Ottawa Senators Sell TV Show Jerseys for Queer Hockey League
The Ottawa Senators are selling jerseys featuring characters from the hit LGBTQ+ hockey romance "Heated Rivalry," with profits going to a local queer hockey organization. The move signals growing inclusivity in hockey culture, though the community remains cautiously optimistic about real change.
A fictional love story between two hockey players is creating real opportunities for LGBTQ+ athletes in Ottawa.
The Ottawa Senators are now selling official jerseys featuring the names and numbers of characters from "Heated Rivalry," the streaming hit about two male hockey players navigating romance and identity. Fans can buy a Rozanov #81 or Hollander #24 jersey for $325 CAD, with net profits going to Ottawa Pride Hockey, a local queer and trans hockey league.
The jerseys have already sold out twice since launching in mid-January. They're now back in stock both online and at the Canadian Tire Centre.
Vice president of marketing Peter Shier says the decision was simple. Fans were already customizing jerseys with the character names, so the team made it official. The choice feels natural given that Rozanov joins the fictional Ottawa team in the show's season finale to be closer to his partner.
The Ripple Effect
The success of "Heated Rivalry" has brought new faces to NHL games and sparked conversations about making hockey more welcoming. Real athletes have come out publicly following the show's release, and arenas are seeing more diverse crowds than ever before.
Ottawa Pride Hockey, founded in 2020 by queer and trans athletes, organizes inclusive leagues and games for LGBTQ+ players. The group learned about the jersey partnership through social media rather than direct contact from the team.
Their response reflects both excitement and caution. A representative named Jayce L. acknowledged the mixed feelings many queer people have about hockey culture, noting it hasn't always been a space where they could be themselves fully.
The skepticism isn't unfounded. Senators goaltender James Reimer previously sat out a Pride night, citing his faith. These tensions mirror the fictional story, where characters struggle with acceptance in both hockey and queer communities.
Ottawa Pride Hockey released a statement celebrating the jerseys while holding the NHL accountable. They called for systemic change to make hockey truly representative of the entire community.
They also thanked author Rachel Reid and director Jacob Tierney for creating a world that sparks real conversations about inclusion. The group's message to everyone working toward change: "You're always welcome at our cottage."
Sometimes the stories we tell can open doors we didn't know were closed.
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Based on reporting by Good Good Good
This story was written by BrightWire based on verified news reports.
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