On March 7, 2024, the Boston Bruins will illuminate TD Garden with rainbow lights, celebrating their annual Hockey Is for Everyone night, designed to support the LGBTQ+ community. Players will adorn their sticks with rainbow-colored Pride Tape as part of the event, which has been running for nearly a decade. This year, the celebration gains heightened visibility due to the HBO drama Heated Rivalry, which explores a romantic relationship between two closeted professional hockey players. This portrayal is resonating beyond the LGBTQ+ community, potentially sparking discussions around inclusivity within the sport.
The NHL, formed in 1917, has yet to see an active or retired openly gay player. The emergence of Heated Rivalry raises questions about whether the show’s popularity could encourage LGBTQ+ athletes to come forward. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman acknowledged the show’s influence, stating, “We’re well aware of Heated Rivalry. In terms of embracing it, I think it’s a wonderful story.” He emphasized the content’s appeal to younger audiences while acknowledging the need for balance in messaging.
Since its debut, Heated Rivalry has captured significant attention, leading to cultural phenomena, including a parody on Saturday Night Live and themed events at local venues. Merchandise featuring the fictional teams, the Boston Raiders and the Montreal Voyagers, has become popular, with fans expressing newfound interest in hockey. One fan, Ryan Leblanc from Medford, stated, “I bought a Bruins ticket, and I’ve never been to a game in my life,” reflecting the show’s impact on attendance.
Despite this surge in interest, some analysts remain skeptical that the series will prompt active NHL players to come out. Jim Buzinski, co-founder of the LGBTQ+ sports news site Outsports, noted the complexities of the coming-out process, stating, “The process is fraught with so many things for people.” He pointed out that most professional athletes tend to come out after retirement, citing notable examples like Jason Collins, the first active player in major American sports to come out as gay in 2013.
In hockey, Luke Prokop made headlines as the first openly gay player under contract in the NHL, although he remains in the minors. Even if Heated Rivalry does not catalyze immediate changes, it may still help shift attitudes within the sport. Edward Kian, a professor at Chowan University, suggested, “If the show can get more hockey fans to accept that some of the 736 athletes on NHL active rosters must be gay, then that, in turn, could theoretically lead to more gay hockey players feeling welcomed enough to come out publicly.”
Hockey’s traditionally aggressive and hypermasculine culture may deter players from coming out. Jett Stone, a clinical psychologist, explained that perceptions of weakness associated with being gay can create barriers within the sport. This culture can lead many LGBTQ+ youths to abandon their passion for hockey.
One such individual is Kevin Corsino, a player for Boston Pride Hockey, a league boasting around 400 members. Corsino shared that despite his early love for the sport, he stepped away due to the pervasive homophobia he encountered. “After years of hearing homophobic locker room banter, I decided it just wasn’t the space for me,” he said. He eventually found solace in Boston Pride Hockey, which provided a welcoming environment.
Another player, Jackie Farnham, also left competitive hockey due to the hostile atmosphere. “In high school, it was definitely there. It’s just so hypermasculine and aggressive,” he remarked. After a brief hiatus, he returned to the sport through Boston Pride Hockey, expressing relief at finally being able to be himself on the ice.
Since the show’s release, Corsino has received numerous inquiries from LGBTQ+ players considering a return to hockey. He remains hopeful that Heated Rivalry will foster a more inclusive environment in the sport. The NHL has made strides toward inclusivity, partnering with organizations like You Can Play, which advocates for LGBTQ+ acceptance in sports. Events like Hockey Is for Everyone not only engage the queer community but also promote inclusivity across various demographics.
Despite these efforts, challenges remain. In 2023, the NHL faced criticism after announcing a ban on specialty jerseys and Pride tape, which sparked backlash from players and fans alike. The decision was subsequently reversed, underscoring the ongoing tension between tradition and inclusivity within the league.
With the popularity of Heated Rivalry extending beyond LGBTQ+ audiences, it holds the potential to shift cultural attitudes in hockey. Professor Cheryl Cooky from Purdue University noted, “It’s also straight audiences that are appreciating this type of storytelling, and hopefully, it’ll lead to cultural shifts.”
Regardless of whether the show prompts any players to come out, it has provided the LGBTQ+ community with a narrative they have long sought: a well-crafted, complex love story. “Finally, we have one,” Buzinski remarked, highlighting the significance of representation in sports. As the Bruins celebrate their ongoing commitment to inclusivity, the impact of Heated Rivalry may resonate for years to come, potentially paving the way for future generations of LGBTQ+ hockey players.
