HBO Max’s “Heated Rivalry” Impresses NHL Commissioner

HBO Max’s miniseries “Heated Rivalry” is making waves, even catching the attention of NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. The series centers on two secret professional hockey players in a romantic relationship, and it appears to have attracted a significant fan base.

Bettman shared with the press that he couldn’t resist binge-watching all six episodes in a single night. “It was very well done,” he remarked. “I think it’s a great story. The content might be a bit provocative, particularly for younger audiences, so it’s important to consider how you approach it.”

He found the narrative engaging, noting, “I thought it was very compelling and entertaining. I recognized elements from past events, like the Olympics in Sochi or the All-Star Game in Tampa. It was executed well.”

On a different note, Bettman has faced questions over the NHL’s decision to stop the use of themed jerseys during games. Previously, teams donned jerseys for warm-ups that related to theme nights at arenas, including Pride-themed jerseys, which some players have previously declined to wear. This change extends to other occasions like cancer memorials and heritage nights.

It’s worth mentioning that Bettman believes the jerseys could create distractions on the ice. “It wasn’t just about Pride jerseys. When players don’t support a cause, that can detract from what we’re trying to achieve,” he explained. All 32 NHL teams have confirmed they will observe Pride Night this season, with the Seattle Kraken recently allowing players to wear their Pride jerseys for team photos.

Despite criticism regarding the NHL’s approach to the LGBTQ community—something Bettman acknowledged as a “legitimate concern” in 2023—the league is determined to foster inclusivity.