Cast and Character Guide for Heated Rivalry

Hudson Williams as Shane Hollander

Before landing his breakout role on Heated Rivalry, Hudson Williams carved out his own creative path by writing, producing, directing, and starring in several short films. He also guested on shows like Allegiance (2024) and Tracker (2025).

Here, Williams stars as Shane Hollander, a Canadian hockey player and the captain of the Montreal Metros.

In an interview with EW, Williams described himself as a “very physical” actor, even when a role calls for more restraint.

“Even with Shane, it doesn’t look like he’s the most physically expressive, but even then it was a physical choice,” he explained. “I felt very limited by how Shane can move and the fact that we both have the desire just as humans to always move and collaborate and express ourselves freely, it was almost like these movements were a release.”

Connor Storrie as Ilya Rozanov

Prior to Heated Rivalry, Connor Storrie made headlines for his small (but pivotal) role in Joker: Folie à Deux (2024).

On Heated Rivalry, Storrie stars as Ilya Rozanov, a Russian hockey player and captain of the Boston Raiders.

Speaking with EW, the actor reflected on his rise to fame, admitting that he and Williams initially underestimated the show’s popularity.

Since their social media feeds were so algorithmized to the series, they assumed the buzz was limited to their own devices. “Then the moment I came back from Canada, every single day I feel like someone’s stopping me and being like, ‘I love the show,'” said Storrie.

François Arnaud as Scott Hunter

After portraying real-life Italian cardinal and soldier Cesare Borgia on The Borgias (2011–2013), François Arnaud landed leading roles on series like Midnight, Texas (2017–2018) and The Moodys (2019–2021). In 2025, he costarred with Dylan O’Brien in the buzzy indie film Twinless.

Arnaud now plays Scott Hunter, a closeted American hockey player and the captain of the New York Admirals.

Speaking with EW, he credited intimacy coordinator Chala Hunter with creating an environment that made some of his more vulnerable moments feel “respectful but not precious.” Rather than approaching those scenes with caution, Arnaud said the experience was “liberating.”

He continued, “We knew, especially in our episode or in our relationship, that we wanted the sex to convey freedom and joy.”

Robbie G.K. as Kip Grady

Robbie G.K., a veteran of series like Utopia Falls (2020) and Overcompensating (2025), plays Kip Grady, a juice shop barista in a passionate relationship with Scott.

Arnaud told EW that Tierney pitched Kip and Scott as “the emotional pendant of Shane and Ilya.”

Callan Potter as Hayden Pike

Callan Potter previously appeared on the Nickelodeon series The Other Kingdom (2016) and the Canadian sitcom Workin’ Moms (2023).

On Heated Rivalry, Potter plays Hayden Pike, Shane’s married teammate and closest friend who’s perhaps too invested in seeing his friend in a relationship.

Christina Chang as Yuna Hollander

Christina Chang has been acting on screen for nearly 30 years, with notable roles on 24 (2003–2009), CSI: Miami (2004–2010) and Rizzoli & Isles (2015–2016). She’s best known for playing Dr. Audrey Lim on more than 100 episodes of ABC’s The Good Doctor (2017–2024).

On Heated Rivalry, Chang plays Yuna Hollander, Shane’s mother.

Dylan Walsh as David Hollander

Dylan Walsh starred in movies like Congo (1995) and We Were Soldiers (2002) before scoring the lead role of Dr. Sean McNamara on the FX hit Nip/Tuck (2003–2010).

He went on to join a pair of CBS hits: Unforgettable (2011–2016) and Blue Bloods (2019–2024). You may also recognize him as the father of Lois Lane on the CW’s Superman & Lois (2021–2024).

Walsh plays David Hollander, Yuna’s husband and Shane’s father.

Kolton Stewart as Carter Vaughn

Kolton Stewart led the YTV comedy Some Assembly Required (2014–2016) before landing recurring roles on series such as The Expanse (2019), Locke & Key (2020–2021), and My Life with the Walter Boys (2023–2025).

On Heated Rivalry, he costars as Carter Vaughn, Scott’s best friend and teammate.

Sophie Nélisse as Rose Landry

Sophie Nélisse is best known for her breakthrough performance as Shauna Sadecki on Yellowjackets (2021–present), but she’s also starred in films like 47 Meters Down: Uncaged (2019) and The Kid Detective (2020).

Nélisse costars on Heated Rivalry as Rose Landry, a famous actress in Canada for an upcoming film. While in town, she strikes up a romance with Shane.

Tierney confirmed to EW that Jennifer Lawrence served as the inspiration for Rose. “This is such specific Montreal lore, which is where I’m from, and the city that Rachel [Reid, Game Changer author] is also obsessed with,” he said. “They made all the X-Men movies there. The inspiration is Jennifer Lawrence and the X-Men movies.”

Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova as Svetlana Vetrova

Before joining Heated Rivalry, Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova starred on the short-lived drama Robyn Hood (2023). You can also see her on episodes of the Canadian sitcom Strays (2022) and FX’s Adults (2025), as well as films like Alexander Payne’s Downsizing (2017) and A Very Jonas Christmas Movie (2025).

She plays Svetlana, Ilya’s longtime friend and sporadic lover.

Yaroslav Poverlo as Grigori Rozanov

Yaroslav Poverlo has acted in several films and series, but he’s also a go-to Russian and Ukrainian dialect coach for shows like Altered Carbon, Law & Order, and The Recruit.

On Heated Rivalry, he portrays Grigori Rozanov, Ilya’s ailing father.