We are all aware that the Canadian series HEATED RIVALRY was a success, and HBO had the rights to show it in America. We hope that HBO will continue airing the show here as it moves forward. But, just where do we stand with a second season? Series creator Jacob Tierney (pictured) and executive producer Brendan Brady said in a statement, “Watching our show become an international phenomenon has been extraordinary. We’re profoundly grateful to everyone who has been on this journey with us. Being renewed for a second season so early is a true honor, and we can’t wait to bring you even more of what you love.”
The sophomore season will adapt The Long Game, the sixth book in Rachel Reid’s Game Changers novels. The season will remain with Shane and Ilya Rozanov as the main storyline. The novel continues to follow hockey rivals-turned-lovers Shane Hollander (Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (Storrie), who are still keeping their romance a secret, 10 years in. A decade of hiding is a challenge for them both, but going public could sabotage their careers. A book blurb says – “It’s time for them to decide what’s most important—hockey or love.”
Entertainment Weekly revealed the logline for season 2 this way: “The Long Game picks up 10 years into their relationship. Shane and Ilya’s love remains a secret, but Ilya has parted ways from his Boston team to play for the Ottawa Centaurs so that he can be closer to Shane. The pair has also launched their charity 
organization, which they spoke about at the famous cottage. While they are seeing each other more than ever, the potential price of going public with their romance weighs heavily on the couple, especially as Ilya wants them to come out of hiding much sooner than originally planned.”
Said to be interspersed among the main storyline, as it was in the first season, will be Scott Hunter’s (François Arnaud) storyline. New characters will be added as well to Season Two. It was announced on CBS Mornings that the new season is currently being written, with filming set to begin in August 2026. It was also revealed that the sophomore season is expected to return in April 2027.
So, the puck is in play. Keep alert for more news as it comes.
