Hockey has taken over my entire TikTok feed. Every time I turn a corner in a bookstore, I see a new hockey romance novel. Hockey-based series are being advertised all over television, following the popularity of Heated Rivalry and Off Campus. New books such as Icebreaker and Fake Skating are also getting steamy adaptations. This past year has pushed hockey romance into the mass media. Sweaty men getting in fights and occasionally kissing… it seems like love is being found on the ice. So, why is hockey so hot?
First off, hockey is a passionate sport. It’s intense, being one of the most high-contact sports. It provides the perfect foundation for authors to create a rich, character-driven story in a tense environment. The typical hockey player is tall, brooding, and masculine, often making for the perfect leading character in a young adult novel. Authors can take these hyper-masculine men and explore a more vulnerable, emotionally aware side. We, the readers, see these men fighting on ice, but behind the scenes, they’re gentle. We are instantly attracted to these stories because they idealize the reality we dream of.
Some of these novels challenge stereotypes through hyper-masculine hockey men in secret relationships. Yes, I’m referencing Heated Rivalry. The story follows two rivals, Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander, players from different hockey teams as they fall in love. Heated Rivalry is the second book of the Game Changers series, which features many other couples. The book explores deeper themes of love and self-identity as Ilya and Shane’s initial spark develops off the ice rink. The show adaptation gained popularity after the novel’s release.
Heated Rivalry provides queer representation through the fierce slow burn between the protagonists. It is unique to see both an emotional side and a passionate romance from two muscly hockey players. Also, sports romance traditionally does not center two gay men, so this book and show have introduced the genre’s audience to other identities. Famous gay and bisexual athletes have spoken up about their emotional reactions to Heated Rivalry, showcasing that queer people exist in sports.
When writing athletic stories, authors often look at team sports that lend themselves to a series. Hockey is perfect for this because six people from each team are always on the ice at the same time. This allows authors to show friendship through team bonding and introduce the audience to these athletes as individuals. The Off Campus series does this by making the hockey teammates roommates who navigate college, hockey, and their love lives.
The first book of Elle Kennedy’s expanding universe, The Deal, was adapted into a show last spring. It’s yet another hockey show with big, beautiful men who aren’t afraid to open up and be authentic. Each player has their own book, with the second already renewed by Prime Video. This show became a cultural phenomenon on social media because of its deep, emotional friendships and healthy romantic relationships. Plus, it gives us insight into each of the hockey roommates, setting it up for more seasons. Sexy men on skates respecting women—we’re all here for it.
It’s not only hockey that’s created this massive cultural movement. It’s all sports on ice. Alysa Liu’s figure skating routine attracted thousands of viewers on TikTok. Her teammate Amber Glenn is an outspoken queer figure skater who is currently on Dancing With the Stars. The cast of Off Campus has collaborated with NHL phenoms like Macklin Celebrini.
People who wouldn’t normally watch sports are now being exposed to them as they trend on social media. In the future, a new sport could take hockey’s place, but right now hockey romance is the hottest genre. I recommend you go to your local hockey rink, enjoy the fiery game, and possibly fall in love.