What Australian sport can learn from queer ice hockey hit Heated Rivalry

The GuardianWednesday, January 14, 2026 at 2:00:33 PM
What Australian sport can learn from queer ice hockey hit Heated Rivalry
  • The viral queer ice hockey romance series, Heated Rivalry, which premiered in November, is challenging the hyper-masculine culture prevalent in men's sports. The story, based on a book by Rachel Reid, follows two fictional ice hockey players, Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, and has led to increased attendance at NHL games in North America and a spike in interest in ice hockey in Australia.
  • This development highlights the power of inclusive storytelling in sports, suggesting that embracing diverse narratives can attract new audiences and reshape perceptions within the industry.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

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