Brock Weston resonated with elements of his own history while viewing the popular series, Heated Rivalry, which depicts the clandestine romance between two professional hockey players. Reflecting on the show, Weston remarked on the familiar tactics used to deflect inquiries or sidestep discussions, noting the parallels to his experiences as a gay man during his college years.
Currently pursuing a family medicine residency in Calgary after graduating from the University of Saskatchewan medical school, Weston has been an avid follower of the books that inspired Heated Rivalry and is pleased to witness its widespread success in mainstream culture.
Originally hailing from a farm near Maidstone, Sask., Weston’s hockey journey began at a young age and led him to play for the Marian University Sabres in Wisconsin. While in his junior year, Weston was in a relationship with a man, a fact he concealed from his teammates except for his roommate. As speculation grew and subtle jabs were directed at Weston regarding his sexuality, he eventually called a team meeting in April 2019 to come out as gay, where he was met with overwhelming support and embraced in a team-wide display of solidarity.
Feeling liberated by his decision to come out, Weston expressed relief at no longer having to conceal his relationship or feel ashamed of his feelings for his partner. Subsequently, the person he was dating at the time is now his husband, with the two marrying in August.
Faye Matt, the culture and inclusion manager for Hockey Saskatchewan, hopes that Heated Rivalry serves as a catalyst for promoting diversity within sports and challenging preconceived notions about athletes. By highlighting the importance of enjoying the game and finding joy in sports, Matt emphasized the need for initiatives focused on inclusivity and education within the sports community.
Weston, aged 30, stressed the significance of queer representation in media, underscoring its role in showcasing possibilities for individuals grappling with their own sexual identities. Praising the authenticity of the show and its portrayal of gay romance, Weston lauded the actors for their nuanced performances and attention to detail in capturing intimate moments.
The overwhelming success of Heated Rivalry on the Canadian streaming platform Crave led to its renewal for a second season following its record-breaking debut. Weston highlighted real-world impacts of the show, citing instances of former hockey players coming out after being inspired by the series and actors advocating for increased diversity within the NHL.
In light of the NHL’s mixed history in supporting the 2SLGBTQ+ community, Weston expressed frustration at the league’s past actions, including initially banning rainbow-colored tape on players’ sticks before reversing the decision. While acknowledging the potential of Heated Rivalry to drive positive change, Weston urged for genuine support and meaningful action, cautioning against using the show as a mere marketing tool without substantial backing to support the LGBTQ+ community.
