NHL Star McAvoy Backs TV Show Bringing Fans to Hockey

A hockey romance show is doing something unexpected: it's making the sport more welcoming while pulling in fans who've never watched a game.

Boston Bruins star Charlie McAvoy spoke after Thursday's 4-3 win over the Vegas Golden Knights about "Heated Rivalry," a series that's been making waves since its November debut. The show follows a romance between two fictional pro hockey players and has sparked real conversations about inclusivity in the sport.

"I haven't seen it but from what I've heard of that show, it's been growing the game a lot," McAvoy told reporters. He emphasized the Bruins' commitment to making everyone feel safe and comfortable in hockey.

The defenseman said he's heard from people in LGBTQ+ communities about how much the representation means to them. "It's the least that we can do to show our support and show that we're all on the same team," he added.

The Ripple Effect

The series, based on Rachel Reid's "Game Changers" novels, has reached beyond typical hockey audiences. It tells the story of Shane Hollander, a Canadian star, and Ilya Rozanov, a Russian pro, navigating their off-ice relationship.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman became an unlikely superfan. "I've watched all six episodes. I binged it in one night," Bettman said last week, praising the storytelling and how it wove real NHL history into the plot.

The show's impact extends to the 2026 Winter Olympics, where lead actors Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams will serve as torchbearers. After playing Olympic rivals on screen, they'll participate in the actual Olympic Torch Relay leading up to the Games in Milan.

The series has already been renewed for a second season, a testament to how sports and storytelling can open doors for new fans while making existing ones feel more at home.

McAvoy's message was simple but powerful: hockey is for everyone, and he's glad to see a show helping prove it.