The smash-hit LGBTQ+ hockey romance “Heated Rivalry” has captivated audiences all over the world — and now, they’ll finally have the merch to fully represent their adoration.
In Episode 2 of the Crave and HBO Max show — based on a book series by author Rachel Reid — the lead characters, Shane Hollander (played by Hudson Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (played by Connor Storrie) find themselves at the 2014 Sochi Olympics.
In a handful of scenes, Shane is seen wearing a cozy Team Canada fleece jacket. Although it isn’t an official jacket for any official Olympic teams, fans took to social media to express how they wished it was available for purchase.
A petition online even garnered over 6,000 signatures requesting the jacket be produced.
Well, soon it finally will be.
Canada-based company Province of Canada announced a simple statement on social media: “We’re releasing the fleece.”
While it’s not available to purchase quite yet — those interested in buying it can sign up for updates on the release of the jacket — the brand conveyed that it will share design updates with audiences on social media.
“What started as an Instagram post and a message to Hanna, Heated Rivalry’s costume designer, quickly turned into a creative conversation with the show’s producers about bringing The Fleece to life,” Province of Canada shared on its website.
Indeed, Hanna Puley is the show’s costume designer, and the brains behind the Team Canada fleece.
“I really wanted to make Olympic gear that actually felt wearable and cozy. The idea of approachability and comfort was really important for me here,” Puley wrote in an Instagram post breaking down some of the pieces from Episode 2.
“As well as showcasing Canadian identity — which to me feels like quiet confidence. Tough, self-aware, and a little understated. But, ultimately COZY. I love how much everyone seems to like this piece. It was an earlier choice I made, it's really amazing to see so many people resonate with it!”
The show’s executive producers and and co-presidents of Accent Aigu Entertainment are also excited by fans’ response — and now, the real-life iteration of the jacket.
“We’re so excited to partner with Province of Canada. As a Canadian-based, independent apparel brand that does amazing work sourcing and manufacturing high-quality clothing, we share a common ethos,” Jacob Tiereny and Brendan Brady said in a statement.
“We look forward to bringing it to life with the creativity and care fans expect.”
Province of Canada touts plastic-free packaging, carbon neutral shipping, and a sock donation program with every purchase. All of its apparel items are also cut and sewn in Canada, though the brand has expressed it hopes to make international shipping available to as many countries as possible for fans looking to get their hands on the fleece.
In addition to this, Province of Canada will be giving back to charity with each fleece purchased.
In an FAQ response, the company shared: “10% of all proceeds from The Fleece jacket’s sales will be donated to a charitable organization, to be announced at a later date.”
This echoes an initiative of the Ottawa Senators, an NHL team currently selling “Hollander” and “Rozanov” hockey jerseys, with all profits going toward Ottawa Pride Hockey, an LGBTQ+ hockey league in Ontario.
Tierney and Brady made it clear that the success of the show — and now, its official merchandise — are all because of the passion of the people who champion it.
In a statement, they said: “Fans are the heart of ‘Heated Rivalry,’ and this is entirely because of them.”
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Header image courtesy of HBO Max
