Jonah De Simone, a third-year accounting student at the University of Guelph, has had a diverse journey in the realm of hockey. Starting as a right wing player for the school’s Gryphons team, he later transitioned to the Ontario Hockey League’s Niagara Ice Dogs. Recently, De Simone ventured into the world of film, earning a credit as a body double in the popular hockey drama series, “Heated Rivalry.”
Reflecting on his experience, De Simone described his time on set as surreal and expressed his eagerness for more opportunities in the industry. The Canadian-produced TV show, consisting of six episodes and available on Crave, delves into a fictional narrative surrounding the clandestine relationship between two male hockey icons who grapple with their sexuality.
During the filming process last summer, De Simone stood in as the body double for Hudson Williams, a Canadian actor portraying Shane Hollander, one of the show’s lead characters alongside Ilya Rozanov, played by American actor Connor Storrie. De Simone noted the unexpected success and global acclaim the series garnered, emphasizing his dedication to enhancing the authenticity of the hockey scenes.
Apart from physically doubling for Williams, De Simone collaborated with the actor to refine his hockey mannerisms, one of which was showcased on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.” De Simone’s involvement in the production was facilitated by his cousin’s role as a lighting technician on the show, a connection that held sentimental value following his cousin’s passing.
Notably, De Simone’s mother made a cameo appearance as an extra in one of the episodes, adding a familial touch to his on-screen endeavors. Looking ahead, De Simone expressed his enthusiasm for potentially reprising his role as Williams’s body double in the upcoming second season of “Heated Rivalry.”
Furthermore, the University of Guelph’s men’s hockey coach, Josh Dixon, also featured in the series, initially serving as a hockey consultant before assuming the role of Team Canada’s coach in the debut episode. Dixon underscored the importance of expanding hockey’s reach to diverse audiences, particularly in advocating for LGBTQ2IA representation within the sport.
The filming of all on-ice and locker room sequences for “Heated Rivalry” took place at Guelph’s Sleeman Centre, generating local excitement and attracting visitors intrigued by the show’s connection to the city. Alex Jaworiwsky, the city’s tourism manager, highlighted the positive impact of the series on community engagement and local attractions.
Based on the “Game Changers” book series by Canadian author Rachel Reid, “Heated Rivalry” has resonated with audiences, becoming a standout original series on Crave. The show’s popularity has led to the green light for a second season, with its lead actors receiving accolades and recognition on various prestigious platforms, including the Golden Globes and the upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games.