NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman Praises “Heated Rivalry,” Signaling Shift in League Culture
Table of Contents
A captivating sports drama is gaining traction with the most unlikely of fans: NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. The commissioner revealed on Thursday that he “binge-watched” the Canadian television series “Heated Rivalry” in a single night, expressing enthusiasm for its potential to broaden the sport’s appeal.
A Cultural Phenomenon Takes Hold
“Heated Rivalry,” adapted from Canadian author Rachel Reid’s “Game Changers” book series, has quickly become a cultural phenomenon. The six-episode first season distinguished itself from traditional sports dramas by featuring an LGBTQ-themed plot that resonated with audiences beyond the typical hockey fanbase. The show centers on the decade-long secret relationship between two fictional hockey superstars: Canadian Shane Hollander and Russian Ilya Rozanov.
Bettman acknowledged the show’s impact, stating, “We’re well aware of ‘Heated Rivalry.’ In terms of embracing it, I think it’s a wonderful story.” He further added, “I thought the storyline was very compelling… it was very well done.” While acknowledging the show’s content “may be a little spicy” for younger viewers, the commissioner’s comments signal a potential shift in the league’s approach to inclusive storytelling.
Bettman’s praise arrives amidst a backdrop of recent controversy surrounding player participation in Pride-themed jersey initiatives. Three years prior, several players – including Ivan Provorov, James Reimer, and Eric and Marc Staal – declined to wear the jerseys during warmups.
This led to a league decision in the 2023-24 season to prohibit teams from wearing specialty jerseys during pre-game warmups. According to Bettman, this decision was made to avoid distraction and ensure appropriate attention for various groups and causes supported by the clubs. “I’ve suggested that it would be appropriate for clubs to not change jerseys in warmups because it’s become a distraction and taking away from the fact that all of our clubs, in some form or another, host nights in honor of various groups or causes,” he explained. “We’d rather they continue to get the appropriate attention that they deserve, and not be a distraction.”
Looking Ahead: Season Two and Beyond
Despite past challenges, the league appears to be cautiously optimistic about the potential of “Heated Rivalry” to attract new fans. The show has already been renewed for a second season, suggesting a continued commitment to exploring diverse narratives within the world of professional hockey. The commissioner’s endorsement underscores the evolving landscape of sports entertainment and the growing recognition of the power of inclusive storytelling to expand the reach of the game.
