In the realm of hockey romance, exciting developments are underway as Crave’s series “Heated Rivalry” welcomes five new additions to its cast. Canadian actress Emily Hampshire will portray Vanessa, a character working at a sex shop, while Canadian comedian and actress Sabrina Jalees will take on the role of sports agent Farah Jalali. Additionally, drag queen Priyanka will star as Tarek, an office assistant.
Hampshire, known for her roles in “Schitt’s Creek” and “12 Monkeys,” brings her talent to the series alongside Jalees, the former host of the radio and web show “Laugh Out Loud” and a writer for “Canada’s Got Talent.” Priyanka, the winner of the first season of “Canada’s Drag Race,” adds a unique flair to the ensemble.
Joining the cast are Canadian actor and musician Robert Naylor as goaltender Wyatt Hayes and Swedish actor Edvin Ryding as rookie hockey player Luca Haas. Naylor, recognized for voicing D.W. Read in the animated series “Arthur,” and Ryding, who starred as Prince Wilhelm in Netflix’s “Young Royals,” bring their own distinct charm to the show.
The new casting details were shared on Instagram by Crave, setting the stage for season two of “Heated Rivalry.” The upcoming season will continue to follow the story of hockey rivals-turned-lovers Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, based on Rachel Reid’s Game Changer series, particularly the sixth novel titled “The Long Game.”
Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie will reprise their pivotal roles in the TV adaptation as the series progresses. Season one of the show adapted the first two books of Reid’s series, “Game Changer” and “Heated Rivalry,” with plans likely unfolding to adapt the third novel, “Tough Guy.”
The show is anticipated to integrate the narratives of Troy Barrett, a hockey player traded to Ilya’s new team, and Harris Dover, a social media manager, from the fifth novel of the series, “Role Model,” in the upcoming second season. Crave recently unveiled the addition of Justice Smith as Harris and Charlie Gillespie, known for “Julie and the Phantoms,” as Troy.
Fans can mark their calendars for the premiere of season two of “Heated Rivalry” in the spring of 2027, promising more drama and romance on the ice.