The Canadian-produced hockey drama series, “Heated Rivalry,” is adding more talent to its cast for the upcoming second season. The show gained worldwide popularity in its debut season and helped boost the careers of lead actors Hudson Williams, Connor Storrie, and François Arnaud. The new additions to the cast for the second season were announced recently and include renowned performers such as Milla Jovovich, Kevin Zegers, and Paul Gross.
Milla Jovovich, known for her roles in the “Resident Evil” franchise and “The Fifth Element,” joins the cast alongside Kevin Zegers, who has appeared in series like “Gossip Girl” and movies such as “Transamerica.” Paul Gross, a familiar face from projects like “Due South” and “Men With Brooms,” will also be part of the upcoming season.
The series, inspired by Rachel Reid’s “Game Changers” books, revolves around the clandestine relationship between two competitive ice hockey players. In the new season, Paul Gross will portray hockey league commissioner Roger Crowell, while Kevin Zegers takes on the role of Coach Wiebe, head of the Ottawa Centaurs team. Milla Jovovich will play Dr. Galina Molchalina, a therapist supporting one of the main characters.
The show’s creator, Jacob Tierney, has enlisted a diverse range of Canadian talent for the second season, including Charlie Gillespie, Daniel Diemer, Emily Hampshire, and Priyanka. The filming for the new season has already commenced, and fans can expect to see it premiere on Crave in the spring of 2027.
Despite missing out on eligibility for this year’s Primetime Emmys, “Heated Rivalry” has received critical acclaim and dominated the Canadian Screen Awards, winning multiple accolades. Connor Storrie, one of the lead actors, has been recognized for his hosting stint on “Saturday Night Live.” Fans eagerly anticipate the return of the series and the continuation of the captivating storyline between Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov.