Heated Rivalry 2 Drops Surprise Cast—Brendan Morgan Returns

The upcoming season of the hockey drama *Heated Rivalry* will feature six additional actors, bringing fresh faces to the already robust roster. Brendan Morgan, known for *F*** Marry Kill* and *The Handmaid’s Tale*, joins as Zane Boodram.

David Tomlinson appears as Cody Kent, a new character replacing Dallas Kent from Rachel Reid’s *Game Changer* book series.

Gerry Dee takes the role of Coach Cooper, while Michelle Mylett portrays Lisa. Lauren Chan will play Gen. Nick Stahl, and former *Let the Right One In* actor Nick Stahl is slated to appear as Curtis Barrett.

All six actors are represented by agencies ranging from The ART Agency to LINK Entertainment.

The announcement comes ahead of the season’s planned HBO Max premiere in spring 2027, following an already extensive cast list that includes Hudson Williams, Connor Storrie, Justice Smith, and many others. The series is set to air in more than 130 countries worldwide.

## Expanded Cast Lineup

Brendan Morgan, represented by The ART Agency and Thruline Entertainment, will play the character of Zane Boodram. Morgan’s recent work on *F*** Marry Kill* and *The Handmaid’s Tale* has brought him recognition in both genre and drama circles.

David Tomlinson, with Glickman Alexander Talent Management & Play Management, appears as Cody Kent. The character replaces Dallas Kent from the *Game Changer* series, marking a shift in the narrative focus for season two.

Gerry Dee, represented by Connekt Creative (Nigel Mikoski), steps into the role of Coach Cooper. Dee’s previous performances in *Mr. D* and *Animal Control* set the stage for this new character’s impact on the team dynamic.

Michelle Mylett, whose agency is The Arthur Agency and Link Entertainment, plays Lisa. Mylett brings experience from *Letterkenny* and *El Camino Christmas*, adding depth to the supporting ensemble.

Lauren Chan, represented by P1M, JAG Models, INSURGE-Ent, Align PR, and Yorn Levine, portrays Gen. Nick Stahl. Her background includes work on *The Devil Wears Prada 2* and *Canada’s Drag Race*, positioning her for a commanding role.

Nick Stahl is cast as Curtis Barrett. His agency representation includes LINK Entertainment, Artium Talent, and attorney Blake Zurbuchen. Stahl’s previous film credits in *Let the Right One In* and *Terminator 3* bring gravitas to the season’s narrative.

## Production and Distribution

*Heated Rivalry* is commissioned by Bell Media’s Crave with participation from the Canada Media Fund (CMF). Jacob Tierney serves as writer, director, and executive producer for the series. Brendan Brady and Jayme Alter Wilson also hold executive producer credits.

Lori Fischburg and Liane Cunje are credited as producers, while Rachel Reid works as consulting producer. Season 2’s co‑writer is Mike Goldbach. The production team blends experienced Canadian talent with international collaborators.

Sphere Abacus, a Bell Media company, distributes the series worldwide. It will be available on HBO Max in North America and multiple other platforms across more than 130 countries. This global reach underscores the show’s potential for international appeal.

## Series Background and Season 1 Overview

Season 1 of *Heated Rivalry* followed rival hockey players Shane Hollander (played by Hudson Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (played by Connor Storrie). The narrative began as a secret fling between two rookie teammates, evolving into a multi‑year journey of love, denial, and self‑discovery.

The series explores themes of ambition, rivalry, and a magnetic pull that neither player fully understood. Their relationship dynamic serves as the core of the show’s drama and character development. The first season set a tone of intimate storytelling set against the backdrop of competitive sports.

## Closing Thoughts

With six new actors joining an already expansive cast, *Heated Rivalry* promises to deepen its exploration of complex relationships on and off the ice. The production’s strong creative team, international distribution, and previous season’s success position it for a compelling spring 2027 release.