After the explosive popularity of Crave’s hit series “Heated Rivalry,” fans went wild over Shane Hollander’s Team Canada zip-up fleece worn by Canadian actor Hudson Williams in Episode 2. Despite not being official Team Canada merchandise, fans have been clamoring to purchase the iconic white zip-up ever since it made its debut on screen in the Sochi Olympic scenes.
Responding to the overwhelming demand, the creators of the show have teamed up with Canadian clothing company Province of Canada to bring the fleece to market. Province of Canada announced on their website and social media platforms that they will be releasing the sought-after fleece, echoing one of the show’s memorable quotes.
While details such as pricing and the official release date are yet to be disclosed, the Toronto-based apparel brand will be responsible for producing and distributing the coveted jacket. The decision to launch the fleece was driven by fan enthusiasm, as emphasized by executive producers and co-presidents of Accent Aigu Entertainment, Jacob Tierney, and Brendan Brady.
“Heated Rivalry” has become more than just a popular show; it has evolved into a cultural phenomenon. Based on Nova Scotia author Rachel Reid’s steamy hockey romance series “Game Changers,” the six-episode series has captivated audiences globally. Since its premiere late last year, the show’s viewership on Crave has surged by 400%, making it the streaming platform’s most successful debut show to date.
In a recent development, the show’s stars, Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie, have been selected as torchbearers for the upcoming Milano-Cortina Winter Games. The show’s immense popularity even caught the attention of the official Team Canada account, prompting a playful response to fan excitement over the fleece.
The fan-driven initiative to make the fleece an official Team Canada product gained traction through a Change.org petition, advocating for inclusivity and accessibility in fandom. The petition organizers celebrated their victory as a version of the fleece will be made available for purchase, albeit not as official Team Canada merchandise.
As the frenzy over the fleece continues, fans are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to own a piece of the “Heated Rivalry” craze.