The Canadian hockey drama series, “Heated Rivalry,” is amping up its star power for the upcoming second season. The show, produced by Bell Media’s Crave streaming service, gained worldwide acclaim in its initial six-episode run, attracting attention from HBO in the U.S. and abroad. The lead actors from the first season, Hudson Williams, Connor Storrie, and François Arnaud, saw their careers take off as a result.
The new additions to the cast for the second season were revealed on Thursday, including Ukrainian-American actress Milla Jovovich, known for her roles in “Resident Evil” and “The Fifth Element.” Joining her are Kevin Zegers, hailing from Woodstock, Ont., and Paul Gross, a prominent figure in Canadian film and television.
Based on the “Game Changers” book series by Nova Scotia author Rachel Reid, “Heated Rivalry” delves into the clandestine romance between two rival hockey players, portrayed by Williams and Storrie. Gross will play the role of hockey league commissioner Roger Crowell, while Zegers is set to portray Coach Wiebe of the Ottawa Centaurs, the team Storrie’s character will join in the upcoming season. Jovovich will take on the character of Dr. Galina Molchalina, a therapist who aids Storrie’s character.
In addition to the newly announced cast members, familiar faces from Season 1, such as Robbie G.K. and Sophie Nélisse, will be reprising their roles. The show has also tapped into Canadian talent for the new season, with actors like Charlie Gillespie and Emily Hampshire joining the ensemble.
The second season of “Heated Rivalry” is already in production, with a scheduled premiere on Crave in Spring 2027. While the show missed eligibility for this year’s Primetime Emmys, it made a significant impact at the Canadian Screen Awards, winning multiple awards. Connor Storrie, one of the lead actors, is also in the running for his first-ever award for a hosting appearance on “Saturday Night Live.”