The show that has the hockey world buzzing inspired one player to share his story. Jesse Korteum is one of the many fans of Heated Rivalry. In addition to being edgy and entertaining, it’s a program that was very near and dear to his heart.
The kid from Minnesota says that he was in the closet about his sexuality until watching the show. Heated Rivalry, starring Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams tells the story of two male hockey players on opposing teams who become romantically involved. Jesse, who once left the sport, currently plays for the Cutting Edges, an LGBTQIA+ hockey club based in Vancouver, Canada.
Jesse Kortuem opened up about his sexuality after Heated Rivalry’s success
While no NHL player has openly said they are gay, Heated Rivalry may inspire more in the sport to come out. That’s what Jesse believes, telling Out magazine in a recent interview, “I know many closeted and gay men in the hockey world are being hit hard by Heated Rivalry’s success.”
Jesse admits that he has struggled for weeks to put his emotions into words out of fear of team dynamics. He adds that he never could have imagined something so positive and loving could come from such a masculine sport. Jesse is beyond grateful for all of the positive comments from former teammates. Former NHL tough guy Paul Bissonnette has called the show’s success “awesome.”
Admittedly, Jesse says he couldn’t bring himself to be fully out while playing on adult hockey teams for a while. He is confident that the HBO Max series will pave the way for others in the sport to come out as gay. The first season of the show has been nominated for Outstanding New TV Series at the GLAAD Media Awards. The Cutting Edges are the only LGBTQ+ team in Vancouver.
TELL US – DO YOU BELIEVE THE HEATED RIVALRY STORY HAS HAD A POSITIVE IMPACT ON THE HOCKEY WORLD?
