Demand for the Shane Hollander Team Canada Fleece featured in the popular series “Heated Rivalry” has been overwhelming, with the fleece selling out within minutes of its release. The fleece, worn by the character Hollander during the Sochi Olympic scenes in the show, was made available for purchase on Tuesday at 12 p.m. ET through the Canadian brand Province of Canada’s website. Priced at $356 Cdn, the fleece is set to ship to customers in October, with ten per cent of the net profits earmarked for the non-profit organization You Can Play, focusing on 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion in sports. Additionally, the NHL and NHL Players’ Association have pledged to match donations up to a total of $50,000.
The decision to support You Can Play was influenced by the organization’s commitment to inclusivity, aligning with the core values of “Heated Rivalry,” as stated by the show’s creator Jacob Tierney and producer Brendan Brady. Although not an official Team Canada product, the fleece has garnered significant attention from fans since its debut on the show. Responding to fan demand, the apparel company announced the release of the fleece in January.
Since its premiere in November, “Heated Rivalry” has seen a remarkable increase in viewership on Crave, growing by 400 per cent, making it the top debut show on the streaming platform. The show has also gained international acclaim, with HBO Max acquiring it as the highest-rated non-animated series ever outside of Canada. At the recent Canadian Screen Awards, “Heated Rivalry” achieved a record-breaking feat by winning 16 awards, including Best Drama Series and Best Lead Actor for Hudson Williams. The show’s success has been further highlighted by its impact on the global entertainment industry.
In a parallel development, Kuwalla Tee, the original brand of the modified fleece featured in the show, is planning a restock of its “OG Sherpa Fleece” this week. Following an agreement reached in February, Kuwalla Tee will be credited whenever its fleece design is showcased in marketing materials by the show or Province of Canada. The fleece worn on the show was specially designed by Canadian costume designer Hanna Puley and even presented to Prime Minister Mark Carney by Williams at an event earlier this year. The product description of the fleece on Province of Canada’s website acknowledges its inspiration from the show’s costume design, giving credit to Puley and the ‘Release the Fleece’ community.