Hockey’s getting a fresh wave of fans, and the San Jose Sharks are all in, thanks to the hit show "Heated Rivalry." Streaming on HBO Max, this series is giving hockey its biggest pop culture moment in the U.S. since "The Mighty Ducks" in 1992.
The show dives into the lives of Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, hockey stars on rival teams, whose secret relationship evolves into a deep love story over their careers.
Players around the league are buzzing about the show’s impact. Alex Wennberg notes the spike in interest, while John Klingberg acknowledges it’s a hot topic.
Tyler Toffoli and Adam Gaudette see fans flocking to learn the game, with social media abuzz with new enthusiasts. Zack Ostapchuk and Sam Dickinson are thrilled to see hockey reaching a broader audience.
Though the Sharks players haven’t watched the entire series yet, Toffoli and Gaudette have caught parts, with their wives being big fans. Gaudette compares its content to "Game of Thrones," emphasizing that a good show is a good show, regardless of its adult themes.
The consensus? "Heated Rivalry" is a win for hockey.
Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky and Michael Misa agree that anything that excites people about hockey is positive. Ostapchuk believes the show’s timing is perfect.
In a broader push for inclusivity, the Sharks are hosting their 2026 Pride Celebration against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Players like Misa, Gaudette, and Barclay Goodrow plan to use Pride tape during warm-ups to show their support. Goodrow underscores the importance of inclusivity, saying, “If you can play, you can play.”
Misa highlights the power of athletes to make a difference, and Klingberg agrees, emphasizing their platform’s impact. William Eklund and Alex Nedeljkovic stress the importance of creating a welcoming environment for all fans, reinforcing that hockey is for everyone.
Gaudette sums it up well: “If you’re a good person, you belong here.”