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If you haven't heard, the entire world is currently enveloped in the horny mass psychosis that is Heated Rivalry. Since debuting on Crave in its native Canada and on HBO Max here stateside last November, the queer hockey romance has been a veritable pop-culture phenomenon, titillating TV fans with its secret love affair between two rival professional hockey players and making stars out of its leads Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie (who play Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, respectively).
And that #Hollanov thirst has officially hit New York, with a slew of lookalike contests, trivia nights, themed raves and dance parties taking over the city's social calendar for the next few weeks. If you're still spiritually at the cottage (guilty!), these Heated Rivalry-inspired events in NYC should keep you distracted while you're waiting to reunite with Ilya and Shane in season two.
Where to horn out over Heated Rivalry in NYC
Heated Rivalry: A Jockstar Rave at (Le) Poisson Rouge
Jan. 24 at 11pm
Get those hockey stretches in for a hot night of queer party-boy anthems, show edits and lusty remixes (and, yes, we're very much expecting some t.A.T.u.) courtesy of DJs Michael Medrano and Gregory Dillon at this LPR dance night. Get early-bird tickets here or pay $20 at the door.
Heated Rivalry Lookalike Contest at Washington Square Park
Jan. 25 at 2pm
This Saturday, the gentlemen who think they look like brooding Russian Ilya Rozanov or shy Shane Hollander have the chance to make the crowd swoon. Yes, another lookalike contest is coming to Washington Square Park this Saturday, this time asking every curly-haired, ripped man in the tristate area to come out and participate for his ego and our viewing pleasure. There’s no official judging panel or trophy, not even an erstwhile Stanley Cup — just wholesome horny fun.
Figure Drawing x Heated Rivalry with Brooklyn Hearts Club
Jan. 27 at 7pm
Even the New York art world is getting in on the Heated Rivalry obsession. (Just look at these recent posts from the Brooklyn Museum and the Guggenheim for proof.) And you can flex both your show love and your own drawing skills at this icy-hot Brooklyn Hearts Club session at Crystal Lake: Two live models will be on view, posing independently and together, to fuel your own Heated Rivalry-inspired artworks. Bring your own drawing materials (paper, sketchbook, pencils, charcoal), but the space will have limited art supplies available for loan.
Heated Rivalry: Watch Party & Trivia Night at Drom
Jan. 29 at 7pm
Calling all Loon-atics! If you know what number's on Rozanov's hockey jersey or from where exactly in Canada Hollander hails, head to the Alphabet City lounge Drom for a Heated Rivalry viewing party and trivia night. After revisiting the first episode of the hit sports romance, fans can show off their Hollanov knowledge for the chance to win a stacked lineup of prizes. Stick around afterwards to mix and mingle with fellow Shane and Ilya lovers. Snag tickets here.
Heated Rivalry: The Party at 9 Bob Note
Jan. 30 at 10pm
Break out in your best Montreal Metros or Boston Raiders cosplay for a chance to win $100 at this Heated Rivalry-themed shindig at 9 Bob Note. Along with hot hockey looks throughout, the evening will see live performances by Shia Ho and Maxxx Pleasure, pop-up strip shows from BROLESQUE, DJ sets from P_A_T and 2 FACE, and more. Score tickets here.
Heated Rivalry Night at Webster Hall
Jan. 31 at 9pm
Club 90s is tapping into the puck-and-f*ck craze with Heated Rivalry dance parties at Webster Hall — think Hollanov edits playing on giant screens, queer anthems blasting from the speakers, themed drinks at the bar, a photobooth to commemorate the fun festivities and more. The themed bashes will extend into February, with Heated Rivalry Nights set for February 6 and February 13. Grab tickets here.
Heated Rivalry but GAYER at Brooklyn Comedy Collective
Feb. 7 at 8:30pm
"Heated Rivalry was great, but what if it was gayer?" Such is the premise of this BCC comedy night, where two teams face off to be the "gayest improv team there ever was." Dressed in their hottest sporty best, some of New York's best LGBTQ+ improvisers in town will take to the stage, including Jenny Matthews, Annie Moretto, James Koroni, Maya O'Day, Paris Adkins, Erik Martini and more, along with "refs" Chase Hoffman and Emory Cannon.