Two fresh faces are set to join the upcoming Season 2 of Crave’s hit hockey series, “Heated Rivalry.” Daniel Diemer, a Canadian actor recognized for his role as Tyson in the TV series “Percy Jackson and the Olympians,” will take on the character of hockey player Ryan Price. Meanwhile, Welsh actor Shaheen Jafargholi, also known for his role in the HBO series “War,” will portray musician Fabian Salah, Ryan’s love interest. These characters, Ryan and Fabian, are the central figures in the third installment of Rachel Reid’s popular “Game Changers” hockey romance series, titled “Tough Guy.”
The narrative revolves around Ryan, a professional hockey enforcer who finds himself traded to the Toronto team. Eager to explore the city’s gay village, he unexpectedly encounters Fabian, an aspiring musician with whom he shared a near-kiss back in high school. Despite the passage of time, their undeniable chemistry resurfaces. However, a potential future together may require Ryan to bid farewell to his hockey career.
In a press release, writer Jacob Tierney and producer Brendan Brady expressed their excitement about the addition of Daniel and Shaheen to the cast, highlighting the unique energy they bring to Rachel Reid’s world. The duo praised the actors’ ability to embody the complex and compelling nature of their characters, emphasizing their confidence and emotional depth. Season 1 of the series adapted the first two books of Reid’s series, “Game Changer” and “Heated Rivalry.”
Crave has confirmed that Season 2 of “Heated Rivalry” will continue following the story of Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, former hockey rivals turned lovers, based on Reid’s novel “The Long Game.” Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie will reprise their lead roles in the television adaptation. Additionally, the upcoming season will integrate the narratives of Troy Barrett, a hockey player traded to Ilya’s new team, and Harris Dover, a social media manager, from the fifth novel of the book series, “Role Model.”
The latest season will also introduce new cast members, including Justice Smith as Harris and Charlie Gillespie, known for his role in “Julie and the Phantoms,” as Troy. Notable additions to the cast comprise Emily Hampshire from “Schitt’s Creek” and drag queen Priyanka.
The second season of “Heated Rivalry” is scheduled to premiere in spring 2027.