Crave’s hit hockey drama series, Heated Rivalry, is welcoming two new faces for its upcoming Season 2. Daniel Diemer, a talented Canadian actor recognized for his role as Tyson in the TV series Percy Jackson and the Olympians, will take on the character of hockey player Ryan Price. Joining him is Welsh actor Shaheen Jafargholi, known for his appearance in the HBO show War, who will play the role of musician Fabian Salah.
Ryan and Fabian are the central figures in the third book of Rachel Reid’s popular Game Changers hockey romance series, titled Tough Guy. The novel narrates the story of pro hockey enforcer Ryan, who, upon being traded to the Toronto team, encounters Fabian in the city’s gay village. Despite their past almost-kiss during high school, their undeniable chemistry resurfaces. However, a potential future together may require Ryan to make a tough decision regarding his hockey career.
Writer Jacob Tierney and producer Brendan Brady expressed their excitement about the casting, stating that Daniel and Shaheen bring a unique energy to the world created by Rachel Reid. They praised the actors for embodying the bold, complex, and captivating characteristics of Ryan and Fabian, anticipating the audience’s response to their portrayal of these roles.
The first season of the series covered the adaptation of the initial two books from Reid’s series, Game Changer and Heated Rivalry. Season 2 of Heated Rivalry will continue the storyline of Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, former hockey rivals turned lovers from Reid’s book, The Long Game, featuring Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie reprising their lead roles.
The upcoming season will also incorporate the narratives of Troy Barrett, a hockey player traded to Ilya’s new team, and Harris Dover, a social media manager, based on the fifth book in the series, Role Model. Justice Smith will portray Harris, while Charlie Gillespie, known for his role in Julie and the Phantoms, will take on the character of Troy. Additionally, the new cast members include Emily Hampshire from Schitt’s Creek and drag queen Priyanka.
Season 2 of Heated Rivalry is scheduled to premiere in spring 2027.