Heated Rivalry character Shane Hollander, right, played by Hudson Williams, wearing the viral fleece in an episode of the show.Crave/Bell Media/Supplied
Much of the discourse around Heated Rivalry – the wildly popular Canadian series about a romance between two rival hockey players – involves what’s under the lead characters’ clothes. But some of the show’s standout looks have attracted attention of their own, with one garment in particular eliciting an enthusiastic reaction from viewers: the Team Canada Olympic fleece worn by Shane Hollander, star centre and one half of the show’s illicit love affair.
The zip-up jacket, worn by Shane at the 2014 Sochi Olympics in the second episode, features a simple design of white fleece with a maple leaf on each arm and “Canada” splashed across the back. Fans of the Crave show, which is adapted from Rachel Reid’s romance novel series Game Changers, have been gushing over it online since the episode aired in late November.
The response has been so fervent that one fan even made her own version.
Many others have been publicly vying for it to become official Team Canada merchandise, inundating the Olympic team with requests on social media. Now, fans’ efforts may be paying off.
On Jan. 1, Team Canada cheekily responded on Threads: “Update HR fans.. our boss said maybe.”
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A fan named Farrah Sanjari launched a Change.org petition in response, listing the various reasons why releasing the jacket to both athletes and fans would benefit Team Canada. The petition argues that producing the fleece would lead to more support for Canada’s athletes, enhance interest in the games and naturally result in increased visibility for Team Canada. As of Jan. 6, it has more than 3,000 signatures.
“The fleece feels wearable and appealing beyond traditional sports merchandise,” the petition says. “It creates a sense of connection and belonging. It lowers the barrier for new fans, including women, LGBTQIA+ fans, and people who are newer to hockey or the Olympics, to engage in a way that feels welcoming and authentic.”
Heated Rivalry costume designer Hanna Puley designed the fleece specifically for the show and sourced it from Canadian streetwear brand Kuwalla Tee. She said her intention was to make the piece feel more wearable, approachable and cozy than traditional Olympic apparel.
“I find so much Olympic gear not very appealing,” she said. “Personally, I veer more simple in my lines and my look and also what I like to wear.”
Beyond coziness and approachability, Puley wanted to showcase Canadian pride and identity in a genuine way. To her this meant creating a garment that was subtle and understated while still clearly communicating a message of confidence and self-assurance.
Though the piece was designed with care and purpose, Puley didn’t expect it to spark such a powerful reaction. Of all of her wardrobe choices for the series, she said this one is by far the most popular.
“It’s such a simple design, and people are just ravenous for it. It’s an incredible thing to have your work appreciated the way that people are appreciating it.”
Puley is all for the beloved fleece being released as official Team Canada merch – as long as it helps further the series’ message of tolerance and acceptance.
“Anything we can do to bring a little joy to the world right now is something we should take very seriously,” she said. “My hope is that if there’s a company that capitalizes on what’s become an iconic piece from our show, they do it in a way that promotes inclusivity and pushes that conversation centre stage.”