The answer for fans wondering if actor Kolton Stewart is part of the new hockey romance series is a definite yes. Stewart officially joins the cast of Heated Rivalry in a credited, one-episode role that contributes to the show’s realistic team atmosphere. He portrays Carter Vaughn, a minor hockey player and friend to teammate Scott Hunter, played by François Arnaud.
The series, which premiered on November 28, 2025, on Crave and HBO Max, is based on Rachel Reid’s popular romance novel. The main story follows the intense secret relationship between rival hockey captains Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov. While Stewart’s character is not central to that primary romance, his presence helps build the authentic world of professional hockey that surrounds the leads.
Kolton Stewart’s Role as Carter Vaughn Explained
Kolton Stewart’s role in the series is specific and focused. He appears as Carter Vaughn in only one episode of the show’s first season. His character is described as a minor league hockey player who is a close friend and frequent companion of Scott Hunter.
According to Out Magazine, Carter Vaughn and Scott Hunter are looked at as best friends who always hang out together, thus stressing their off-ice bond.
This friendship helps illustrate the normal, platonic relationships and social dynamics within the team, providing contrast to the secretive and intense central romance. While Carter Vaughn does not drive the main plot, his role is part of the ensemble that makes the locker room and team interactions feel genuine and lived-in.
How Carter Vaughn Fits Into the Heated Rivalry Story
The world of Heated Rivalry extends beyond its two main characters. The story needs a believable professional sports environment, and that is where supporting characters like Carter Vaughn become important. He is part of the social fabric of the team, showing the camaraderie and friendships that exist alongside the high-stakes rivalry and romance.
His role is considered a “world-building” one. By showing characters like Carter Vaughn joking with friends or supporting teammates, the series creates a full picture of the athletes’ lives. This makes the setting more immersive for viewers without taking the focus away from the evolving relationship between Shane and Ilya. The show features a mix of recurring and non-recurring supporting roles, with Stewart’s part falling into the latter category for its single episode.
A Look at the Actor Behind the Role
Kolton Stewart brings a history of screen experience to this part. The Canadian actor is known for a variety of roles in television and film. He won a Young Artist Award for his leading role in the series Some Assembly Required and has appeared in projects including Disenchanted, My Life with the Walter Boys, Locke & Key, and My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2.
He also has a strong background in theater, having performed as Young Simba in the Broadway national tour of The Lion King and played the lead role of Roger in RENT at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival. His career began early, gaining attention at age 13 when a YouTube cover song caught the eye of Ellen DeGeneres, leading to a performance on her show. This history in ensemble and character-driven projects aligns with his supportive role in Heated Rivalry.
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Understanding the Premise of Heated Rivalry
For those new to the series, Heated Rivalry is a Canadian sports romance drama that adapts the second book in Rachel Reid’s Game Changers novel series. The show is created, written, and directed by Jacob Tierney.
The core plot follows two elite professional hockey players: Shane Hollander, the Canadian captain of the Montreal Metros, and Ilya Rozanov, the Russian captain of the Boston Raiders. Publicly, they are fierce rivals. Privately, they begin a secret romantic and sexual relationship that spans years, forcing them to navigate their feelings against the pressures of sports, media, and their personal lives. The show is rated TV-MA and premiered with two episodes on November 28, 2025. New episodes are released weekly, with the season finale scheduled for December 26, 2025.
Early critical response has been positive, with one review noting the show is “recommended for those who love romance stories featuring handsome leads with instant, palpable chemistry”. Viewer reviews also praise the adaptation, with one fan stating, “This book adaptation came with a loyal fan base who had high expectations and so far the first two episodes have lived up to the hype”.
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