Jonah De Simone’s passion for hockey has taken him on some exciting journeys.
Currently a third-year accounting student at the University of Guelph, he played right wing for the Gryphons team and was also part of the Niagara Ice Dogs in the Ontario Hockey League.
Now, he can add a film credit to his resume – 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.”
The six-episode Canadian TV series available on Crave offers a fictional glimpse into the secret romance between two male hockey stars who fear 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 hockey player from Guelph is gaining recognition for his role in the hit show Heated Rivalry. Jonah De Simone, an accounting student at the University of Guelph, used to be a right-winger for the Gryphon team and also played for the Niagara Ice Dogs. His latest venture is appearing as a body double for one of the lead characters, Hudson Williams, who plays Shane Hollander.
While filming last summer, De Simone stepped in for Canadian actor Hudson Williams, who portrays Shane Hollander, one of the show’s main characters alongside Ilya Rozanov (American actor Connor Storrie).
De Simone mentioned that during production, they had no clue that the series would become such a major success and attract global attention.
“It was really surprising how big the show’s gotten,” he stated. “I remember when we were working on it; I wanted to contribute to the hockey side as much as possible. Even though it might not have been a key part of it, I still aimed to give my best effort.”
In addition to skating for Williams while filming, De Simone helped teach typical hockey moves and mannerisms to the B. C.-born actor, including a stretch that Williams demonstrated on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
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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 opportunity on set because his cousin Sam Willetts was already part of Heated Rivalry’s crew as a lighting technician.
“That was such an amazing connection for me. Unfortunately, just months later, he tragically passed away,” he recalled.
The director Jacob Tierney honored De Simone’s cousin by including him in the credits, which holds special meaning for both him and his family.
This isn’t their only family link: De Simone’s mother appears as an extra in episode five.
“It’s pretty cool having my mom in the stands while I’m on ice and my cousin worked behind-the-scenes too.”
Gryphons Coach Makes an Appearance
Josh Dixon, head men’s hockey coach at Guelph University , also appeared in Heated Rivalry. He came aboard initially as an on-set consultant before being cast as Team Canada’s coach in episode one.
“To raise awareness for LGBTQ2IA community members within hockey is fantastic. It’s impressive how widely recognized this show has become. You hear so many references about it ; people are tuning in,” Dixon said.
“The larger fanbase around hockey benefits everyone.”
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This Guelph hockey player was Hudson Williams’ body double on Heated Rivalry
A hockey player from Guelph is gaining recognition for his role in the hit show Heated Rivalry. Jonah De Simone, an accounting student at the University of Guelph, used to be a right-winger for the Gryphon team and also played for the Niagara Ice Dogs. His latest venture is appearing as a body double for one of the lead characters, Hudson Williams, who plays Shane Hollander.
While filming last summer, De Simone stepped in for Canadian actor Hudson Williams, who portrays Shane Hollander, one of the show’s main characters alongside Ilya Rozanov (American actor Connor Storrie).
De Simone mentioned that during production, they had no clue that the series would become such a major success and attract global attention.
“It was really surprising how big the show’s gotten,” he stated. “I remember when we were working on it; I wanted to contribute to the hockey side as much as possible. Even though it might not have been a key part of it, I still aimed to give my best effort.”
In addition to skating for Williams while filming, De Simone helped teach typical hockey moves and mannerisms to the B. C.-born actor, including a stretch that Williams demonstrated on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
Eagerly Awaiting Another Season
De Simone expressed excitement about what lies ahead and noted that he’s open to returning as Williams’s body double in season two that’s already been confirmed. “I’ve shown interest and connected well with production; I’m hoping they’ll reach out when they sort everything out.” “I’m thrilled about possibly helping out again!”Gryphons Coach Makes an Appearance
Josh Dixon, head men’s hockey coach at Guelph University , also appeared in Heated Rivalry. He came aboard initially as an on-set consultant before being cast as Team Canada’s coach in episode one.
“To raise awareness for LGBTQ2IA community members within hockey is fantastic. It’s impressive how widely recognized this show has become. You hear so many references about it ; people are tuning in,” Dixon said.
“The larger fanbase around hockey benefits everyone.”
Guelph Welcomes Series Fans
All ice scenes and locker-room segments from Heated Rivalry were filmed at Guelph’s Sleeman Centre.
Alex Jaworiwsky , manager of tourism and destination development for southern Ontario city , shared with their excitement about seeing Heated Rivalry filmed there , hoping visitors will also enjoy exploring Guelph itself.
“There’s lots of community buzz surrounding seeing Guelph along with Sleeman Centre featured prominently on Heated Rivalry and another popular show,” she said.
“We’ve noticed hundreds gathering outside taking selfies these past few weeks. More folks are showing up at public skates.”
She added that some individuals even started attending games featuring local major-junior team Guelph Storm thanks to interest stirred up by television exposure.![]()
Heated Rivalry’s Shane Hollander was played by Williams , who hailed from British Columbia. (Bell Media)
Heated Rivalry draws inspiration from Rachel Reid ’s Game Changers book series focusing primarily upon two rival players discovering feelings towards each other while complicating professional endeavors.
Crave reports Heated Rivalry achieved its highest viewership among original series debuts within its first week after launch ; additionally , two episodes rank amongst IMDb ‘s top fifteen all-time shows. A second season recently received approval last month ; furthermore , both Williams & Storrie served presenters during Golden Globes ceremony earlier this month where they were announced Olympic torchbearers representing Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games.Source link
