The popular sports romance drama Heated Rivalry took audiences by storm when it debuted in 2025. While the main story follows rival hockey players Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie), a secondary couple won just as many hearts. Robbie G.K. , who plays Kip Grady, is now speaking up about wanting to see more of his character’s relationship with Scott Hunter (François Arnaud) in the upcoming second season.
Fans fell in love with the art student and the hockey star in a standalone episode that became a series highlight. Their public kiss on the ice was not just a personal victory but a turning point for the entire show. Now, with Season 2 confirmed, the actor says there is plenty of story left to tell for this beloved pair.
Robbie G.K. Says Scott and Kip Are Just Getting Started
The actor recently shared his thoughts with People magazine about where his character stands. He described Scott and Kip’s journey as being at a critical moment.
“We catch Scott and Kip on the very top of the rollercoaster of our storyline, and I think that there’s a whole lot that could be explored after the fact. So I’d like to see some of that.”
For Robbie G.K. , the first season only scratched the surface. Episode 3 introduced viewers to Kip, a graduate art student working at a smoothie bar, and Scott, a high-profile player trying to keep his life private. Their relationship faced the pressure of secrecy. Episode 5 delivered the game-changing moment when Scott kissed Kip on the ice in front of everyone, finally coming out publicly.
While that was a happy ending for the episode, the actor believes the real challenges start after the cameras stop rolling. He wants Season 2 to show how the couple handles the aftermath of such a big step.
The Actor Is Grateful for the Show’s Massive Success
Robbie G.K. is still processing how much Heated Rivalry has changed his life. He spoke about attending the Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards viewing party in Los Angeles with his mother. For him, being on that red carpet felt like a dream.
“Six months ago this was never a possibility — to be here on this carpet, let alone here in Los Angeles, and the impact the show has had. So I think every day it’s becoming more and more real and settling in, but yeah, it’s great.”
The Canadian actor has seen the show’s reach grow beyond just entertainment. He told Variety that NHL teams have reached out to him. The Vancouver Canucks and New Jersey Devils invited him to games. He hopes the series is helping change the atmosphere in locker rooms and sports organizations.
Will Scott and Kip Return for Season 2?
The big question remains whether Scott and Kip will appear in the next season. Heated Rivalry Season 2 is based on Rachel Reid’s book The Long Game. That novel focuses almost entirely on Shane and Ilya’s relationship as they navigate their secret romance years later. Scott and Kip only have smaller roles in that part of the book series.
However, show creator Jacob Tierney has hinted at expanding the world. He mentioned the possibility of splitting The Long Game into two parts, which could open up room for other characters. Tierney has also said he is exploring many options for this universe and loves the actors and characters involved.
Fans have already started calling for a spin-off focused entirely on Scott and Kip, nicknaming the couple “Skip.” Robbie G.K. has shown support for this idea. He even joked about what their wedding would look like, saying Kip would wear a loose white linen shirt with a deep V-neck.
Release Plans for Heated Rivalry Season 2
For viewers waiting for more episodes, the timeline is clear. Heated Rivalry Season 2 is scheduled to release in April 2027. Production is set to begin in August 2026, with the writers currently working on the scripts.
The show will return on Crave in Canada and HBO Max in the United States. International fans have more options as well. The series has expanded to Sky and NOW in the United Kingdom, making it easier for global audiences to watch legally.
Connor Storrie, who plays Ilya, teased that the second season will be more emotional. He described the tone with one word: “sex.” But the story will also deal with the realities of keeping a long-term relationship a secret while playing professional hockey.
Jacob Tierney explained the shift in focus for Season 2:
“The Long Game is like sex scenes from a Marriage. You’ve got your happy ending, you’re in love, you get to be in a relationship. But as most adults know, you think that’s when it gets easy? It’s not. That’s when it gets hard. That’s when real life can often smack you in the face.”
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What Fans Can Expect
Robbie G.K. is keeping quiet about specific plot details, but his enthusiasm is clear. He told Page Six that he genuinely does not know what the future holds for “Skip.” He added that even if he did know, Tierney would “destroy” him for sharing it.
The actor continues to work on other projects as well. He plays Deputy Chris Whitley on the CBS series Sheriff Country. But his focus remains on the hockey romance that made him a recognizable face.
Rachel Reid, the author of the Game Changers book series, has publicly supported giving Scott and Kip more screen time. She told Variety that she hopes the couple will be featured more in Season 2 because of their popularity among readers and viewers.
For now, fans will have to wait until 2027 to see if Robbie G.K. gets his wish. But with the actor pushing for it and the fan demand growing louder, the chances of seeing more of Scott and Kip on the ice look good.
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