show's queer representation is resonating with community groups and prompting discussion about hockey culture. Summary: City officials view the show’s visibility as a source of visitor interest for downtown Guelph and nearby events such as Guelph Storm games. A second season has been announced, and tourism staff expect the series will continue to draw attention to filming sites. Observers and community groups are following conversations about whether the show’s portrayal of queer players influences hockey culture.