Jonah De Simone’s passion for hockey has led him to some exciting opportunities.
Currently a third-year accounting student at the University of Guelph, he played right wing on the school’s Gryphons team and was also with the Niagara Ice Dogs in the Ontario Hockey League.
Now, he’s earned a film credit – as a body double in the popular hockey drama Heated Rivalry.
“It was a surreal experience,” De Simone shared during an interview at the university’s Gryphon Centre Arena. “I hope I really get to do more of this for sure.”
This six-episode Canadian TV series on Crave tells a fictional story about two male hockey stars who hide their romance out of fear of coming out.
WATCH | This Guelph hockey player was Hudson Williams’s body double on Heated Rivalry:
This Guelph hockey player was Hudson Williams’ body double on Heated Rivalry
A local hockey player from Guelph is getting recognition for his role in the hit TV show Heated Rivalry. Jonah De Simone is an accounting student at the University of Guelph and a former Gryphon right-winger who also played for the Niagara Ice Dogs. His latest project involves being the body double for Hudson Williams, one of the lead characters who portrays Shane Hollander.
During filming last summer, De Simone stood in for Canadian actor Hudson Williams, who plays Shane Hollander alongside American actor Connor Storrie as Ilya Rozanov.
De Simone mentioned that while they were shooting, they had no idea that it would turn into such a big hit and attract attention worldwide.
“It was really surprising how big the show’s gotten,” he said. “I remember when we were working on it; I really wanted to help out with everything related to hockey as much as I could. Even if it might not have been a major part of the show, I still aimed to give my best effort.”
Besides skating for Williams during filming, De Simone said he also helped teach him common hockey moves, including a stretch on all fours that Williams later showcased on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
![]()
During a TV interview with late-night host Jimmy Fallon, right, Williams shared a hockey stretch he learned from De Simone. (The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon)
De Simone got his chance to work on set thanks to his cousin Sam Willetts, who was already involved with Heating Rivalry as part of the lighting crew.
“That was such a cool connection for me. Unfortunately, just months later, he tragically passed away,” he recalled.
The director Jacob Tierney honored De Simone’s cousin by including his name in the credits, which meant a lot to both him and his family.
This isn’t De Simone’s only family connection: His mom makes an appearance as an extra in episode five.
“It was pretty cool for our family to have my mom watching from stands while I’m playing on ice and my cousin working behind-the-scenes.”
“More fans around hockey is always beneficial.”
“We know we’ve seen several hundred folks outside taking selfies over recent weeks along with increasing attendance at public skating events.” Additonally, she mentioned they’ve noticed some fans attending games featuring junior team-the Guelph Storm-because they watched this series!![]()
Heated Rivalry’s Shane Hollander was played by Williams , who hails from British Columbia. (Bell Media)
Source link
This Guelph hockey player was Hudson Williams’ body double on Heated Rivalry
A local hockey player from Guelph is getting recognition for his role in the hit TV show Heated Rivalry. Jonah De Simone is an accounting student at the University of Guelph and a former Gryphon right-winger who also played for the Niagara Ice Dogs. His latest project involves being the body double for Hudson Williams, one of the lead characters who portrays Shane Hollander.
During filming last summer, De Simone stood in for Canadian actor Hudson Williams, who plays Shane Hollander alongside American actor Connor Storrie as Ilya Rozanov.
De Simone mentioned that while they were shooting, they had no idea that it would turn into such a big hit and attract attention worldwide.
“It was really surprising how big the show’s gotten,” he said. “I remember when we were working on it; I really wanted to help out with everything related to hockey as much as I could. Even if it might not have been a major part of the show, I still aimed to give my best effort.”
Besides skating for Williams during filming, De Simone said he also helped teach him common hockey moves, including a stretch on all fours that Williams later showcased on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
Eager for More Seasons
De Simone expressed excitement about what comes next and indicated that he’d love to return as Williams’s body double in season two that’s already been confirmed. “I’ve shown interest and got along well with production staff, so I’m hoping they’ll reach out whenever they’re ready.” “I’m thrilled at the chance to help again!”Gryphons Coach Joins In
The head men’s hockey coach at University of Guelph, Josh Dixon, also appeared in Heated Rivalry. He served as an on-set consultant before being cast as Team Canada’s coach in episode one. Dixon stated that people involved in hockey are “always looking to grow the game” among new fans. “Raising awareness for LGBTQ2IA individuals within hockey is fantastic. It’s impressive how far-reaching this show’s impact has been; so many people are tuning in,” Dixon noted.“More fans around hockey is always beneficial.”
A Community Buzz Around Guelph
All scenes featuring action on ice or inside locker rooms were filmed at Sleeman Centre located in Guelph. The city’s tourism manager Alex Jaworiwsky told they’re excited about how Heated Rivalry showcases Guelph while hoping viewers become fans of their community too! “There’s tons of enthusiasm surrounding seeing both Guelph and Sleeman Centre featured prominently throughout Heated Rivalry and its success,” she said.“We know we’ve seen several hundred folks outside taking selfies over recent weeks along with increasing attendance at public skating events.” Additonally, she mentioned they’ve noticed some fans attending games featuring junior team-the Guelph Storm-because they watched this series!
The show Heated Rivalry, takes inspiration from Game Changers book series authored by Rachel Reid which revolves around two rival players navigating feelings toward each other complicating their careers!
Crave announced it became their most-watched original series premiere within its first week after launch-two episodes even ranked among IMDb’s top 15 shows ever!
A second season received approval last month. Williams & Storrie recently presented awards together during Golden Globes ceremony where they were named torch bearers ahead Milano Cortina Winter Games 2026!
Source link
