The popular series “Heated Rivalry” is continuing to build up its cast for the upcoming season, adding three new talented actors to the lineup. Following a successful first season that gained international acclaim and boosted the careers of its main stars, the Canadian-produced hockey drama has recruited Ukrainian-American actress Milla Jovovich, Canadian actor Kevin Zegers, and renowned Canadian performer Paul Gross for the new season.
Milla Jovovich, known for her roles in the “Resident Evil” franchise and “The Fifth Element,” will be joining the cast. Kevin Zegers, who has appeared in shows like “Gossip Girl” and films such as “Transamerica,” will also be part of the upcoming season. Additionally, Paul Gross, recognized for his work in series like “Due South” and films like “Men With Brooms” and “Passchendaele,” will bring his talent to the show.
The author of the books that inspired the series, Rachel Reid, expressed her excitement about the casting news. The show, inspired by Reid’s “Game Changers” novels, centers around the clandestine relationship between two competitive hockey players, Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov.
In the upcoming season, Paul Gross will portray hockey league commissioner Roger Crowell, while Kevin Zegers will take on the role of Coach Wiebe, head of the Ottawa Centaurs team. Milla Jovovich is set to play Dr. Galina Molchalina, a therapist who supports Rozanov.
The series will also see the return of Season 1 actors along with the addition of new Canadian talents. Charlie Gillespie, Justice Smith, Daniel Diemer, Shaheen Jafargholi, Emily Hampshire, and Priyanka are among the new cast members joining the show for its second season.
Emily Hampshire, a star of “Schitt’s Creek,” mentioned her close relationship with the series creator and director Jacob Tierney and expressed her excitement to be part of the new season. Despite not being eligible for this year’s Primetime Emmys, “Heated Rivalry” has received critical acclaim, winning numerous awards at the Canadian Screen Awards. The second season of the series is set to premiere in Spring 2027 on Crave.