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As the hit hockey romance Heated Rivalry gains more fans, Guelph is eager to attract visitors who want to see where it was filmed.
This six-episode Canadian series is available on Crave, with all the ice and locker room scenes shot at Guelph’s Sleeman Centre.
Now, the city is getting attention in online posts about places fans can check out related to the popular show.
Alex Jaworiwsky, who manages tourism and destination development for Guelph, expressed excitement about seeing fans visiting the city and hopes they’ll also take an interest in Guelph itself.
“There’s a lot of community excitement around seeing Guelph and the Sleeman Centre on Heated Rivalry and on a hit Crave TV show,” she told .
“We know that we have seen a couple hundred people out front taking selfies over the last few weeks. We’re seeing more people come to public skates,” she said.
“And we do know at least a handful of people who are coming out to our [Ontario Hockey League] Guelph Storm games that has either an interest in Heated Rivalry or an interest in hockey related to Heated Rivalry.”
Heated Rivalry is based on a book by Canadian author Rachel Reid. It follows two rival hockey players who find themselves falling for each other, which complicates their professional lives.
Crave reports that Heated Rivalry became its most-watched original series debut within just one week of its launch, with two episodes landing among IMDB’s top 15 TV episodes ever.
A second season was also confirmed last month. The lead actors, Shane Hudson Williams as Shane Hollander and Connor Storrie as Ilya Rozanov were presenters at the Golden Globes awards ceremony last weekend.
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In Heated Rivalry, Hudson Williams (left) plays Shane Hollander while Connor Storrie (right) portrays Ilya Rozanov-two hockey players competing against each other on ice but having a secret relationship off it. (Bell Media)
As someone who’s been passionate about hockey her whole life, she finds it thrilling that her city serves as backdrops for this new sports-themed show.
“I think it’s a really great way to really tie in these really special themes that bring walls closer together but also Canadians closer together and just people closer together,” she said.
The series also filmed parts in other cities like Hamilton, Toronto, Ottawa, along with a cottage setting in Muskoka. Those areas too are hoping to benefit from the show’s rising fame.
Ottawa Tourism recently updated its social media bio stating “birthplace of Shane Hollander.”
Tourism Hamilton similarly shared photos on Instagram showcasing several iconic filming sites from the show with captions saying “these 5 Hamilton spots have seen some things.”
Discovery Muskoka invites everyone to “come visit the cottage” where they might spot a loon-a bird character Rozanov humorously refers to as “a stupid Canadian wolf bird.”![]()
Guelph resident Steven Petric shared an image inside Sleeman Centre paired with stills from Heated Rivalry overlaid on Bluesky last December. (Steven Petric/Bluesky)
“Even just trying dismantle that framework showcases how ability should be prioritized instead,” Reaney noted.
“I think it speaks volumes toward how Heating Rivally aims address similar narratives; pushing back against rigid boxes imposed upon us.”![]()
Actors Hudson Williams left, and Connor Storrie star in Crave’s heated rivalry series.(Bell Media)
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Capture a selfie and explore what Guelph has to offer
Jaworiwsky hopes that as interest in the show grows, it will bring even more visitors to Guelph. She encourages those stopping by for selfies at filming locations or catching a Guelph Storm game while they’re there, to explore more of what the city has available. “There’s a lot of cute spots and welcoming restaurants.. places to find and foster love and friendship,” she said. “We do really encourage people, if they are coming to Guelph, to snap that selfie at the Sleeman Centre or to check out a Guelph Storm game to also explore more Guelph and downtown.”The effect on local 2SLGBTQ+ community
The buzz around Heated Rivalry extends beyond just its filming location in Guelph. Alex Reaney created Queer League Guelph-a group dedicated solely towards providing drop-in sports opportunities for members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. The representation found within this show resonates deeply for locals who feel forced into gendered leagues during playtime.“Even just trying dismantle that framework showcases how ability should be prioritized instead,” Reaney noted.
“I think it speaks volumes toward how Heating Rivally aims address similar narratives; pushing back against rigid boxes imposed upon us.”
Reaney believes programs like Heating Rivaly help shift perceptions surrounding norms within sport culture.
“I believe this series highlights how isolating environments can affect queer individuals particularly men dealing struggles relating self-expression,” they explained.
The show challenges stereotypes
Ann Pegoraro holdsthe Lang Chair position focusingon sport managementat Universityof Guelphon campus. Pegoraro mentions many viewers wonder whether successof fictional storylines will transform real-life men’s hockey attitudes:
“Thisproduction breaks multiple stereotypes prevalentaroundthegame; my hope restswithinpotential impact behindit!”
She states: “Hockey Canada reveals upwards sixty percent penalties linkedto slurs targeting sexual orientations. The language used throughoutshould undergo change beginning grassroots levels aiming uplift experiences across boards.”
< A pivotal factor lies parents watchingthisprogramwho might startthose conversations positively influencingwhat takes placeinside locker roomsand teams involved too.
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