Gryphon player and coach take on-screen parts in hit Crave TV show
Jonah De Simone and Hudson Williams
When Jonah De Simone hit the ice at the Sleeman Centre last spring to share his hockey knowledge for Heated Rivalry, the Crave original set in a made-up Major League Hockey universe, he had no clue how much of a success the Canadian show would turn out to be.
De Simone, a former Gryphon right winger who also played for the OHL’s Niagara Ice Dogs, is now in his third year studying accounting at the Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics. But last spring, he took on a different job: body double for Canadian actor Hudson Williams, who portrays superstar Montreal Metros captain Shane Hollander.
On screen, Hollander wins face-offs, glides across the ice, makes passes and scores goals. Thanks to TV magic, that’s all De Simone. He also helped Williams learn some key details about the sport – how to grip his stick, tape his socks, tie his skates, and even chirp other players.
“I was really proud watching the show,” De Simone says. “Hudson looks like a hockey player.”
When Williams appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, he demonstrated a classic hockey stretch – a little detail De Simone taught him – in a clip that quickly went viral.
“Both Hudson and his co-star Connor Storrie were really fun, genuine guys who cared about getting it right,” he says.
As someone new to TV and film work, De Simone credits Tierney for creating an environment that encouraged collaboration. “He’s a really effective leader with clear communication. Hudson and Connor were also great to work with-very open and eager to learn everything they could about hockey culture.”
Like playing hockey itself, making a television show involves teamwork-from props to wardrobe-and requires attention to detail that De Simone admits he didn’t fully appreciate until he was part of it.
“Everyone on set was truly invested in telling this story,” he adds. “Everyone wanted to do it justice and do it well. It was amazing to witness during my first experience with TV.”
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The unexpected popularity of the show-picked up by HBO Max along with other international platforms-has gone beyond what anyone expected. It’s been labeled as a phenomenon that has sparked conversations all over social media; even before its Boxing Day finale aired there was already confirmation for season two. While filming Heated Rivalry , De Simone thought it might resonate with queer viewers or perhaps some hockey fans.
“I realized how big it was when my sisters said they were watching it,” he recalls. “Then family members and friends reached out from Australia and Minnesota saying they’d tuned in.”
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Coach Josh Dixon
If you pay close attention during episode one’s opening scenes you might spot another Gryphon: men’s head coach Josh Dixon. Initially brought on board as a consultant for hockey expertise , Dixon ended up taking on the role of Team Canada ’s coach when characters first clash within junior leagues.
“ As people involved within this sport we’re always looking toward growing our game , ” said Dixon. “ Raising awareness regarding LGBTQ2IA community members existing inside hockey world is fantastic. It has been striking just how far-reaching impact this show has created. You often hear references being made about this series ; clearly audiences are engaging attentively.
“ The broader fandom surrounding hockey can only lead us down better paths moving forward. ”
This week Dixon returns alongside his team at Sleeman Centre hosting annual Frosty Mug match against Brock Badgers after previously claiming victory through overtime earlier this month while winning both Steel Blade Classics titles from years prior , leaving stakes high ahead Jan 22 showdown.
“ We’ve got an incredibly big fast physical squad which has shown strong offensive capabilities throughout season so far , ” noted Dixon. ” This upcoming matchup carries significant importance not only for ourselves but also our loyal supporters too! ”
Could we call this developing into yet another heated rivalry? Johnson chuckles lightly as response suggesting humor behind wordplay comes across clearly enough amid discussion exchange among sports enthusiasts alike!
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Team Canada vs. Team Russia: Gryphon Style
Heated Rivalry is based on the book of the same name by Halifax author Rachel Reid; it’s the second book in her Game Changers series. Directed by Jacob Tierney (Letterkenny, Shoresy), it follows rivals Shane Hollander from the Metros and Ilya Rozanov-a Russian star centre for Boston Raiders played by Storrie-who develop feelings over their decade-long secret romance. The filming took place in spring 2025 around Guelph, Hamilton, Muskoka and Toronto.
As someone new to TV and film work, De Simone credits Tierney for creating an environment that encouraged collaboration. “He’s a really effective leader with clear communication. Hudson and Connor were also great to work with-very open and eager to learn everything they could about hockey culture.”
Like playing hockey itself, making a television show involves teamwork-from props to wardrobe-and requires attention to detail that De Simone admits he didn’t fully appreciate until he was part of it.
“Everyone on set was truly invested in telling this story,” he adds. “Everyone wanted to do it justice and do it well. It was amazing to witness during my first experience with TV.”
Frosty Mug 2026: Gryphons Face Off Against Brock Badgers
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