Guelph Welcomes Fans of Heated Rivalry, Boosts Tourism Efforts

The Canadian television series Heated Rivalry has sparked a significant uptick in tourism for Guelph, Ontario, as fans flock to visit filming locations. The six-episode series, available on Crave, features all on-ice and locker room scenes filmed at the Sleeman Centre. This has led to an increase in visitors eager to experience the backdrop of the popular hockey romance.

Tourism officials in Guelph are leveraging the show’s success to attract more visitors. Alex Jaworiwsky, the manager of tourism and destination development for Guelph, expressed enthusiasm about the influx of fans. “We’ve seen a couple hundred people taking selfies outside the Sleeman Centre over the past few weeks,” she noted in an interview with CBC News. Many fans are also attending public skating sessions and Guelph Storm games, drawn by their interest in the show.

Based on a novel by Canadian author Rachel Reid, Heated Rivalry tells the story of two rival hockey players, Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, who develop a romantic relationship amidst their competitive careers. Following its release, Crave reported that the series became its most-watched original series debut within the first week. Notably, two episodes have ranked among the top 15 episodes of all time on IMDb. In March 2023, a second season was confirmed, further solidifying the show’s popularity.

Tourism Impact and Community Engagement

Jaworiwsky hopes that the interest generated by the series will lead visitors to explore more of what Guelph has to offer. “We encourage fans to take that selfie at the Sleeman Centre or catch a Guelph Storm game, but also to discover the many charming spots and welcoming restaurants throughout the city,” she added.

The series has also spurred interest in other filming locations across Ontario, including Hamilton, Toronto, and Ottawa. Local tourism boards are capitalizing on the show’s success, with Ottawa Tourism recently branding itself as the “birthplace of Shane Hollander,” while Hamilton showcased several filming spots on social media.

Cultural Significance and Representation

The impact of Heated Rivalry extends beyond tourism. It has resonated with the local 2SLGBTQ+ community, particularly through the lens of sports. Alex Reaney, creator of Queer League Guelph, emphasizes the importance of representation in the series. “The show challenges the traditional gender norms in sports and highlights the need for inclusivity,” they stated.

Academics are also weighing in on the cultural implications of the series. Ann Pegoraro, a sport management expert at the University of Guelph, believes the show could influence real-life hockey culture. “Hockey Canada reports that over 60 percent of on-ice penalties are related to slurs around sexual orientation. Shifting this narrative starts with conversations at the grassroots level,” she explained.

As fans continue to engage with Heated Rivalry, Guelph is poised to become a focal point for cultural discussions surrounding inclusivity in sports. The excitement surrounding the series not only promotes local tourism but also fosters an environment for dialogue about acceptance and representation in hockey.

In conclusion, as Guelph welcomes fans eager to connect with the world of Heated Rivalry, the city is not only embracing tourism but also playing a part in a larger conversation about inclusivity and change within sports culture.