Naman Shrestha
Inspired by the eponymous novel, which is the second novel in the ‘Game Changers’ series, written by Rachel Reid, HBO Max’s ‘Heated Rivalry’ is a romantic sports drama series created by Jacob Tierney. The narrative revolves around two elite and talented professional hockey players — Canadian Shane Hollander and Russian Ilya Rozanov — who have established themselves as stars in Major League Hockey. Despite the rivalry between them, the two teenagers notice an unlikely spark between them, leading them to get into a secret affair.
Over the years, the fling turns into something serious that allows them to navigate love and denial. As a result, their rivalry on the ice and romance off it create unique complications for their professional and personal lives. Now, the two hockey players must decide if their love holds priority over their ambition after being together for more than eight years. Featuring Hudson Williams, Connor Storrie, François Arnaud, Robbie G.K., and Christina Chang, the love story between Shane and Ilya unfolds in constantly changing backdrops, from the ice rink and locker rooms to closed spaces where they meet in secret.
Heated Rivalry Filming Locations
‘Heated Rivalry’ was filmed in Ontario and Quebec, especially in Toronto, Hamilton, Guelph, Vaughan, and Montreal. According to reports, principal photography for the sports show got underway in April 2025 and went on for a couple of months before wrapping up in June of the same year. Combining the vast and versatile landscapes of Ontario and Quebec, the makers managed to bring the tale of romance between two hockey players to life.
Toronto, Ontario
Many pivotal sequences for ‘Heated Rivalry’ were lensed across the capital city of Ontario — Toronto. Apart from being the nation’s largest financial centre, the city is also considered a prominent center for filmmaking, thanks to its ability to stand in for American cities like New York and Chicago. Various indoor and outdoor scenes were seemingly shot in different neighborhoods and streets of Toronto. Besides the hockey series, it has hosted the production of numerous films and TV shows, including ‘Good Will Hunting,’ ‘The Shape of Water,’ ‘Scott Pilgrim vs. the World,’ ‘Lie with Me,’ ‘Fellow Travelers,’ ‘Shadowhunters,’ and ‘Rookie Blue.’
Hamilton, Ontario
A significant portion of the taping of ‘Heated Rivalry’ was conducted in Hamilton, Ontario. Nestled on the western edge of Lake Ontario, the port city is a prominent filming destination in the province. Thus, it is not surprising that it was favored as a shooting site for the HBO Max production. In particular, the team set up camp at Le Tambour Tavern, located at 345 James Street North, which is a vibrant community in the heart of the city. Apart from its delectable food and drinks and warm host, the spot is notable for its architecture. At the sepia-toned rustic premises of the Parisian-inspired steakhouse, the cast and crew lensed several scenes of the show.
Other Locations in Ontario
For the purpose of shooting, the filming unit of ‘Heated Rivalry’ also traveled to other sites in Ontario, including Lake Muskoka in the District Municipality of Muskoka. Around early June 2025, the cast and crew members were also spotted taping key portions of the debut season in and around the Sleeman Centre at 50 Woolwich Street in the city of Guelph. Home to the Guelph Storm of the major junior Ontario Hockey League, it is a 4,715-seat multi-purpose facility that hosts sporting events, concerts, and conferences. The locales of the city of Vaughan also seemingly feature in various scenes.
Montreal, Quebec
Additional portions for ‘Heated Rivalry’ were also reportedly recorded in the city of Montreal, which is also considered an important center of film and television. In the establishing shots, you might spot a few landmarks and places of interest, such as Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal, Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal, Olympic Stadium, and the Bell Centre. Over the years, Montreal has served as a filming site for movies like ‘The Voyeurs,’ ‘Warm Bodies,’ ‘Long Shot,’ ‘The Stunt Man,’ and ‘Laurence Anyways.’
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