Fans of the hit hockey romance Heated Rivalry have been on a high since the first season ended, but the story for Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov is far from over. The show, which became a major success on HBO Max and Crave, was officially renewed for a second season in December 2025. While viewers wait for new episodes, the roadmap for Shane and Ilya’s future is already written in the pages of author Rachel Reid‘s sequel novel, The Long Game. This next phase promises to test their relationship in profound new ways, moving beyond secret trysts to confront the heavy pressures of mental health, public scrutiny, and the cost of love in the spotlight.
Season 2 Story: Based on The Long Game
The second season will directly adapt Rachel Reid’s 2022 novel, The Long Game, which continues Shane and Ilya’s story. Connor Storrie, who plays Ilya, all but confirmed this by telling fans, “Start reading The Long Game if you want spoilers”. The new season picks up with the couple in a committed but still-secret relationship years after the first season’s events.
Ilya has moved from Boston to play for Ottawa to be closer to Shane. Together, they create a public-facing joint charity called the Irina Foundation, named in honor of Ilya’s late mother. This charity serves as a cover for their friendship, allowing them to be seen together publicly while their romantic relationship remains hidden from the hockey world.
However, the strain of a decade-long secret begins to wear heavily on both men. Shane remains intensely focused on winning another Stanley Cup with Montreal, fearing that coming out could destroy his career. Ilya, meanwhile, struggles with the isolation and begins to grapple with unresolved trauma from his past in Russia and the loss of his mother. This emotional burden slowly leads him into a period of depression.
A Deeper, More Challenging Journey for Shane and Ilya
Show creator Jacob Tierney has hinted that the coming season will explore heavier, more emotional territory. “I think part of that is there’s definitely an element of sadness to what’s coming, of loneliness and of isolation,” Tierney shared on a podcast. “Of Ilya learning a lot about himself, and Shane learning a lot about himself too”.
The central conflict of the season builds as Ilya grows increasingly frustrated with living in the shadows, while Shane clings to secrecy for professional safety. This tension culminates in a major fight where Ilya accuses Shane of choosing hockey over their partnership. Their relationship reaches a critical breaking point.
A pivotal event forces a reconciliation. Ilya’s team plane experiences an emergency, leading to a traumatic near-crash. This brush with mortality shocks both men into realizing what is most important. In the aftermath, Shane proposes to Ilya.
Their plans for a controlled coming-out are suddenly upended when a video of them kissing goes viral online. Faced with their secret being exposed, they choose to take control of their own narrative. Instead of hiding, they publicly announce their relationship on their own terms. The book ends with Shane and Ilya married, playing for the same Ottawa team, and discussing starting a family.
Production Status and Expected Release Timeline
While the story is mapped out, production on Season 2 is still in its early stages. Jacob Tierney is currently writing the scripts. Connor Storrie indicated that filming could begin around summer 2026.
Because the writing process started later than for the first season, a release in late 2026 is possible but not guaranteed. Tierney has been cautious with expectations, stating a 2027 release is more likely to ensure the quality matches the first season. He emphasized not wanting to “put out a rushed second season just because the show is very popular”.
The main cast, including Hudson Williams (Shane) and Connor Storrie, are expected to return. Both actors have reportedly signed contracts for three seasons, indicating a long-term commitment to the series.
Also Read:
The Future of the Series
The story of Shane and Ilya continues even after The Long Game. Rachel Reid has written a third novel focused on the couple, titled Unrivaled, scheduled for release on September 29, 2026. This book explores the next phase of their lives as an out, married couple facing external backlash from parts of the hockey world.
Reid explained that this new conflict is intentionally external, shifting away from drama between the couple themselves. “I had no interest in writing again if I had to drag them both through hell,” the author said. “Itโs really a good vs evil story. The conflict is largely external”. The narrative will deal with a growing anti-LGBTQ+ backlash led by a hockey podcast and a movement called #TakeBackHockey.
This storyline sets the stage for a potential third season of Heated Rivalry, which would focus on how Shane and Ilya navigate hostility and public scrutiny together as a united front.
For fans eager for any new content, it is also worth noting that the first season of the show did not include the book’s original epilogue. That epilogue, set 16 months later, shows Shane and Ilya launching their charity and Shane coming out privately to his teammates. This omitted scene could easily form part of the opening for Season 2.
The actors have deeply connected with their roles and the fan response. Connor Storrie shared that meeting Rachel Reid was initially intimidating, but her approval meant everything. “When I first met Rachel on setโฆ she was like, ‘No, you’re perfect.’ And I was like, OK, cool. If she’s saying that, that’s fine,” Storrie recalled.
Also Read: Beast Games Season 2 Recap JT takes $1 million bribe and eliminates teammates
