The American television drama “Heat Rivalry,” which centers on two male professional ice hockey players secretly in love, became the first viral show of 2026. For many viewers, it provided entertainment for casual discussions online or at work, but for Jesse Cortuem from Minneapolis, it was profoundly personal. Having grown up immersed in ice hockey and skating, Cortuem had quit the sport at 17 due to feeling marginalized because of his sexuality. Over two decades later, watching “Heat Rivalry” encouraged him to publicly come out as gay, signaling a shift toward greater acceptance within the sports community. His Instagram post about the experience quickly gained widespread attention, marking a surreal start to his year.
Expressing his feelings to BBC Sport, Cortuem said, “I’m truly grateful my life is over—finally feeling relief… I had to be authentic in the locker room. Something about the show moved me—I needed to share this.” Since then, he’s been humbled by contact from others inspired by his story, many of whom reached out about accepting themselves or talking to family. Cortuem, who played amateur hockey in Minneapolis and reconnected with the sport through an inclusive team called Cutting Edges in 2017, felt it was only this year that he could openly discuss his sexuality within the hockey world. Now 40, he admits he’s had to conform and modify himself in sports and everyday life, but the emotional impact of “Heat Rivalry” prompted him to finally embrace his true self.
He noted that although the show isn’t an accurate reflection of life in the NHL—more escapism than reality—it still fosters hope by presenting a positive story about gay athletes. Cortuem believes such media can combat long-standing prejudices, saying, “For a long time, we’ve been told being gay is wrong. Seeing straight fans and players support queer characters really resonated with me.” He also expressed hope that the NHL would eventually acknowledge past mistakes, such as the controversy over Pride jerseys and social messaging, calling out the league’s hesitance and acting as a supporter of genuine change.
While no openly gay players are currently active in the NHL, the league has had notable LGBTQ+ figures, like Luke Prokop—who came out in 2021—and Zach Sullivan, a bisexual British player. Women’s hockey has also seen its own contrast of rivalry and unity, with legends like Julie Chu and Caroline Ouellette marrying and starting families after their playing careers. The NHL’s leadership, including Commissioner Gary Bettman, has publicly engaged with the show’s popularity—Bettman himself binge-watched all episodes—yet many in the LGBTQ+ community remain cautious. After the league retired Pride jerseys in 2022-23 because some players refused to wear them, Cortuem believes that message sent to gay athletes was negative, implying they weren’t welcome. Bettman has emphasized respecting individual choices, but action often lags behind words, as evidenced by the subsequent ban and reversal of stick tape supporting social causes. Cortuem argues strongly that concrete actions, not just statements, are necessary for genuine progress, calling for the league to admit past errors.
“Heat Rivalry” has faced criticism for depicting an exaggerated network of gay athletes and for overly explicit scenes—elements that may not be suitable for all viewers. Cortuem himself confessed that some of the sex scenes might have been excessive, humorously noting he had to explain the content to his older parents. Nevertheless, he hopes the series will foster acceptance, even if perhaps not suitable for children, as he values its unfiltered love story that aims to inspire openness and understanding.
Fan Take: This story highlights how powerful media can be in challenging stereotypes and shaping perceptions within the sport of hockey. If the NHL genuinely embraces inclusive actions, it could lead to a more welcoming environment where players feel free to be their authentic selves, ultimately enriching the sport’s culture.
