The acclaimed series “Heated Rivalry” is adding new talent to its roster for the upcoming second season. The Canadian hockey drama, which gained international popularity in its first season, has announced the addition of three new cast members.
The newcomers include Ukrainian-American actress Milla Jovovich, known for her roles in the “Resident Evil” franchise and “The Fifth Element.” Joining her are Kevin Zegers, hailing from Woodstock, Ontario, recognized for his work in shows like “Gossip Girl” and movies such as “Transamerica,” and Canadian actor Paul Gross, renowned for his roles in “Due South” and films like “Men With Brooms” and “Passchendaele.”
Author Rachel Reid, whose “Game Changers” books inspired the series, expressed excitement about the new cast members. The show revolves around the clandestine romance between two rival hockey players, Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, portrayed by Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie, respectively.
In the upcoming season, Paul Gross will portray hockey league commissioner Roger Crowell, while Kevin Zegers will take on the role of Coach Wiebe of the Ottawa Centaurs, the team Rozanov plays for. Milla Jovovich will play Dr. Galina Molchalina, a therapist supporting Rozanov.
The article also mentions the return of Season 1 actors and the addition of new Canadian talent for the second season, including Charlie Gillespie, Daniel Diemer, Emily Hampshire, and Priyanka. The series creator and director, Jacob Tierney, has garnered praise for his work on the show.
Despite missing out on this year’s Primetime Emmys eligibility, “Heated Rivalry” has been a major success story, dominating the Canadian Screen Awards with 13 wins. Production for the second season has commenced, with a scheduled premiere on Crave in the spring of 2027.
