Main Duo Locked In for the Sequel Storyline (Image Credits: Cdn01.justjared.com)
Crave’s breakout hockey romance series Heated Rivalry has secured a second season, sparking speculation about its ensemble based on Rachel Reid’s sequel novel.
Main Duo Locked In for the Sequel Storyline
Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie captivated audiences as Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov in season one. Their portrayal of the rival hockey stars turned secret lovers anchored the show’s success.[1][2]
Season two adapts The Long Game, the sixth book in Reid’s Game Changers series and a direct follow-up to Heated Rivalry. This narrative picks up years later, centering on the same protagonists as they navigate new professional challenges together.[1]
Shane, the disciplined Montreal Metros captain played by Williams, and Ilya, the brash Boston Raiders leader portrayed by Storrie, remain the emotional core. Their return seems certain given the book’s focus on their evolving relationship and careers.[1]
Creator Jacob Tierney, who helmed all episodes of the first season, continues in his role, ensuring continuity for the leads.
Family Ties That Could Carry Over
Supporting players from the protagonists’ personal lives appeared prominently in season one. Christina Chang embodied Shane’s mother Yuna Hollander, while Dylan Walsh depicted his father David Hollander. Both navigated family tensions amid Shane’s journey.[1]
Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova brought nuance to Svetlana, Ilya’s confidante, across multiple episodes. Ilya’s brother Alexei, played by Slavic Rogozine, added layers to his backstory. These roles likely resurface in The Long Game, as personal relationships persist beyond the ice.[2]
Callan Potter’s Hayden Pike, Shane’s teammate and close friend, featured in five episodes. His presence could extend if storylines overlap with the new setting.
Teammates and Rivals Facing Roster Changes
Season one showcased intense rivalries through ensemble players. François Arnaud led as Scott Hunter, captain of the New York Admirals, in a subplot that resolved by the finale. Robbie G.K. played Kip Grady opposite him.[1]
Franco Lo Presti portrayed Cliff Marleau, Ilya’s Boston teammate, while Benjamin Roy handled JJ Dagenais on Montreal. These characters represented team loyalties that defined early conflicts. However, The Long Game shifts to a new franchise, the Ottawa Centaurs, where Ilya joins Shane.[3]
Such transitions suggest limited roles for original rivals and teammates. Sophie Nélisse’s Rose Landry, Shane’s brief romantic interest, might appear in flashbacks or cameos at most.
- Hudson Williams as Shane Hollander: Confirmed central role.
- Connor Storrie as Ilya Rozanov: Lead alongside Williams.
- Christina Chang as Yuna Hollander: Likely family support.
- Dylan Walsh as David Hollander: Potential reconciliation arcs.
- Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova as Svetlana: Ongoing friendship.
- François Arnaud as Scott Hunter: Possible reduced appearance.
- Franco Lo Presti as Cliff Marleau: Unlikely major return.
Fresh Faces for the Ottawa Centaurs
The Long Game introduces the struggling yet endearing Ottawa Centaurs roster. Ilya becomes captain there to stay near Shane, prompting new dynamics.[3]
Key additions include goalie Wyatt Hayes, Ilya’s ally on the ice. Coach Wiebe emerges as a supportive figure amid the team’s woes. Fans speculate on casting for these roles, with dream picks circulating online.[3]
Filming eyes a summer or fall 2026 start, building on season one’s record viewership for Crave.[1]
Key Takeaways:
- Shane and Ilya anchor season two, adapting The Long Game’s mature chapter.
- Family members hold strong return potential over team-specific rivals.
- Ottawa Centaurs bring exciting newcomers to expand the hockey world.
The shift to The Long Game promises deeper stakes for familiar faces while welcoming fresh talent. As production ramps up, updates will clarify the full lineup. What characters do you hope to see back on the ice? Share in the comments.
