Gay NHL draft pick shows off real-life version of ‘Heated Rivalry’

The HBO/Crave series 'Heated Rivalry' is introducing an entirely new fanbase to the sport of hockey.

The series stars Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie as two rival pro hockey players who are hiding a passionate, secret romance.

The show is based off a hit romance novel and has gained a ton of attention for introducing new fans to the sport of hockey. It has received critical acclaim, with praise for the directing, writing, and the lead actors' performances and chemistry. It also achieved strong audience viewership, becoming Crave's most-watched original series to date and HBO Max's top debut for an acquired, non-animated title since the platform's launch in 2019.

Fans of the TV series are now tuning into the NHL, many for the first time in their lives.

Openly gay pro hockey player Luke Prokop is hoping to capitalize on hockey's moment in the spotlight in the LGBTQ+ community with a new documentary titled "The Hockey Player,” which will be released in June, Pride Month.

Prokop is currently signed to the Edmonton Oilers' AHL affiliate Bakersfield Condors and had previously been in the Nashville Predators organization. The 23 year old defenseman has played on five pro teams over the past four years, bouncing between the AHL and ECHL.

The documentary is described as a 'real life' Heated Rivalry and was created from over 200 hours of behind the scenes footage taken of Prokop as he navigates his way around the pro hockey world as an openly gay man.

“There were reservations, 100 percent,” Prokop said about taking on the project. “And the narrative of the movie changed a little bit, why things weren’t going super well for me with my time in Nashville and wondering what my future was going to be like with the organization. It’s been filmed over three years. Is there something I said a year and a half ago that might look poorly on me now? I’m still trying to make it to the NHL. That’s my ultimate goal. And you don’t want to ruffle too many feathers doing so.”

The documentary is set to hit theaters this summer.