Jack Innanen Discusses Talks with Heated Rivalry Team for Season 2

Jack Innanen says he has held talks with the team behind Heated Rivalry about season 2 casting. He spoke to Entertainment Tonight about the conversations and his interest in the project. Innanen pointed to his acting experience and hockey background as reasons he would fit the show.

Comments to Entertainment Tonight

Innanen told Entertainment Tonight he has been preparing for a possible role. He mentioned practicing stick handling and improving hip mobility. He also joked about using mini sticks for training.

When asked if he had spoken to showrunner Jacob Tierney, Innanen confirmed he had. He also said he had chatted with leads Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams. He declined to confirm any casting decisions, leaving the matter open.

Series background and source material

Heated Rivalry premiered in 2025 on Crave in Canada and on Sky in the UK. The drama follows pro hockey players Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov. Their rivalry evolves into a secret relationship in the series.

The show adapts Rachel Reid’s Game Changers novels. Producers are expected to draw from the follow-up book, The Long Game, for season 2. That book introduces new characters and storylines.

Fan casting and possible roles

After the renewal, fans suggested Innanen for roles that appear later in the books. Two names frequently mentioned were Wyatt Hayes and Troy Barrett. Hayes is written as a teammate and close friend of Ilya. Barrett leads a separate arc within the same world.

Innanen’s background and current projects

Innanen is best known as Paul Baker on FX’s Adults. That comedy has also been renewed for a second season. He is set to co-star with Dan Levy in Netflix’s Big Mistakes, due to premiere on 9 April.

On Instagram, Innanen said he grew up in Southern Ontario and played Single-A hockey. He listed center and left wing as his positions, and noted he prefers centre. He also joked about being a 2019 intramural champion and knowing his way around a puck.

Playing with the speculation

Innanen has leaned into the online buzz. He posted playful hypothetical scenes involving his potential character. The remarks were delivered in a tongue-in-cheek tone, not as a literal synopsis.

Filmogaz.com will monitor casting updates as they emerge. For now, Innanen’s conversations keep the possibility open.