This show has gained immeasurable popularity across the internet in recent months. Most conversations about the show have been surrounding the adult themes, the main characters and the music (all of which are absolutely discussion-worthy). But beyond the cute actors and the perfect soundtrack, there is a real message within the heart of the show. “Heated Rivalry” is an incredibly important piece of queer media. It has been so impactful, in fact, that it has prompted real athletes to come out of the closet. Hockey is a notoriously conservative sport, and many people have speculated that the lack of openly gay players could very well be a result of repression within the sport. This show has offered up a world where these people exist, and its impact has much value. Overall, this show gets a 4.5/5, taking into account that lack of book accuracy. The acting, the production, the fact that it was created by a small Canadian film studio with a shoestring budget: these are all why this show has had such a cultural impact. People see joy, they see hope, they see fresh faces and masterful film-making. All in all, it’s the perfect, heartwarming love story to invest in this Valentine’s Day.