Australian sport can learn from queer ice hockey hit Heated Rivalry

Heated Rivalry, a queer ice hockey romcom, has driven interest in hockey and highlighted how inclusive storytelling exposes hyper-masculine cultures in sport.

Heated Rivalry is a queer ice hockey romcom that became a viral hit after its November release. The series, adapted from Rachel Reid's book series, follows two male hockey players and places queer relationships and private lives at the centre of a sport setting. Its popularity has coincided with growing interest in hockey and renewed discussion about hyper-masculine culture and exclusion in men’s sport. Australian commentators, community organisers and experts say the show highlights gaps in inclusion that merit attention. Key points: - Heated Rivalry is based on a Rachel Reid book series and tells a rivals-to-lovers story between fictional players Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov. - Dr Ryan Storr, a diversity and inclusion expert, says LGBTIQA+ athletes are often hidden or vilified and that the show illustrates pressures closeted athletes face and related mental health impacts. - The article notes Australian examples of out athletes, such as Isaac Humphries and Josh Cavallo, and mentions Cavallo's accusations of homophobia after leaving Adelaide United. - Dr Kyle Rich, a sport management academic, described hockey culture in Canada as carrying systemic problems linked to toxic masculinity and misogyny. - Kade Matthews, founder of Melbourne’s Southern Lights Ice Hockey, says the show has prompted increased interest from queer people who want to play and that much inclusion work is being done by volunteer-run clubs. - Team Canada’s social media response to fan interest, including discussion of producing a fictional character’s fleece as real merchandise, is cited as an example of engaging new audiences. Summary: The show has amplified interest in hockey and underscored gaps in inclusion within men’s sport, prompting conversation among experts, clubs and fans. Whether Australian sporting organisations will broaden support for volunteer-led clubs or change practices in response remains undetermined at this time.