Bisexual Hockey Player Zach Sullivan Shares Conflicted Reaction to 'Heated Rivalry' Series, Citing Resurfaced Trauma

Manchester Storm forward Zach Sullivan, who made history in 2020 as the first active professional ice hockey player to come out as bisexual, has publicly shared his conflicted emotions after watching the popular LGBTQ+ drama series Heated Rivalry. Sullivan, now one of only two openly LGBTQ+ male players in professional ice hockey alongside Jesse Kortuem, detailed his response in a lengthy Instagram post and an interview with ITV Granada Reports.

The Canadian-produced six-part series, based on a book by Rachel Reid, follows rival hockey players Shane Hollander, played by Hudson Williams, and Ilya Rozanov, played by Connor Storrie, as they develop a secret romance. Sullivan, 31, described watching it as emotionally challenging, stating it "dragged up a lot of personal trauma"and left him feeling "deeply conflicted.

In his Instagram post, Sullivan praised the actors, calling them "two very talented and undeniably handsome actors"whose performances felt like they were "act out parts of my life. He expressed optimism about its broader impact, saying, "I have no doubt whatsoever that this show will help so many struggling LGBTQ+ people"and "I love this show for what it brings to the LGBTQ+ community and how it challenges the world of ice hockey to do better. Sullivan also noted its value in sparking conversations, telling ITV, "I didn't have this kind of show when I was growing up - but the next generation will. I think it's a brilliant thing that the show has started these conversation again.

However, Sullivan emphasized that the series overlooks the harsh realities of being a closeted LGBTQ+ athlete in professional ice hockey. "The psychological and mental trauma that a closeted LGBTQ+ athlete experiences in a hyper-masculine and overtly homophobic sport has been totally disregarded, he wrote. He recounted the exhaustion of concealing his sexuality, including "the non stop lies, the bags under your eyes at every practice due to lack of sleep, the stress and strain on personal relationships and friendships, the sheer exhaustion of ‘acting straight’"and the "overwhelming terror"of being perceived as not straight. Sullivan contrasted this with the show's portrayal, expressing "utter disbelief at the disparity between how professional ice hockey is in real life versus how it is portrayed in the show.

Speaking to ITV sport correspondent David Chisnall, Sullivan linked homophobia in male sports to misogyny, stating, "Homophobia stems from misogyny. If you're telling someone to 'man up', then you're saying the worst thing you can be is a woman or gay - going back to the stereotype of gay men being feminine. He reflected on his own past, admitting, "I was probably the most homophobic person in the changing room before I came out because it was a way of hiding my true sexuality. Sullivan described being taught from a young age to "suck it up"and "man up, suppressing emotions and his sexuality.

Sullivan hopes the series proves beneficial despite its limitations, stating, "I genuinely believe that this show will be a net positive for the LGBTQ+ community"but "will not help professional ice hockey players who are struggling with their sexuality, and I genuinely hope I am proven wrong. He told ITV it might deter current athletes due to increased spotlight but could aid future generations.

The timing of Sullivan's comments aligns with Manchester Storm's annual Pride Night on January 26, 2026, which he described as "massively important"for sending a message that "we don't care what your sexuality is you are welcome here. Heated Rivalry season one is available to stream in the UK on NOW via Sky, with no confirmed date for season two. Sullivan's candid reflections underscore persistent barriers for LGBTQ+ athletes in hyper-masculine sports while affirming the value of visibility and dialogue.