Heated Rivalry’s François Arnaud urges NHL to fully embrace diversity

Heated Rivalry star François Arnaud is calling on the NHL to move beyond symbolic gestures and take meaningful steps toward embracing diversity, saying the league still has work to do when it comes to inclusion and visibility.

Speaking amid the global success of the hockey romance series, Arnaud said professional hockey remains resistant to change despite public-facing initiatives. “If you’re going to show support, it has to be real,” he said. “You can’t just put a logo up and think the work is done.”

Arnaud, who plays elite forward Scott Hunter in the series, has become a prominent voice in conversations about LGBTQ+ representation in sports. The show, which follows a secret relationship between two rival NHL players, has struck a chord with audiences by challenging long-standing ideas of masculinity within hockey culture.

The actor, who is openly bisexual, said visibility in sports matters deeply but must be supported by tangible action. “Representation isn’t just about being seen,” he said. “It’s about creating an environment where people actually feel safe being themselves.”

The success of Heated Rivalry has also thrust Arnaud into an unexpected level of fame, something he admits has taken time to process. “It’s been incredible, but also a bit scary,” he said. “I’ve always valued normalcy, so there’s definitely been an adjustment.”

Alongside the praise, Arnaud has faced intense fan scrutiny, particularly online, where speculation about his personal life and relationships with castmates escalated following the show’s release. He said the experience forced him to reassess his relationship with social media. “People forget there are real humans behind these characters,” he said.

One of the series’ most talked-about scenes features Arnaud’s character sharing a public kiss after a championship win, a moment many viewers described as groundbreaking in a hockey context. Arnaud said he was proud to be part of a story that pushes boundaries the sport has long avoided.

Despite the challenges that come with increased visibility, Arnaud says messages from fans who feel represented by the show outweigh the negatives. “Hearing from people who say the story made them feel seen — that’s what makes it all worth it,” he said.

As Heated Rivalry continues to fuel conversations both within and beyond the hockey world, Arnaud hopes the NHL will listen. “The audience is ready,” he said. “Now the league needs to be ready too.”