Heated Rivalry is a romantic sports drama TV series directed by Jacob Tierney and based on Rachel Reid’s bestselling Game Changers novel series. It stars Hudson Williams, Connor Storrie, François Arnaud, Sophie Nélisse, Christina Chang, and Dylan Walsh, among others. The show is set in the world of professional hockey, charting a passionate and secret relationship between rivals turned lovers.
The story begins with a secret fling between two teenage hockey stars, Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov. Over the years, as they rise in their sport, they wrestle with their feelings, public personas, and the pressures of competition. Their rivalry becomes a deeper bond they can’t ignore.
Heated Rivalry is slated to premiere on Crave Canada on November 28, 2025. It will stream on Crave Canada.
Table of Contents
When and Where Was Heated Rivalry Filmed?
| Film Name | Heated Rivalry |
|---|---|
| Genres | Romance, Sports Drama |
| Filming Locations | Toronto; Hamilton; Guelph; Muskoka |
| Filming Dates | Spring / mid-2025 |
| Cinematography by | Jackson Parrell |
| Release Date | November 28, 2025 |
As per touchwoodpr.com reports, Production began in spring 2025 across southern Ontario, with principal photography wrapping before summer.
📍Toronto, Ontario
Toronto served as a key base for filming many indoor and cityscape scenes. The series used urban settings and studio spaces to portray the hockey world and personal lives of its characters.
📍Hamilton, Ontario (Le Tambour Tavern & local sites)
Address: 345 James St N, Hamilton, ON L8L 1H3, Canada
In Hamilton, the production featured Le Tambour Tavern as one of their location spots. The tavern may have been used for character gatherings, social scenes, or off-ice interactions. Hamilton also supported background/stunt work and local cast auditions via allcasting.com.
Le Tambour Tavern brings a warm, Parisian-inspired steakhouse experience to Hamilton’s vibrant James Street North. Its heart is a spectacular open-fire grill, infusing classic dishes like their celebrated steak and smash burger with a smoky, unforgettable depth. This stylish spot, with its great service and lively atmosphere, feels like a beloved roadside tavern with character in spades.
📍Guelph, Ontario (Sleeman Centre & city spots)
Address: 50 Woolwich St, Guelph, ON N1H 3T9, Canada
The Sleeman Centre in Guelph was used for hockey-arena scenes—both filming and public shoot days were reported there. The city’s architecture also featured in establishing shots and outdoor sequences.
The Sleeman Centre is the heart of sports and entertainment in downtown Guelph, Ontario, a modern, multi-purpose facility built right on the former site of an Eaton’s department store. Since opening in 2000, it’s been the proud home ice for the Guelph Storm OHL hockey team, creating a loud, welcoming atmosphere for fans. Beyond hockey, it hosts concerts, trade shows, and family events, cementing its place as a true community hub for gatherings and celebrations.
📍Muskoka, Ontario (Lake & nature settings)
Muskoka’s natural beauty—forests, lakes, scenic outdoors—was used to film more personal, quieter scenes: retreats, character downtime, and emotional moments away from the rink. The contrast between urban hockey life and serene nature added visual depth to the narrative.
Behind the Scenes of Heated Rivalry
To make your search for Crave’s Heated Rivalry filming even more interesting and enjoyable, we shared a behind-the-scenes photo here.
The show stars and fans also shared some behind-the-scenes glimpses on their social media account, Instagram:-
- Heavily rooted in Ontario, the show brought together local crews and talent for much of its shoot.
- The casting included local calls in Hamilton and Guelph between April 21 to June 11, 2025.
- The production announcement mentions filming “throughout the Spring in Toronto, Hamilton, Guelph and Muskoka.”
- Working with actual arena locations (like the Sleeman Centre) lent authenticity to hockey scenes.
Is there a Trailer for Heated Rivalry?
Yes. The official trailer was released by Crave, along with the announcement of the premiere date. The series debuts November 28, 2025 on Crave Canada.
FAQs
Q1: Where was Heated Rivalry filmed?
A1: Filming took place in Ontario, Canada, especially in Toronto, Hamilton, Guelph, and Muskoka.
Q2: What scenes were filmed in Muskoka?
A2: Muskoka was used for nature, lake, and outdoors sequences—off-ice moments and character retreats.
Q3: When did the filming occur?
A3: Principal filming happened during spring 2025, roughly from April to June.
Q4: Can fans visit these filming locations?
A4: Many locations (Toronto streets, Hamilton taverns, public arenas) are accessible. But check for current permissions, private properties, or restrictions before visiting.