Ottawa proclaims Jan 29 'Shane Hollander Day' to celebrate Heated Rivalry phenomenon
Photo: HBO Max
The City of Ottawa has officially declared January 29 as “Shane Hollander Day,” honouring the fictional hockey star from the hit television series Heated Rivalry. The proclamation was made by Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, recognizing the show’s cultural impact and its growing connection to the Canadian capital.
In announcing the decision, the mayor said Ottawa is proud to be the hometown of Shane Hollander, a central character in the series that follows the secret relationship between two professional hockey players. The show has gained international attention since its release, drawing praise for its storytelling and representation while spotlighting Canadian talent.
The proclamation came following a meeting between city officials and members of the Heated Rivalry creative team, including creator Jacob Tierney, co-creator Brendan Brady, and representatives from Bell Media. The mayor noted that Ottawa is expected to play a larger role in the show’s upcoming second season.
@ctvnewsottawa Jan. 29 is officially ‘Shane Hollander Day’ in Ottawa as declared by Mayor Mark Sutcliffe who met with creators of the hit show ‘Heated Rivalry’. shanehollanderday hollander #heatedrivalry ottawa ottnews ottawanews fyp
♬ original sound - ctvnewsottawa - ctvnewsottawa
Actor Hudson Williams, who portrays Shane Hollander, reacted positively to the announcement, with fans quickly celebrating the recognition across social media. The declaration sparked excitement within the show’s growing fan base, many of whom praised the city for embracing the series and its impact.
While “Shane Hollander Day” is a ceremonial designation rather than a statutory holiday, the move reflects Ottawa’s support for Canadian television and the expanding role of the city within the country’s film and TV industry.