Bruins star Charlie McAvoy discusses impact of 'Heated Rivalry' on hockey inclusivity

"Heated Rivalry" has stayed in the spotlight since its November debut and U.S. streaming release.

"I haven't seen it but from what I've heard of that show, it's been growing the game a lot and in support of that community, so that stuff's all awesome. It's awesome for hockey. It's awesome for just for everybody. So, I'm happy that tonight, that we won on this night. And hopefully a lot of people feel the support of the Bruins."

McAvoy added, "I've heard so much support from people within those communities that it means a lot to them. So, it's the least that we can do to show our support and show that we're all on the same team."

The sports drama series is a television adaptation of Rachel Reid's novel series "Game Changers." It follows an off-ice romance between Shane Hollander, a fictional Canadian hockey star, and Ilya Rozanov, a fictional Russian pro.

"I've watched all six episodes. I binged it in one night," Bettman said last week at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.

"I thought the storyline was very compelling and a lot of fun, because I could (see) where they were picking at things that we had in the past, whether it was (Olympics) in Sochi or the All-Star Game in Tampa. It was very well done."

While neither actor will actually compete on the ice at the Olympics, they will get another moment in the spotlight during the Olympic Torch Relay. When and where Storrie and Williams will be involved in the relay has not yet been revealed.

As of Thursday, the torch was in Trieste, Italy, with 13 cities remaining on its route to Milan. The 2026 Winter Games run from Feb. 6 through Feb. 22.

"Heated Rivalry" has been renewed for a second season.