by Reese Cassidy ’28 on February 5, 2026

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A&E - Film & TV

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On the ice, they are rivals. Off the ice, they are something the sport rarely shows, at least
until now. Heated Rivalry follows two professional hockey players whose fierce
competition on the ice contrasts with a secret queer relationship off it. Set in a sport
known for its physicality and tradition, the series explores the cost of hiding a core part of
yourself just to fit in. Since its release, the show has drawn attention not just for its
drama, but for the way it places LGBTQ+ characters front and center in a genre where
they’ve often been absent. In just a few months, Heated Rivalry has sparked
conversations about representation in sports media and shown what inclusion can look
like both on screen and in real life.

What makes Heated Rivalry stand out is that it doesn’t just include LGBTQ+ characters,
but makes them the heart of a high-stakes, complex sports story. Rather than pushing
their identities to the background or only framing them through struggle, the show
presents its leads as talented, driven athletes juggling a relationship alongside the
pressures of professional hockey. That mix of ambition, vulnerability, and romance has
struck a chord with many viewers, especially younger audiences who rarely see queer
characters portrayed as both respected and successful in sports. As the show’s popularity
has grown, so has its reach, spilling over from streaming screens into broader discussions
about belonging and representation in athletics.

The impact has been visible in the hockey world itself. Since the show premiered,
conversations about LGBTQ+ inclusion in the National Hockey League have gained
more attention, both online and at arenas. Pride Nights, themed warm-ups, and public
statements of support from teams have drawn fans in ways some link directly to Heated
Rivalry. For some, the series opened the door to a sport they had never followed, but for
others, it finally reflected experiences that had long been ignored. These responses
suggest the show is not just reflecting changing attitudes, it’s helping push them forward.

The influence of Heated Rivalry has even appeared in arenas. At the Philadelphia Flyers’
recent Pride Night at Xfinity Mobile Arena, some fans said they came to their first NHL
game because of the show, wearing Heated Rivalry jerseys and cheering alongside the
crowd as the LGBTQ+ theme was celebrated. In Boston, the Bruins marked “Hockey Is
For Everyone” night by wrapping players’ sticks with rainbow tape and inviting both
LGBTQ+ athletes and players from inclusive hockey programs onto the ice for opening
ceremonies. Meanwhile, the Calgary Flames incorporated references to the show into
their Pride Night, playing music from the series and highlighting donations to LGBTQ+
advocacy efforts. Across arenas, these events show how a fictional story can inspire real-
world action, making hockey feel more welcoming and accessible to fans who might
never have followed the sport before.

The impact extends beyond the ice to the show’s stars. Hudson Williams and Connor
Storrie have stepped into roles as public representatives for LGBTQ+ visibility in sports
and media. Most notably, they were chosen as torchbearers for the 2026 Winter Olympic
Torch Relay in Feltre, Italy, a symbolic honor reflecting their influence on fans and the
larger conversation around inclusion. They’ve also appeared in interviews, panels, and
public events discussing representation in sports, using their platforms to encourage
young athletes to embrace who they truly are. In this way, Williams and Storrie have
turned their roles into a platform and have become real-world examples of how
storytelling can inspire change in communities that have long been underrepresented.
Together, the show, the actors, and NHL initiatives have created a ripple across hockey
culture. Fans post videos and messages celebrating Heated Rivalry during games, often
highlighting Pride Nights or moments when teams spotlighted inclusion efforts. Social
media discussions and community events show audiences connecting the show’s themes
to real hockey experiences. By inspiring both fan engagement and league recognition, the
series demonstrates that on-screen representation can influence who feels welcome in the
sport—and how organizations signal that inclusivity matters.

Heated Rivalry shows that a TV show can do more than entertain; it can start a
conversation. By centering LGBTQ+ athletes in a high-pressure hockey story, it has
inspired fans, shaped NHL initiatives, and given real-life role models in Williams and
Storrie. Its impact proves that representation matters not just on screens but in arenas,
locker rooms, and communities where young athletes are searching for someone to reflect
their experiences. In just a few months, a story about rivals on the ice has become a story
about inclusion, visibility, and the power of seeing yourself represented.

by Dorothée Durivage ’28 on February 5, 2026

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Sports - Olympics

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This year’s Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games will see National Hockey League players return to the Olympics for the first time since Sochi 2014, after skipping the past two Games. With 12 countries sending a maximum of 25 players to the games, the coaches have had to carefully craft a team strong enough to come out on top. In picking who to leave home and who to bring to Italy, certain player choices have been controversial. Team USA, coached by Rangers’ head coach Mike Sullivan, has decided to leave Cole Caufield, Alex DeBrincat, Lane Hutson, and Jason Robertson behind. 

Caufield, a Wisconsin native, with his 60 goals in his last 122 NHL games, is a star for the Montréal Canadiens and could have been a high scorer for the team who has not included five of the 10 highest scoring Americans on its roster. He is a hard player to defend and an electrifying performer, but he did not attend the last world championship. It was his decision not to be a part of the International Ice Hockey Federation World Championship, and coaches have said that not having a valid excuse has hurt his chances of participating in the Games. 

Michigan native and Detroit Red Wings player Alex DeBrincat is another scorer who is not traveling to Milano. Over the last three NHL seasons, there have only been five American players to score more goals than his 87 in 206 games. That was not enough for him to be on the team, and he was likely dismissed due to being relatively short for a professional hockey player at 5’8’ and having average defensive judging abilities, two important things to coaches who need the best players to secure the win. 

Last year’s Rookie of the Year and Michigan native, Lane Hutson, has 106 points in his last 122 NHL games and is a part of the crew of high scorers that the U.S. did not include on their roster for the Olympics. Although he is a dynamic player, his size has probably not helped his case, seeing as, like his Canadiens teammate Cole Caufield, Hutson did not play at the IIHF World Championship either. 

Another top 10 scorer that did not make the cut is Jason Robertson with his 64 points in 56 games, good statistics for No. 12 in the league. The California native is the kind of offensive player that the U.S. has lacked in the past, and having the player who has the sixth most goals in the NHL could have given the team an edge to fight in the games.

 With that said, Team USA is very strong overall, with power in the forwards, strong defensemen, and robust goaltenders. Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews will be the team’s captain, leading a team of talented players. 

by Flagg Taylor ’27 on October 9, 2025

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Sports

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This weekend, Friars men’s hockey returned to the ice with two exhibition games against Simon Fraser University (Friday, Oct. 3) and Quinnipiac University (Sunday, Oct. 5). I was able to catch the Friday opener against SFU, where the Friars won emphatically 7–1. This win was impressive to watch in person, especially without the star Roger McQueen ’29. The Friars moved the puck around the ice beautifully, were physically dominant, and created and then finished chances for goals at an impressive rate. Logan Sawyer ’28 scored about four minutes into the game, but it wasn’t until the second period when the Friars completely took over and dominated the game. Graham Gamache ’27 scored twice in the second, as well as goals from Hudson Malinoski ’27 and Tanner Adams ’27. Will Elger ’28 and Aleksi Kivioja ’28 both added goals in the third period to seal a convincing win. Goalies Phillip Svedeback ’26 and Jack Parsons ’29 both kept clean sheets through their respective stints on the ice. 

For their last test run, the Friars faced off against Quinnipiac University, who came in No. 13 in the NCAA D1 rankings. QU took an early lead, scoring roughly five minutes into the first period. However, not long after Kivioja tied it up for the Friars assisted by Clint Levens ’27. Levens scored later in the period, but the goal was called back by the referees. About eight minutes into the second period, Sawyer put the Friars up 2–1 with a power play goal. Svedeback held strong in goal with 29 saves and McQueen totaled four shots looking promising as the Friars held off QU and won the game 2–1. 

Both these performances have made me extremely excited for the upcoming hockey season. The Friars have the potential to be a Frozen Four team this year with a great mix of new talent and returning players. The Friars were picked second in the Hockey East coaches poll, with three first place votes. U.S. College Hockey Online ranked the Friars seventh nationally while the American Hockey Coaches Association ranked the Friars eighth nationally. These pre-season rankings are based off of recent seasons, returning players, and new players added to the roster. 

On top of new talent coming into the program, the Friars have managed to return five of their six leading scorers from last season. Malinoski, Adams, Gamache, Elger, and John Mustard ’28 all will be returning in Friar uniforms to score many more goals this season. McQueen, the tenth overall pick and highest recruit in school history as well as Julius Sumpf  ’29 highlight the freshman class. Head coach Nate Leaman and his staff have added 11 new players this season, all talented and filling various roles and positions while managing to retain a majority of our goal scoring from last season. Providence students should expect an extremely exciting and successful season from Leaman and the Friars. This roster is overflowing with skill and talent, ready to put on display for the school. Next weekend the Friars will play the University of Michigan back-to-back at home on Friday, Oct. 10, and Saturday, Oct. 11. I highly recommend going to support the boys and watching some great hockey. Friartown could be in for a very special season.

by Flagg Taylor ’27 on September 18, 2025

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Athlete of the Week

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Roger McQueen ’29

On June 27, Roger McQueen ’29 was drafted tenth overall by the Anaheim Ducks in the NHL draft. Entering his freshman season for the Friars, McQueen is the first top 10 draft pick in the program’s history, and only the sixth first round pick in program history. Standing tall at six feet six inches, McQueen will play center and wear the number 29. Weighing just around 200 pounds, his size makes this righty center an imposing and dominant presence on the ice. McQueen joins the Friars among many other freshman and transfer signings after an impressive recruiting offseason by coach Nate Leaman and his staff. However, McQueen stands out from the rest as a historic signing for Leaman and Friars hockey. 

McQueen was born on Oct. 2, 2006 and grew up in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, a town in central Canada. McQueen was raised in a hockey household and looked up to his father, Scott McQueen, a former hockey player. At the age of two, McQueen began skating at the local river rink in his hometown. At the age of four he picked up a hockey stick and began playing at the river rink, honing his skills to eventually become an NHL star. 

At an impressively young age of 15, McQueen signed with the Brandon Wheat Kings in 2021. The Wheat Kings play in the Western Hockey League, a junior hockey league with teams based in Western Canada and the Northwestern United States. The WHL is one of three leagues that make up the Canadian Hockey League, the highest level of junior hockey in Canada. McQueen’s father Scott also played in the WHL. McQueen’s admiration for his father made playing in the WHL one of his first major goals. During McQueen’s rookie season in 2022–23, he scored four goals and 10 assists. McQueen’s breakout was the 2023–24 season where he recorded a staggering 21 goals and 30 assists in 53 regular season games. After an injury at the tail end of the season, he returned to lead his team in scoring in the playoffs with four goals. In McQueen’s last season with the Wheat Kings (2024–25), he scored four goals in the debut of the season. He continued on with 11 goals and assists before having a season ending injury after only eight games. 

McQueen has been selected to represent Canadian Hockey on multiple occasions. McQueen won a gold medal in the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup where he scored four goals and recorded three assists in five games. McQueen also won gold with Canada a second time, representing his country in the 2024 U18 world championship. McQueen’s stellar young career was guaranteed to be noticed by coaches in all NCAA division one and NHL locker rooms. McQueen was slotted in at No. 8 in the pre-NHL draft NHL Central Scouting final rankings. McQueen is scary fast on skates while standing at 6’6” with an enormous wingspan. His impressive physical attributes combined with his passing and playmaking allow him to control the game with ease and composure. He is an electric talent to watch. 

Every student at the school should be excited to see McQueen play hockey this season. He will join the team with former Wheat Kings teammate, Quinn Mantei ’29. McQueen also played with Hudson Malinoski ’27 in the 2021–22 season with the Saskatoon Blazers. The hype around McQueen is well deserved and he will make an immediate impact on the roster and on the ice. Although McQueen is expected to sign with the Anaheim Ducks directly following the 2025–26 season, in one year’s time McQueen could very well leave his mark as one of the greatest Friars to play hockey at Providence College.

by The Cowl Editor on September 3, 2021

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Sports

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