Two fresh faces have been revealed as additions to the upcoming Season 2 of Crave’s popular hockey-themed series, “Heated Rivalry.” Daniel Diemer, a Canadian actor recognized for his role as Tyson in the TV series “Percy Jackson and the Olympians,” will portray the character of hockey player Ryan Price. Meanwhile, Welsh actor Shaheen Jafargholi, also set to appear in HBO’s “War,” will play the role of musician Fabian Salah, who is Ryan’s love interest in the storyline.
The characters of Ryan and Fabian are the central figures in the third novel of Rachel Reid’s acclaimed “Game Changers” hockey romance series, titled “Tough Guy.” The narrative delves into the life of pro hockey enforcer Ryan as he embarks on a new chapter with the Toronto team, discovering the vibrant gay village of the city. During his exploration, Ryan reconnects with Fabian, an aspiring musician whom he shared a significant moment with in high school. Despite the passage of time, their undeniable chemistry resurfaces, raising questions about their potential future together and the sacrifices Ryan may need to make regarding his hockey career.
According to a press statement from writer Jacob Tierney and producer Brendan Brady, “Fabian and Ryan each bring a unique dynamic to Rachel Reid’s world. They are complex, intriguing characters, and it was crucial for us to find actors who could embody all these different facets. Daniel and Shaheen bring confidence and emotional depth to their roles, and we are excited for audiences to witness their interpretation of Fabian and Ryan.”
Season 1 of the series adapted the first two books of Reid’s series, “Game Changer” and “Heated Rivalry.” The upcoming Season 2 of “Heated Rivalry” will continue to follow the evolving relationship between hockey rivals-turned-lovers Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov from Reid’s novel “The Long Game,” with Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie reprising their lead roles in the television adaptation.
Additionally, the second season will incorporate the storylines of Troy Barrett, a hockey player traded to Ilya’s new team, and Harris Dover, a social media manager, from the fifth novel of the book series, “Role Model.” The recent casting announcements include Justice Smith as Harris and Charlie Gillespie, known for his role in “Julie and the Phantoms,” as Troy. Notable new additions to the cast also feature “Schitt’s Creek” star Emily Hampshire and drag queen Priyanka.
Fans can anticipate the premiere of Season 2 of “Heated Rivalry” in the spring of 2027.