Former NHL player Sean Avery has expressed his views on the groundbreaking gay hockey romance series, Heated Rivalry. The show, which is available on Crave and also streams on HBO Max, has sparked conversations about LGBTQ+ representation in professional sports. Avery, who enjoyed a 12-season career in the NHL, shared his thoughts on the show and the potential for closeted players in the league.
In an interview with Rolling Stone, Avery noted, “I don’t know firsthand of any gay players past or present. That being said, I do think I must have had a gay closeted teammate at some point in my career.” His comments highlight a growing awareness of the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ athletes in a traditionally conservative environment.
Avery believes that the success of Heated Rivalry could pave the way for the first openly gay player in the NHL. He stated, “Perhaps Heated Rivalry’s success should open the door for the first gay NHL player, if there is one.” His support for the LGBTQ+ community is well-documented; he previously appeared in a 2011 Human Rights Campaign video advocating for same-sex marriage.
Turning to the series itself, Avery offered a candid review. He humorously criticized the hockey scenes, saying, “It’s the worst hockey show ever made, but the most incredible gay hockey show ever made.” He admitted that while he enjoys the storyline, the graphic content sometimes compels him to look away from the screen.
In addition to his media commentary, Avery has expanded his contributions to the genre with the recent release of a hockey romance book titled “Summer Skate.” Co-authored with Leslie Cohen, the book offers another avenue for fans seeking engaging narratives set in the world of hockey.
As discussions around representation continue to evolve, Heated Rivalry stands as a significant cultural milestone, and Avery’s insights shed light on the broader implications for athletes in the NHL.
