Actor François Arnaud, known for his role in the popular Canadian series “Heated Rivalry,” has expressed a desire for the NHL to go beyond leveraging the show’s success for marketing and instead focus on promoting real diversity on the ice. Arnaud, a Montreal native who plays the closeted captain Scott Hunter in the fictional Major League Hockey, emphasized the importance of genuine inclusivity in the league.
“Heated Rivalry,” a romantic drama depicting the love story between two fictional professional male hockey players, has gained significant popularity since its debut on Bell Media’s streaming platform, Crave, and HBO Max in the U.S. Arnaud, who is openly bisexual, portrays Scott Hunter, who navigates a complex relationship with fellow player Kip while struggling with his own sexuality.
Arnaud highlighted the need for the NHL to match its acknowledgment of the show with concrete actions supporting diversity. He emphasized the importance of embracing openness and inclusivity within the league. Despite the show’s success and positive reception, Arnaud stressed the significance of translating this awareness into tangible support for diversity in the real world.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman acknowledged the impact of “Heated Rivalry,” stating that the show has brought new fans to the sport and highlighted the league’s commitment to welcoming all fans, including the LGBTQ community. Bettman recognized the show’s content as somewhat controversial but underscored the league’s efforts to balance inclusivity with broader audience considerations.
The NHL has faced occasional criticism regarding its support for diversity and inclusion initiatives. In response to concerns, the league announced changes to its policies related to special jerseys supporting causes like Pride during theme nights, illustrating ongoing discussions around inclusivity in hockey.
The series “Heated Rivalry,” based on Rachel Reid’s “Game Changers” book series, delves into real-world 2SLGBTQ+ issues within the context of professional sports. The show’s success has sparked important conversations about the challenges faced by LGBTQ individuals in the hockey community, reflecting broader societal discussions on inclusivity and acceptance.
Real-life figures within the hockey community have echoed the call for a more inclusive and welcoming environment for LGBTQ individuals in the sport. Cedar Osso, a skills coach with Ottawa Pride Hockey, emphasized the need for greater acceptance and support for queer individuals in hockey, highlighting the importance of creating safe and inclusive spaces for all players.
