The HBO Max and Crave sports romance series Heated Rivalry has quickly become a fan favorite, with viewers deeply invested in the secret relationship between rival hockey stars Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov. A common question from new fans of the show concerns the age of the charismatic Russian captain, Ilya. While his exact age is not stated directly in the show, details from the source material and the story’s timeline provide a clear answer.
In the Game Changers book series by Rachel Reid, which the show adapts, Ilya Rozanov was born on June 15, 1991. The narrative of Heated Rivalry begins in 2008, meaning Ilya is 17 years old when he first meets his Canadian rival, Shane Hollander, at a junior championship. The story then follows the characters over nearly a decade, showing Ilya grow from a teenage rookie into a professional in his late twenties.
The actor who brings Ilya to life on screen is Connor Storrie. He is 25 years old, having been born in February 2000. Storrie’s performance has been widely praised, particularly for mastering a convincing Russian accent for the role.
The Official Book Timeline for Ilya Rozanov
The most definitive information on Ilya’s age comes from Rachel Reid’s original novels. According to the books, both Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander share the same birth year of 1991. Ilya’s specific birthday is June 15. Shane’s birthday is noted as May 10.
Their story kicks off at the 2008 World Junior Championship, where 17-year-old Ilya captains the Russian team to a gold medal against Shane’s Canadian team. This initial encounter as teenagers sets the stage for a rivalry—and a romance—that evolves over the following years as they are drafted into the professional Major League Hockey. The book Heated Rivalry covers their journey from 2008 up to 2017, allowing audiences to see Ilya mature from age 17 to 26.
Ilya’s Age in the TV Adaptation
The television series, which premiered on November 28, 2025, closely follows the book’s timeline. The first episode, titled “Rookies,” begins in December 2008, confirming that the character starts as a 17-year-old phenom. The show uses a multi-year narrative structure, with time jumps indicated on screen to show the passage of seasons and years.
“The novel tells us the story of 10 years of characters’ lives”.
This approach means viewers witness Ilya’s growth not just as an athlete, but as a person. He transitions from a brash, confident rookie to the captain of the Boston Raiders, a role that requires leadership and maturity. His age is subtly reflected in his increasing responsibilities, the pressures from his family in Russia, and the complexity of his secret relationship with Shane.
Meet Connor Storrie, the Actor Behind Ilya
Playing Ilya Rozanov is a breakout role for Connor Storrie. At 25 years old, the actor has taken on the challenge of portraying a character whose age spans nearly ten years, from late teens to late twenties.
To prepare, Storrie underwent a physical transformation to look like an elite hockey player and worked extensively on developing a Russian accent. He has mentioned a personal fascination with Russian language and culture, which helped him connect with the role. His performance, especially his chemistry with co-star Hudson Williams (Shane Hollander), has received significant positive attention from audiences.
Since the show’s premiere, Storrie’s profile has risen dramatically. His Instagram following saw a huge increase, gaining tens of thousands of new followers in the days after the series debuted.
Why Ilya’s Age and Journey Matter to the Story
Ilya’s age is more than just a number; it is central to the pressures his character faces. As a young Russian athlete in a sport—and a home country—that is not openly accepting of LGBTQ+ individuals, his personal and professional lives are in constant conflict.
- Family Pressure: Ilya has a difficult relationship with his father, Grigori, a stern Russian official, and his brother, Alexei, who often asks him for money. His family background adds a layer of emotional complexity that deepens as he gets older.
- Career Pressure: His talent makes him a star, but staying at the top of his game while hiding a major part of his life creates intense internal strain.
- Relationship Development: The secret romance with Shane evolves over years. What begins as a physical attraction between two competitive rookies slowly deepens into a profound emotional connection, a journey that requires time and maturity.
The progression of time is a key element of the Heated Rivalry narrative, making the characters’ ages a fundamental part of understanding their struggles and growth.
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Fan Reaction and Where to Watch
The series has been warmly received, with many viewers expressing their enthusiasm online. Reviews on platforms like IMDb highlight the strong chemistry between the leads and the show’s faithful adaptation of the popular books.
Heated Rivalry is a Canadian production streaming on Crave in Canada and on HBO Max in the United States and other regions. New episodes are released weekly. The show features a strong supporting cast including François Arnaud as Scott Hunter and Sophie Nélisse as Rose Landry.
For fans eager to see more of Ilya and Shane’s story, the source material provides a complete guide. The novel Heated Rivalry is the second book in Rachel Reid’s Game Changers series, which continues to explore the lives of queer characters in the world of professional hockey.
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