Two fresh faces have been revealed for the upcoming Season 2 of the popular hockey series “Heated Rivalry” on Crave. Daniel Diemer, a Canadian actor recognized for his role as Tyson in “Percy Jackson and the Olympians,” will take on the character of hockey player Ryan Price. Joining him is Welsh actor Shaheen Jafargholi, who is set to portray musician Fabian Salah. Jafargholi is also lined up for a role in the HBO series “War.”
The storyline revolves around the characters Ryan and Fabian, who are the focal points of the third novel in Rachel Reid’s best-selling hockey romance series, “Game Changers,” titled “Tough Guy.” The plot follows pro hockey enforcer Ryan as he is traded to the Toronto team and encounters Fabian, an aspiring musician from his past. Their undeniable chemistry reignites old feelings, but the possibility of a future together may require Ryan to make a life-changing decision regarding his hockey career.
Writer Jacob Tierney and producer Brendan Brady expressed excitement about the unique energy each actor brings to the world created by Rachel Reid. They lauded Daniel and Shaheen for embodying the bold and complex characters of Fabian and Ryan with confidence and emotional depth.
Season 1 of the show adapted the first two books in Reid’s series, “Game Changer” and “Heated Rivalry.” Season 2 of “Heated Rivalry” will continue to follow the love story of Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, played by Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie, based on Reid’s novel “The Long Game.”
The upcoming season will also integrate the narratives of Troy Barrett, a hockey player traded to Ilya’s team, and Harris Dover, a social media manager, from the fifth book in the series, “Role Model.” Justice Smith has been cast as Harris, while Charlie Gillespie, known for “Julie and the Phantoms,” will portray Troy. Additional cast members include Emily Hampshire from “Schitt’s Creek” and drag queen Priyanka.
“Heated Rivalry” Season 2 is set to premiere in spring 2027, promising new twists and developments for the beloved characters and their intertwined stories.