Is the hit gay hockey series Heated Rivalry is based on a true story? Yes…sort of. Adapted from Rachel Reid’s novel, the show mirrors the fierce real-world rivalry of NHL stars Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin, though, minus the secret romance. Reid says, “I never directly base my characters on any real people,” but admits the Crosby-Ovechkin feud helped shape Shane and Ilya. She also drew on flashy European players and stoic, good boy captains. Fans suspect Marvel origins too, after learning Reid once posted an early version as a Steve-and-Bucky AU. Heated Rivalry drops new episodes Fridays on HBO Max.
