4 hours ago
'Heated Rivalry' Stars Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie Reveal Intense On-Screen and Off-Screen Chemistry
READ TIME: 3 MIN.
The HBO series "Heated Rivalry", created and directed by Jacob Tierney for Crave in Canada, adapts Rachel Reid's "Game Changers" novel series, centering on the hidden romance between two elite hockey players. Hudson Williams plays Shane Hollander, an Ottawa-born Asian Canadian ice hockey player and captain of the Montreal Metros, while Connor Storrie portrays Ilya Grigoryevich Rozanov, a Moscow-born Russian ice hockey player and captain of the Boston Raiders. The show explores their on-ice rivalry masking a deep, secret off-ice relationship, offering a fresh take on queer love in professional sports.
Prior to landing these breakout roles, both actors worked as restaurant waiters, a humble beginning that underscores their rapid rise in the industry. The casting process emphasized chemistry, with Storrie participating in reads with multiple actors before connecting with Williams, whom he recommended to Tierney. Williams, in turn, described an "inexplicable X-factor" with Storrie, stating during auditions: "The other guy was good, but Connor felt like he was going to pin me down and fuck me." This raw honesty from the audition room set the tone for their portrayal of Shane and Ilya's intense dynamic.
In a recent Cosmopolitan video interview titled "Heated Rivalry's Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams Answer Rapid Fire Questions," released on December 19, 2025, the actors delved into their off-rink rapport. The segment, part of the "Cosmo Goes Deep" series, captures their playful banter, with Storrie teasing Williams about mispronouncing words and Williams countering compliments with humorous jabs. They discussed challenges like Storrie nailing his Russian accent, particularly the word "girl," which appears once in the script and highlights the story's intimate nature.
A pivotal moment came when asked about their on-screen chemistry: Storrie affirmed, "Nothing had to click. It was there. I believe in the idea of soul mates." He clarified it wasn't about being each other's sole soulmate but acknowledged a profound, instant connection. The pair also revealed matching "sex sells" tattoos, symbolizing their shared goofy personalities, Their banter extended to fandom interactions, emotional fan messages that moved them, and lighthearted debates on astrology, with Storrie noting their characters "don't give a about that."
"Heated Rivalry" arrives amid growing demand for authentic queer stories in sports, where LGBTQ+ athletes and narratives remain underrepresented. The series affirmatively depicts gay men navigating love amid high-stakes competition, resonating with transgender and non-binary viewers through its emphasis on fluid identities and emotional depth. Shane's Asian Canadian heritage adds intersectional layers, portraying a queer individual of color thriving in a traditionally white, masculine domain. Industry observers note the show's potential to normalize same-gender relationships in team sports, drawing parallels to real-life LGBTQ+ athletes like those in the NHL's pride initiatives.
Williams and Storrie's openness fosters inclusivity, as they discuss fan love for the characters' "lost" yet relatable journeys. Storrie reflected, "They're lost, but that's why you guys love them," capturing the universal appeal of flawed queer heroes. The interview also touched on memorable lines like "Shane Vamos," blending hockey intensity with romance.
As "Heated Rivalry" gains traction on Crave, Williams and Storrie hint at more seasons exploring Shane and Ilya's evolving bond. Their real-life friendship—marked by teasing, tears over fan art, and tattoo solidarity—mirrors the show's themes, amplifying its authenticity for LGBTQ+ audiences worldwide. The series not only entertains but advances conversations on queer visibility in media, with the actors' candor inviting broader acceptance of diverse sexual orientations in sports culture. François Arnaud's role as Scott Hunter, captain of the New York Admirals, further enriches the ensemble.
