Is Heated Rivalry Based On A True Story? NHL’s Real-Life Players That Inspired HBO Max’s Hit Explained

by

HBO Max’s new series, Heated Rivalry, has quickly become popular, leading many to wonder if it’s based on a true story. Adapting books for television is common in Hollywood, but it doesn’t always work well. Some adaptations struggle to accurately bring the story to life, even if the original book was a hit.

The series Heated Rivalry has stayed remarkably true to the source material so far. It’s based on Rachel Reid’s Game Changers novels and follows the story of professional hockey players, Ilya Rozanov from Russia and Shane Hollander from Canada, who are long-time rivals on the ice. But away from the game, they unexpectedly begin a captivating romance.

Ilya Rozanov & Shane Hollander’s Rivalry Are Inspired By NHL’s Alex Ovechkin & Sidney Crosby

While Heated Rivalry isn’t based on a true story, author Rachel Reid has said her characters aren’t modeled after real people. However, she did draw inspiration from the famous on-ice rivalry between hockey players Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin when developing the professional dynamic between Ilya and Shane.

Scott Reid is talking about hockey stars Alexander Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals and Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Both players were highly anticipated when they entered the NHL, being selected as the first overall draft picks in 2004 (Ovechkin) and 2005 (Crosby). Since then, they’ve become two of the greatest players in NHL history. Ovechkin, like Ilya, is Russian and known for his energetic and showy celebrations after scoring. Crosby, a Canadian icon, is more quiet and understated, but equally talented on the ice.

Where Are Ovechkin & Crosby Now?

Despite their intense on-ice rivalry, which forms the core of the story, Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby have a friendly relationship off the ice. They haven’t let their competition affect their personal lives. Ovechkin is married and has two sons who are beginning to play hockey, while Crosby prefers to keep his personal life private, though he has been in a long-term relationship with Kathy Leutner.

As a hockey fan, I think it’s safe to say we’re watching two of the greatest players ever compete in Ovechkin and Crosby. But beyond just their individual brilliance, their rivalry made the NHL more exciting, especially when they were both at their absolute peak. They really energized the league and brought in a whole new wave of fans. And even though they’re both getting closer to retirement, whenever Ovi and Sid step on the ice together, you’re guaranteed a fantastic game. It’s a joy to watch them still compete at such a high level.

Read More

2025-12-05 14:32