The show that’s taking the hockey world by storm has inspired one player to share his story. Jesse is one of Kortem’s many fans heated rivalry. Apart from being fiery and entertaining, it is a program that was very near and dear to his heart.
The Minnesota kid says he was secretive about his sexuality until watching the show. Heated Rivalry, starring Connor Storry and Hudson Williams, tells the story of two male hockey players from opposing teams who become romantically involved. Jesse, who once left the game, currently plays for Cutting Edge, an LGBTQIA+ hockey club based in Vancouver, Canada.
Jesse Courtois opens up about his sexuality after the success of Heated Rivalry
Although no NHL players have openly said they are gay, the heated rivalry could inspire more people in the game to come out. This is what Jesse believes, telling Outside “I know that many closeted and gay men in the hockey world are being deeply affected by the success of Heated Rivalry,” he told the magazine in a recent interview.
Jesse admits that he has struggled for weeks to put his feelings into words due to his fear of team dynamics. He further says that he never imagined that something so positive and loving could come from such a manly sport. Jesse is very grateful for all the positive comments from former teammates. Former NHL tough guy Paul Bissonnette has called the show’s success “amazing”.
Of course, Jesse says that he couldn’t fully bring himself out while playing on adult hockey teams for some time. He believes the HBO Max series will pave the way for other people in the game to come out as gay. The show’s first season has been nominated for Outstanding New TV Series at the GLAAD Media Awards. Cutting Edge is the only LGBTQ+ team in Vancouver.
TELL US – Do you believe the bitter rivalry storyline has had a positive impact on the hockey world?