After the release of Crave’s popular hockey romance series “Heated Rivalry,” fans quickly took notice of Shane Hollander’s Team Canada zip-up fleece, worn by Canadian actor Hudson Williams in the show. Despite not being official Team Canada merchandise, the demand for the fleece surged among viewers. Responding to fan requests, the show’s creators partnered with Canadian clothing company Province of Canada to bring the fleece to market.
Province of Canada announced the production of the iconic jacket on their website and social media, emphasizing their collaboration with the show. The Toronto-based clothing brand will handle the manufacturing and distribution of the fleece, although specifics regarding pricing and release date are yet to be revealed.
Executive producers and co-presidents of Accent Aigu Entertainment, Jacob Tierney, and Brendan Brady, expressed gratitude to fans for their input, acknowledging the overwhelming demand for the fleece. They highlighted the importance of fan engagement in shaping the show’s direction.
“Heated Rivalry,” based on the “Game Changers” series by author Rachel Reid, has captivated audiences since its debut. The series follows the clandestine relationship between two hockey players, gaining significant popularity. Viewership on Crave has spiked by 400%, making it the platform’s most successful debut show. Additionally, it has become the highest-rated non-animated series acquired by HBO Max outside of Canada.
In a recent announcement, co-stars Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie were named as torchbearers for the Milano-Cortina Winter Games. The show’s impact extended to social media, with fans urging Team Canada to consider the fleece design for broader inclusivity within the fan base.
A Change.org petition advocating for the fleece to become official Team Canada merchandise garnered support, leading to a compromise allowing fans to purchase a version of the fleece. The success of the campaign was celebrated by petition organizers, marking a significant victory for the fan community.