Jonah De Simone has ventured into various realms through his passion for hockey. Currently in his third year studying accounting at the University of Guelph, he previously held the position of right winger for the university’s Gryphons team and also played for the Niagara Ice Dogs in the Ontario Hockey League. De Simone’s latest endeavor led him to a unique role as a body double in the popular hockey drama series, “Heated Rivalry.”
Reflecting on his experience, De Simone described it as surreal, expressing his eagerness to delve further into such opportunities in the future. “It was a surreal experience,” De Simone shared during an interview at the Gryphon Centre Arena. “I hope I really get to do more of this for sure.”
“Heated Rivalry,” a six-episode Canadian-produced TV series available on Crave, narrates a fictional tale of the concealed love affair between two male hockey icons who grapple with the fear of revealing their relationship to the world. De Simone’s involvement as a body double came to light during the summer filming when he stood in for Canadian actor Hudson Williams, who portrays Shane Hollander in the show alongside Ilya Rozanov played by American actor Connor Storrie.
De Simone expressed his surprise at the immense success and global acclaim the series has garnered since its inception. “It was really surprising how big the show’s gotten,” he remarked. “I remember when we were working on it, I really wanted to help out the hockey side as much as I could.”
Apart from his on-screen appearances, De Simone also assisted Williams in embodying authentic hockey mannerisms, including a distinctive stretch technique that Williams later showcased on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.” The opportunity to work on set arose through a familial connection, as De Simone’s cousin, Sam Willetts, was already part of the production crew for “Heated Rivalry.”
In a touching tribute, director Jacob Tierney honored Willetts in the credits, a gesture that De Simone described as deeply meaningful for his family. Notably, De Simone’s mother also made a cameo as an extra in one of the episodes, creating a special familial bond within the show’s production.
Looking ahead, De Simone expressed his enthusiasm for potential future opportunities, signaling his willingness to reprise his role as Williams’s body double in the upcoming second season of “Heated Rivalry.” The series has not only captivated audiences worldwide but has also made a significant impact on the LGBTQ2IA community within the hockey realm, as highlighted by the involvement of Guelph University’s head men’s hockey coach, Josh Dixon, in the show.
The on-ice and locker-room scenes of “Heated Rivalry” were filmed at Guelph’s Sleeman Centre, generating excitement within the local community and attracting fans to the city. As the series continues to gain traction, Guelph anticipates a rise in tourism and a surge of interest in local attractions, fostering a sense of community engagement and pride among residents.
Based on the “Game Changers” book series by Canadian author Rachel Reid, “Heated Rivalry” has emerged as a breakout hit, achieving record viewership on Crave and earning accolades on platforms like IMDb. With a second season already in the works and its lead actors making notable appearances at prestigious events, the series continues to captivate audiences and celebrate the diverse narratives within the world of hockey.