The world of professional ice hockey is about to collide with a second season of intense drama. “Heated Rivalry,” the breakout LGBTQ+ sports series, has been officially renewed, promising more electrifying moments between rivals Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander.
Actor Connor Storrie, who embodies the complex Russian player Ilya, is already thinking ahead to the next chapter. He’s not requesting a bigger role or a dramatic storyline – he has a surprisingly specific ambition for his character.
Storrie wants Ilya to rap… in Russian. During a recent appearance on late-night television, he revealed his childhood fascination with the Russian language and, unexpectedly, Russian rap music. He’s playfully lobbying the showrunner, Jacob Tierney, to make it happen.
The actor’s dedication to the role extends beyond just lines and skating. Storrie actually studied the Russian alphabet and immersed himself in the culture, achieving a level of authenticity that has genuinely fooled native speakers.
He recounted a particularly memorable incident on set, following a poignant scene depicting Ilya’s grief after his father’s funeral. A Russian extra, believing Storrie was a fellow countryman, attempted to converse with him in the language.
Storrie quickly confessed he wasn’t fluent, leading to a humorous revelation: the extra had assumed he was a Russian speaker with a deliberately affected American accent. It’s a testament to the actor’s convincing portrayal.
The show’s success stemmed from its compelling narrative, the undeniable chemistry between Storrie and Hudson Williams, and its willingness to explore intimate and emotionally resonant scenes. Viewers were captivated from the very beginning.
While fans eagerly anticipate season two, creators are committed to delivering a continuation that honors the source material – Rachel Reid’s “Game Changers” novels – without sacrificing quality or rushing the process. The goal is to build upon the foundation of the first season.
Storrie jokingly predicted that giving Ilya a rap verse could be a career-altering move, playfully suggesting headlines proclaiming his professional downfall. Despite the jest, his enthusiasm for the idea is clear.
