The production company behind the hockey romance series “Heated Rivalry” on Tuesday launched a charitable organization inspired by the one dreamed up by the fictional characters in the adaptation.
The Toronto-based Accent Aigu Entertainment created the Irina Foundation, which is dedicated to promoting inclusivity and mental health through participation in sports and the arts, focusing on the LGBTQIA2S+ and underserved communities.
“By supporting organizations that create these spaces, the Foundation aims to help individuals build meaningful connections while fostering stronger, more connected communities around them,” the organization said in a statement.
The charity uses the same name of the organization developed by the lead characters in Rachel Reid’s “Game Changers” series, the books behind TV’s “Heated Rivalry.” Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov—played by Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie on the screen—establish the foundation as a public-facing excuse to spend more time with each other. The two are in a secret relationship even though publicly, hockey fans believe them to be rivals.
They name the foundation after Ilya’s mother, Irina, who died of suicide when the hockey player was just a child.
Reid—who is currently on a tour promoting the new deluxe edition of the second book in her series—shared the news in her Instagram stories.
“This means so much to me,” she wrote along with three heart emojis.
The Irina Foundation said Kate Spade New York is its inaugural donor, with Harry’s, a personal care company, signing on as an early supporter.
Season 2 of “Heated Rivalry” is expected to be released in early 2027.
About the author
Danielle Haynes is the co-founder and co-editor of Booked & Screened, covering book-to-screen adaptations, film and TV development. Just a few months ago she had no idea queer hockey romances would become a special interest of hers. But here we are!
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