Brock McGillis, the first openly gay professional hockey player, has expressed skepticism about the potential impact of the new series “Heated Rivalry” on encouraging players to come out. McGillis, who publicly came out in 2016 after his retirement, is now a devoted advocate for inclusivity in hockey.
In an exclusive interview with PinkNews, McGillis shared his thoughts on the series, which centers around the fictional romance between rival hockey players Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander. He revealed that watching the first episode triggered intense feelings for him, recalling his own struggles to keep his relationships private during his playing days.
McGillis highlighted that the true nature of hockey culture includes rampant homophobia, which often starts at a young age and persists throughout players’ careers. He pointed out that the language and attitudes in locker rooms can be damaging, leading individuals to feel they are unloved and at risk of losing their careers if they come out. This pervasive negativity, he indicated, can result in significant emotional distress for players.
Responding to former hockey player Sean Avery’s belief that “Heated Rivalry” might help players feel more comfortable coming out, McGillis disagreed, stating that such viewpoints may merely be a bid for attention. He said he appreciates that the series could potentially enlighten those around players but questioned whether it would truly inspire players to embrace their identities openly.
McGillis also emphasized that, based on his personal experience and that of fellow player Luke Prokop, the existence of shows like “Heated Rivalry” hasn’t incited a wave of other players coming out. He suggested that, conversely, it could provoke a negative response, as he doubts many players in the sport will watch or engage with the series positively.
Despite his concerns about the hockey environment, McGillis maintains hope that if a player were to come out, their teammates would stand in solidarity, more so than in other major sports. His ongoing “Shiftmakers” tour, during which he has engaged with roughly 150 junior and youth hockey teams across North America in just six weeks, aims to foster safe spaces for all players, irrespective of their sexual orientation. He noted alarming trends, sharing that over 200 players talked about experiences with self-harm and mental health issues, reflecting the urgent need for open discussions in sports.
With confirmation of a second season for “Heated Rivalry,” based on Rachel Reid’s “Game Changers” novel series, there remains a glimmer of hope that conversations generated by the series may catalyze a more inclusive hockey culture in the long run.