Jacob Tierney gets emotional over Scott Hunter’s coming-out scene in Heated Rivalry

The stars and creators of the breakout series Heated Rivalry were met with overwhelming enthusiasm at the Prime Time 2026 gala in Ottawa on Tuesday night, where the Canadian film and television industry gathered to celebrate homegrown talent.

One of the most emotional moments of the evening came during a panel discussion featuring the show’s cast and creative team. Toward the end of the conversation, the audience was shown the now-iconic arena kiss scene between characters Scott Hunter and Kip Grady — a defining moment in the series that sees the two hockey players share a kiss on the ice in front of a sold-out arena, set to Wolf Parade’s I’ll Believe in Anything.

As the clip played, show creator and executive producer Jacob Tierney appeared visibly emotional while reflecting on what the scene represents.

“I mean, this was — you know — this was the point,” Tierney sais. “This was to give people this moment that you don’t get when you’re a kid. You don’t get this.”

The scene has quickly become one of the most talked-about moments in the series, praised by fans for its vulnerability and its unapologetic visibility. Many viewers have described it as a powerful turning point not only for the characters, but for LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream sports storytelling.

Earlier in the evening, Tierney and co-creator Brady arrived on the red carpet to loud cheers from fans gathered outside the venue — a response that underscored just how rapidly the series has grown in popularity since its debut.

Speaking with reporters, Tierney admitted he never expected the show to resonate on such a massive scale.

“If you told me six months ago that this would be happening, I would not have believed you,” he said. “It can be slightly overwhelming. We are definitely surprised.”

The Prime Time gala, designed to spotlight Canadian storytelling, became an especially meaningful setting for the Heated Rivalry team. The series, which centers on closeted professional hockey players navigating identity, pressure and love, has been widely praised for staying true to its emotional core while remaining distinctly Canadian in tone and perspective.