A first look at the final episode of Heated Rivalry Season 1 shows the central couple stepping away from the public eye. New images released for Episode 6, titled “The Cottage,” feature Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov together in a car, dressed casually and wearing sunglasses. The episode is scheduled to premiere on December 26, 2025, on Crave in Canada and HBO Max in the United States. It marks the conclusion of the season that has followed the secret, years-long relationship between two rival professional hockey players.
Episode 6 Release Details and Global Streaming
The Season 1 finale will be available for streaming starting at midnight ET on Friday, December 26. For viewers on the West Coast of the United States, this translates to 9:00 PM PT on Thursday, December 25. The series is also available on Neon in New Zealand and Movistar Plus+ in Spain. Fans in the United Kingdom and Ireland will get access to the entire first season when it premieres on Sky and the NOW streaming service on January 10, 2026.
The Story So Far and Finale Expectations
The series, based on Rachel Reid’s Game Changers novel series, follows Shane Hollander of the Montreal Metros and Ilya Rozanov of the Boston Raiders. Their on-ice rivalry is well-known, but for nearly a decade, they have hidden a passionate sexual relationship from the world. The storyline has explored the pressures they face from their careers, the media, and their families to stay closeted.
The finale’s events are set in motion by a pivotal moment in Episode 5. After winning the league championship, another player, Scott Hunter, publicly kissed his boyfriend, Kip, on the ice in front of a global audience. Shane and Ilya, watching separately, were both affected by this act. Ilya, who had been hesitant, then called Shane and agreed to join him at his remote cottage, uttering a line that has since resonated with fans.
François Arnaud, who plays Scott Hunter, discussed the impact of that public kiss: “I think they’re kind of living vicariously through Scott. They see the possibilities for themselves.”
The official synopsis for Episode 6 states: “Shane and Ilya get away from the spotlight for a rare moment of freedom. But when the outside world intrudes, they have to face some tough decisions that could change everything about their future and what it means to build a life together.”
A Look at the Main Stars and Their Journey
The episode focuses on the show’s breakout stars, Hudson Williams (Shane) and Connor Storrie (Ilya). Williams, 24, is a Canadian actor whose previous credits include a role on the CBS series Tracker. Storrie, 25, previously appeared in Joker: Folie à Deux. Both actors have seen their profiles rise significantly with the success of this series.
Their characters represent two different backgrounds. Shane is a Canadian player with a supportive family, though he fears his career would be ruined if his sexuality were known. Ilya is a Russian athlete whose confidence masks deeper worries; coming out could not only end his career but also jeopardize his ability to return to his home country, which has strict anti-LGBTQ+ laws.
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What the First Look Images Reveal
The newly released images are scarce, with the network keeping most details about the finale under wraps. The primary photo shows Shane driving a Range Rover with Ilya in the passenger seat. Both are dressed in casual, comfortable clothing and sunglasses, suggesting a moment of rare normalcy outside the arena. Another released image features Shane’s parents, Yuna and David, played by Christina Chang and Dylan Walsh.
The simplicity of the car image is seen as significant. For years, their relationship has existed almost entirely in hidden spaces like hotel rooms and private apartments. Being shown together in a car, a semi-public space, even in a remote area, could signal a shift in how they navigate their relationship.
Confirmation of Season 2 and Series Success
Fans can look forward to more story after this finale. Heated Rivalry was officially renewed for a second season in December 2025. The series has performed exceptionally well, becoming the most-watched original series to date on Crave and a top debut for an acquired series on HBO Max. The show’s blend of sports drama and romance has garnered a dedicated global audience.
While the first season is adapted from the second book in Rachel Reid’s series, the Game Changers novels feature interconnected stories about different characters in the same universe. This suggests future seasons could explore other relationships while continuing the journeys of Shane, Ilya, Scott, and Kip.
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