Heated Rivalry creator teases the season 2 relationship he’s most excited for

Heated Rivalry creator Jacob Tierney is already looking ahead to season 2, and the relationship he’s most eager to explore might surprise fans.

In an interview with Pink News, Tierney revealed that while the central romance between Shane Hollander (Patrick Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie) will continue to take center stage, he is particularly excited to adapt the dynamic between Ilya and Hayden Pike, played by Callan Potter. In Rachel Reid’s source novel, The Long Game, Hayden is Shane’s best friend and teammate who struggles to separate the rival player he knows on the ice from the man Ilya becomes behind closed doors.

“Truly, the thing I’m looking forward to so much is writing Ilya and Hayden in season two because of how funny they are together and that endless antagonism that I think will be very, very charming,” Tierney said.

The creator also confirmed that a beloved scene from the book—Ilya and Shane’s wedding officiated by Hayden’s children—will make its way to the screen. “When Shane and Ilya get married, like by Hayden’s kids, it’s like the cutest thing I’ve ever seen, so of course I’m going to do that,” he added.

Season 2 will follow Ilya’s move to Ottawa to be closer to Shane, putting him in closer proximity to Hayden and his young family. While the pair’s contentious dynamic provides comedic relief, Tierney hinted it will be underscored by mutual care.

Filming is expected to begin this summer, with the season slated for a spring 2027 release. Tierney also teased the introduction of new characters, including Troy Barrett from Reid’s Role Model.

Williams and Storrie have seen their profiles skyrocket since the series premiered, with Storrie recently hosting *Saturday Night Live* and Williams set to star in the Crave miniseries Yaga.