Former NHL player Sean Avery has expressed his views on the new gay hockey romance series, Heated Rivalry. The show, which is available on Crave and also streams on HBO Max, has sparked conversations about representation in sports, particularly regarding LGBTQ+ athletes.
In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, the 45-year-old former professional hockey player reflected on the possibility of closeted players in the NHL. “I don’t know firsthand of any gay players past or present,” Avery shared. “That being said, I do think I must have had a gay closeted teammate at some point in my career.” His comments highlight the ongoing need for openness and acceptance within the sport.
Avery believes that the success of Heated Rivalry could pave the way for the first openly gay player in the NHL. While he is not a member of the LGBTQ+ community, he has long been an advocate for these issues, having participated in a 2011 Human Rights Campaign video to support same-sex marriage.
As for the series itself, Avery does not shy away from criticism. He described the hockey portrayed in the show as “horrible,” yet he enjoys the narrative, even if the explicit content sometimes prompts him to look away. “I love Heated Rivalry. It’s the worst hockey show ever made, but the most incredible gay hockey show ever made. Sometimes I look away from the TV; it’s pretty graphic,” he said.
Avery’s involvement in the world of hockey romance continues, as he recently released a book titled Summer Skate, co-authored with Leslie Cohen. This novel adds to the growing interest in the intersection of sports and romance, further engaging fans of both genres.
With discussions around representation intensifying, Heated Rivalry serves as a reminder of the evolving landscape in sports, where stories of love and identity find their place alongside traditional narratives. For those interested in exploring this new chapter in hockey culture, Summer Skate is currently available for purchase on platforms like Amazon.
