Fans of HBO Max and Crave’s breakout hockey romance Heated Rivalry spotted an exciting update this week that suggests Season 2 is officially moving closer to production.
According to a recent update on ProductionList.com, the series is currently listed in pre-production, with filming expected to begin in July 2026. The listing also notes that production is planned for both Toronto and Montreal, Canada.
The project description remains the same fan-favorite premise that helped turn the series into one of the most talked-about queer shows of the year:
“Two rival hockey superstars, disciplined Shane Hollander and cocky Ilya Rozanov, face unexpected feelings amid intense professional pressure. As secret hookups become harder to hide, Shane and Ilya must confront whether their relationship is worth risking their careers.”
While neither HBO Max, Crave, nor the show’s producers have publicly announced an official production start date, the update is the strongest sign yet that cameras could be rolling again soon.
The series, based on the beloved novel by Rachel Reid, quickly became a fan obsession thanks to its emotional storytelling, undeniable chemistry, and faithful adaptation of Shane and Ilya’s iconic love story. Stars Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams have also developed devoted followings as the faces of the hockey rivals-turned-lovers.
Season 2 is expected to adapt The Long Game, the follow-up to Heated Rivalry. While it’s technically the sixth book in Game Changers, it serves as the second chapter in Shane and Ilya’s story.
Here’s the book’s official summary:
“Ten years. That’s how long Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov have been seeing each other. How long they’ve been keeping their relationship a secret. From friends, from family…from the league. If Shane wants to stay at the top of his game, what he and Ilya share has to remain secret. He loves Ilya, but what if going public ruins everything?
“Ilya is sick of secrets. Shane has gotten so good at hiding his feelings, sometimes Ilya questions if they even exist. The closeness, the intimacy, even the risk that would come with being open about their relationship…Ilya wants it all.
“It’s time for them to decide what’s most important—hockey or love.
“It’s time to make a call.”
As always, production listings are subject to change, and filming dates are not official until confirmed by the studio. Still, for fans eagerly waiting for Season 2 news, this is easily the most promising update yet.
Grab your stick; it’s almost time to head back to the rink.
