Heated Rivalry is officially expanding its cast for season two. Production confirmed that Charlie Gillespie and Justice Smith have joined the show to play Troy Barrett and Harris Drover. These characters originate from Rachel Reid’s popular book titled Role Model. The new additions will work alongside series leads Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams as the show continues to adapt stories from the Game Changers universe.
Charlie Gillespie takes on the role of Troy, a hockey player recently traded from the Toronto Guardians to the Ottawa Centaurs. Justice Smith plays the role of Harris, who serves as the social media manager for the Centaurs. Showrunner Jacob Tierney stated that these characters bring significant emotional depth to the screen. The production team highlighted that both actors showed an immediate understanding of the resilience and personal history embedded in these roles during the casting process.
Season two moves into more serious territory compared to the initial installment. While the first season focused on the relationship between Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander, the new episodes incorporate the conflict and drama surrounding Troy and Harris. The show explores deeper themes as the characters navigate their professional and personal lives within the high-pressure world of professional hockey.
Recent reports indicate that filming is underway in Toronto. The production company issued a request for fans to respect the privacy of the cast and crew while they complete their work on the set. This follows a highly successful first season that garnered numerous industry awards in Canada.
Fans can expect the return of the series in spring 2027. It will be available on Crave in Canada and HBO Max for international viewers, including those in the United States. The series remains one of the most discussed romantic dramas currently in production.