The second season of the Canadian-made hockey drama “Heated Rivalry” is amping up its star power with the addition of three new cast members. The show, produced by Bell Media’s Crave streaming service, gained international acclaim in its initial run of six episodes, eventually getting picked up by HBO in the U.S. and abroad. Lead actors Hudson Williams, Connor Storrie, and François Arnaud saw their careers skyrocket as a result.
The fresh faces joining the cast were unveiled recently, including Ukrainian-American actress Milla Jovovich, best known for her roles in the “Resident Evil” franchise and “The Fifth Element.” Also joining are Kevin Zegers from Woodstock, Ont., who has appeared in various TV series and films, and Paul Gross, a prominent figure in Canadian film, television, and theater.
Based on Nova Scotia author Rachel Reid’s “Game Changers” books, the series depicts the clandestine love story between two rival hockey players, Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov. In the upcoming season, Paul Gross will portray hockey league commissioner Roger Crowell, while Kevin Zegers takes on the role of Coach Wiebe. Milla Jovovich will portray Dr. Galina Molchalina, a therapist supporting Rozanov.
Returning actors from Season 1 include Robbie G.K., Sophie Nélisse, Christina Chang, and Dylan Walsh. The new season will also feature a lineup of Canadian talent, such as Charlie Gillespie, Daniel Diemer, Emily Hampshire, and Priyanka.
Emily Hampshire, a star of “Schitt’s Creek,” expressed her excitement for being part of the show and praised the series creator and director Jacob Tierney. Despite the show’s success, “Heated Rivalry” is not eligible for this year’s Primetime Emmys but has already made a significant impact at the Canadian Screen Awards, winning multiple accolades.
Filming for the second season of “Heated Rivalry” has commenced, with a scheduled premiere on Crave in Spring 2027.