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Yup, It’s True — ‘Heated Rivalry’ Stars Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams Will Be Olympic Torchbearers
Heated Rivalry fans, this one’s for you. Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams are officially taking their talents far beyond the rink — the breakout stars have been selected as Olympic torchbearers for the Milan Cortina Winter Games 2026.
HBO Max announced the exciting news on January 22, confirming that the actors will participate in the iconic Olympic Torch Relay ahead of the Opening Ceremony on February 6 in Milan. The streamer, which distributes Heated Rivalry in the U.S., called the duo “official torchbearers” for the upcoming Winter Games.
“HBO Max today announced that Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie, stars of the Crave Original series HEATED RIVALRY, have been selected to take part in the Olympic Torch Relay as official torchbearers for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026,” the network said in a statement.
While the exact date and location of Williams’ and Storrie’s relay appearance have not yet been disclosed, the torch has already been traveling through Italy, passing through cities like Trieste and Udine on its journey to Milan.
The announcement is yet another major milestone for Heated Rivalry, which has quietly become one of the most talked-about TV hits of the 2025–26 season since premiering in November. Based on the beloved romance novels by Rachel Reid, the series quickly built a passionate fanbase thanks to its emotional storytelling, slow-burn romance and undeniable chemistry between its leads.
The show follows Shane Hollander (Williams), the captain of the Montreal Metros, and Ilya Rozanov (Storrie), a star player for the Boston Raiders. Though fierce rivals on the ice, the two fall into a secret romance that unfolds over several years. As the official logline explains, they’re “torn between the sport they live for and the love they can’t ignore,” struggling just as much with their feelings off the ice as they do competing for glory on it.
Season 1 also featured a strong supporting cast, including François Arnaud, Christina Chang, Sophie Nélisse, Robbie G.K. and Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova, helping cement the series as both a sports drama and a heartfelt love story.
And the good news doesn’t stop there. While fans have been anxiously awaiting updates on Season 2, Storrie recently offered some much-needed clarity. During an appearance on the TODAY show, the actor revealed that production on the second season is expected to begin in summer 2026.
“I think Jacob’s still writing it,” Storrie said, referring to showrunner Jacob Tierney, before adding that a summer shoot — potentially starting in June — is the current goal.
If the series sticks to its famously fast-paced production schedule, fans may not have to wait too long. Season 1 was filmed in just 36 days and premiered only eight months later, making an early 2027 return a realistic possibility.
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