Two fresh faces are set to join the cast of Season 2 of the popular hockey drama series “Heated Rivalry” on Crave. Canadian actor Daniel Diemer, known for his role as Tyson in the TV series “Percy Jackson and the Olympians,” will take on the character of hockey player Ryan Price. Meanwhile, Welsh actor Shaheen Jafargholi, who previously appeared in the HBO show “War,” will portray musician Fabian Salah, Ryan’s love interest in the series.
Ryan and Fabian are the main characters in the third book of Rachel Reid’s bestselling “Game Changers” hockey romance series titled “Tough Guy.” The story follows pro hockey enforcer Ryan, who gets traded to the Toronto team and encounters Fabian, an aspiring musician from his past. Despite their history, their chemistry reignites, leading to a dilemma for Ryan between his love for hockey and a potential future with Fabian.
Writer Jacob Tierney and producer Brendan Brady expressed their excitement about the new additions to the cast, highlighting the unique energy that Daniel and Shaheen bring to the characters. Season 1 of the show adapted the first two books in Reid’s series, “Game Changer” and “Heated Rivalry.”
The upcoming season will continue the storyline of Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, who transition from hockey rivals to lovers in Reid’s novel “The Long Game.” Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie will reprise their roles in the TV adaptation. Additionally, the new season will introduce the stories of Troy Barrett, a hockey player traded to Ilya’s team, and Harris Dover, a social media manager, from the fifth book in the series, “Role Model.”
The cast for Season 2 of “Heated Rivalry” will include Justice Smith as Harris and Charlie Gillespie playing Troy. Notable new cast members also feature Emily Hampshire from “Schitt’s Creek” and drag queen Priyanka. The show is set to premiere in spring 2027, promising more drama and romance for fans of the series.
